A Comparative Insight: Court of Master Sommeliers in America and Europe
As an advanced sommelier certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) in both America and Europe, I've had the unique experience of navigating through both systems. While the CMS courses are universally recognized as the pinnacle of sommelier education, there are notable differences between the American and European branches, even though they share the same name. This article represents my personal opinions based on my journey through both programs.
The Prestige and Challenges of CMS
The Court of Master Sommeliers is renowned globally for its rigorous examination and comprehensive sommelier training. It stands out among the various sommelier courses available due to its stringent standards and prestigious certification. However, in recent years, the American branch has faced significant challenges, including scandals involving cheating and sexual harassment. These issues have sparked changes within the organization, influencing its current structure and focus.
Why CMS Remains the Best Sommelier Course
Despite the challenges, CMS remains the best sommelier course for several reasons:
Continuous Improvement: CMS is constantly improving its system, ensuring that the curriculum stays relevant and comprehensive. This dedication to evolution ensures that candidates receive the most up-to-date education.
Prestigious Certification: The CMS certification is highly regarded within the hospitality industry. It provides a significant advantage to those who earn it, opening doors to prestigious positions worldwide.
Accessibility and Support: CMS makes it easy to register for courses and provides ample support for aspiring sommeliers. Their commitment to sharing knowledge and resources ensures that anyone with the passion and dedication to become a sommelier can pursue this goal.
A Bit About Me
For those who don't know me, my name is Alper. I am an advanced sommelier by CMS-Europe, a full-time AI wine blogger, sommelier entrepreneur, and founder of SOMM DIGI, the world's first AI platform for sommeliers. My CMS journey began in 2012 with CMS Americas in California. Later, I pursued my Certified and Advanced certifications with CMS-Europe.
Differences Between CMS Americas and CMS Europe
Despite sharing the same core curriculum, CMS Americas and CMS Europe differ significantly in their approach, organization, and focus areas:
Certification Pins and Topics:
CMS Americas: Offers distinct certification pins ( CERTIFIED ) and covers different wine topics compared to its European counterpart.
CMS Europe: Maintains a unique set of certification pins and a different focus on wine topics.
Organizational Structure:
CMS Americas: Recently underwent a transformation following two major scandals. A new leader, who is not a sommelier, has been appointed. The organization now places a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and support for LGBT and women sommeliers.
CMS Europe: Continues to focus primarily on educational content, maintaining a straightforward approach to sommelier training. The courses are run exclusively by Master Sommeliers, ensuring a high level of expertise and consistency.
Course Delivery and Digital Presence:
CMS Americas: Provides online courses for the introductory level and regularly shares videos on YouTube. They are actively updating their website to embrace the digital world but have yet to demonstrate how they will integrate AI into their offerings. Considering the future of sommelier training, integrating AI will be crucial as the next generation of sommeliers will likely rely heavily on AI tools.
CMS Europe: Does not currently offer online courses or maintain a significant presence on platforms like YouTube. Their focus remains on in-person instruction and maintaining the traditional methods of sommelier education.
Future of Court of Master Sommeliers Course: AI Sommeliers: 2050
My Observations and Opinions
From my perspective, the differences between CMS Americas and CMS Europe are quite pronounced. The American branch is currently evolving, aiming to rebuild its reputation and address past issues. This shift includes a broader focus on social issues and diversity within the sommelier community. In contrast, CMS Europe remains committed to its traditional educational framework, prioritizing the quality and depth of its courses.
Conclusion
Both branches of the Court of Master Sommeliers offer valuable training and certification for aspiring sommeliers. However, their approaches and focal points differ. It's important for prospective candidates to understand these distinctions and choose the path that best aligns with their career goals and values.
CMS's commitment to continuous improvement, prestigious certification, and accessibility makes it the best choice for sommelier education. They are dedicated to providing the highest standard of training and support for anyone passionate about becoming a sommelier.
For more insights and discussions on sommelier education, visit SOMM DIGI, where we explore the world of wine with the aid of AI, offering resources and support for sommeliers at all levels.
