How Did Konstantinos Kosmopoulos Achieve Advanced Sommelier Success?
Konstantinos Kosmopoulos
SOMM DIGI interviews Advanced Sommelier Konstantinos Kosmopoulos from Greece, uncovering his journey and the secrets to his success.
Want to know what it takes to pass the Advanced Sommelier exam? Curious about his tips and strategies?
Dive into Konstantinos's story for a dose of motivation and inspiration.
His insights will guide and encourage you, whether you're just starting or deep into your sommelier studies.
Journey and Preparation
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an Advanced Sommelier? What motivated you to pursue this path?
When I traveled to London in November 2018 to work for Hakkasan Hanway, my Head Sommelier asked if I had attended any sommelier schools. I proudly replied that I had studied at the best sommelier school in Greece, Genius in Gastronomy. His reaction stunned me; he said he didn’t know the school and couldn't vouch for my wine knowledge. He suggested I pursue the WSET Diploma or the Court of Master Sommeliers.
His blunt honesty lit a fire in me. After passing the Certified Sommelier the following April, I decided to take the Advanced Sommelier certification as soon as I was invited.
How did you structure your study routine in preparation for the Advanced Sommelier exam?
A year before the exam, I intensified my theory study. I divided the CMS syllabus into parts, focusing on different countries and their regions and subregions. I mixed study periods to avoid confusion between appellations, such as studying Loire, Argentina, and South Africa together.
I created flashcards from the Guildsomm study guides and used a five-color highlighting system to code the information.
What resources or study materials did you find most helpful during your preparation?
I tried to narrow my resources to avoid getting lost in too much information. I used:
Guildsomm printed study guides
The World Atlas of Wine for maps and additional context
The Oxford Companion to Wine for new terminology
Wine & Food by R. Sayburn MS for pairing combinations and ideas
Vintages by Benjamin Lewin MW for vintage descriptions
These were the backbone of my studies, supplemented by specialized sources for specific regions.
Exam Insights
Can you share some insights on what to expect from the Advanced Sommelier exam? How did you manage the different sections: theory, tasting, and service?
The course prepares you well for the exam days. For the theory part, if you are well-prepared, you should anticipate the instructors’ questions. I recommend quickly going through all the questions once and answering the ones that come to mind instantly. In the second round, tackle the more challenging ones and save the toughest for the last.
For the tasting part, it’s crucial to know the grid by heart and stay focused while tasting with Master Sommeliers, as their guidance can help clarify your thoughts. For instance, they can help recalibrate your sense of acidity or tannins.
For the service part, those with significant floor experience should focus on managing exam stress. The tasks have generous time limits, and the service etiquette resembles a Michelin-starred restaurant. Aim to be as smooth, elegant, and efficient as possible.
What was the most challenging part of the exam for you, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part for me was the anxiety I felt during the service section. My hands were shaking during the Champagne task, which was my first. To manage this, I started participating in sommelier competitions to harness my anxiety by exposing myself to similar conditions.
Can you provide any tips for sommeliers on approaching blind tasting effectively?
Define your tell-tale signs for each grape variety, trust your instinct, and practice as much as possible before the exam.
Skills and Knowledge
How did you develop your palate and improve your tasting skills?
I combined theoretical understanding with practical tastings. It is crucial to understand the relationship between the grape variety, its cultivation location, and the finished product. For example, identifying a golden-colored white wine with hints of baking spices, barely ripe fruit, and minerality can lead you to Chablis, likely a Grand Cru, due to its oak treatment and fresh vintage from a cool climate.
Can you discuss the importance of service skills in the exam and how one can excel in this area?
Service skills are vital, and candidates should focus on being smooth, elegant, and efficient. Practice in a Michelin-starred environment can help.
Are there any particular wine regions or types of wine that you focused on more during your preparation?
Always focus on the classics: France, Italy, and Spain. These regions often constitute more than 50% of the questions. The math is simple since you need 60% to pass the Advanced.
Mindset and Strategy
How important are mental preparation and mindset in succeeding in the Advanced Sommelier exam?
Discipline and an athlete’s mentality are crucial. The Advanced examination is a lighter version of the Master Sommelier examination, but you must perform under pressure in formal attire.
What strategies did you use to stay calm and focused during the exam?
My peace of mind came from good preparation results. Consistently answering flashcards correctly and nailing tastings boosted my confidence. I was also prepared to learn from failure if necessary.
Advice for Aspiring Sommeliers
What advice would you give to sommeliers just starting to prepare for the Advanced Sommelier exam?
Make your preparation part of your daily routine, studying 1.5 to 2 hours a day, six days a week.
Be disciplined and reward yourself with a day off if you are.
Aim for the best possible result, but don’t let failure cripple your confidence.
Are there any common mistakes that candidates make during their preparation or on exam day that you would advise them to avoid?
The most common mistake is overwhelming themselves with information irrelevant to the Advanced level. Stick to the syllabus.
How do you balance work, study, and personal life while preparing for a demanding exam?
Balancing these aspects is challenging. Support from a partner helps. I worked 12 to 14 hours daily and still pushed myself to study at least an hour daily. The exam requires sacrifices and prepares you for even more intense preparation if you pursue the Master Sommelier exam.
Future Goals and Reflections
What are your future goals now that you have passed the Advanced Sommelier exam?
I’ve declared my interest in the Master Sommelier exam and expect to receive my nine-month heads-up email in the next couple of years.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your preparation?
Not a single thing. I’m very happy with the results and the fact that I passed on my first attempt, especially after a hard season in Mykonos.
Conclusion
Konstantinos Kosmopoulos's journey to becoming an Advanced Sommelier is a testament to dedication, discipline, and passion. His candid sharing of study routines, resource recommendations, and exam strategies offers invaluable guidance for aspiring sommeliers. From managing anxiety during service to mastering blind tasting, his experiences highlight the importance of preparation and mental fortitude.
As you pursue your sommelier goals, let Konstantinos's story inspire and motivate you to stay committed and confident. Success as a sommelier is challenging but achievable with the right mindset and approach.
Cheers to your journey!
