THE 2O15 CLASS OF THE COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS, AMERICAS

THE COURT of Master Sommeliers, Americas has admitted seven new members, two of whom are from Massachusetts. Congratulations to Brahm Callahan of Grill 23 & Bar, Boston, Michael Meagher of Jackson Family Wines in Groton, Massachusetts, William Costello of The Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas, Nevada, Elyse Lambert of Maison Boulud in Montreal, QC, Canada, Jack Mason of MARTA in New York City,  Kevin Reilly of Cyrus Restaurant in Healdsburg, California, and June Rodil of Maguire Moorman Hospitality Group in Austin, Texas.

The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination consists of three sections: a verbal theory examination, a blind tasting of six wines in 25 minutes, and a practical service component which focuses on restaurant beverage service and salesmanship.  Candidates must receive passing scores in each category in order to earn the highly coveted title.  Held at The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado, from May 17 to 2O, the invitation-only examination was attempted by 63 individuals from 14 states and Canada.  The results were announced at the Krug Reception attended by all who sat the examination, guests and Examiners.  There are four stages involved in attaining the top qualifications of Master Sommelier: 1 Introductory Sommelier Course,
2 Certified Sommelier Exam, 3 Advanced Sommelier Course, and 4 Master Sommelier Diploma.  There are 147 professionals who have earned the title as part of the Americas chapter since the organization’s inception.  Of those, 124 are men and 23 are women.  There are 227 professionals worldwide who have received the title.  For more information visit mastersommeliers.org.