Sommelier in Training
I’m living vicariously through my friends. Even though I opted not (i.e. was too scared at the time) to, tomorrow my friend and co-worker will take the sommelier certification exam, the next level up from the introductory exam she passed a couple months ago. This very time last year, I wished ‘the sommelier’ luck and she happily passed, so maybe wishing Meg good luck will send positive vibes her way. But I don’t really think she needs them. Almost every minute of her spare time has been spent studying the wine regions of the world and what grapes are grown there, as well as other spirits. She’s done blind tastings with our study group, helped me with the tasting menu weekly, practiced her presentation skills on us and her husband, and carried her blasted flash cards everywhere. (Just kidding about the blasted part, Meg.)
So, as far as I can tell, the sommelier certification involves the test portion, blind tasting and identification, and sparkling wine service. The advice is to dress nicely and be prepared for questions about food pairings and recommendations.
And I think she’s got it. We presented her with a good luck card a bunch of Rosenblum staff had signed, so I know I’m not the only one who thinks so. Plus, we had a toast in her honor on Friday with some tasty Moet & Chandon White Star and pistachios (a tasting room tradition started recently).
Now, there’s a chance Meg may get mad at me for writing this. She even hesitated when I asked her to call me with the results. But she also says it doesn’t really matter if she passes or not because she’s learned so much in the process. We all have, thanks to her, and I’m very proud of her, either way.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
good luck!!
November 13th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Just found your website. Looks great and I too am jealous of your job!!
Good luck to Meg, I have considered taking intro exam - but couldn’t do the one date here in Virginia.
Look forward to reading more, and I will pop you on my blogroll.
John
November 13th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Thanks, John. You know, you can always use the test as a reason to visit California. Many more choices in dates and of course, you may as well visit a few wineries while you’re here. Research and all.
I’ll check out your site, as well!
November 13th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
P.S. SHE PASSED! Like we knew she would, but it’s still exciting news.
November 13th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Fantastic! Is she completely stoked or what? Tell her congrats for me!
November 14th, 2007 at 6:07 am
Hey Farley
CONGRATS TO MEG!
Yeah of course I don’t need extra reason to come wine tasting in Cali.
WE(my wife and I) usually come out about this time, (post harvest craziness, quiet tasting rooms, more freedom to actually talk about the wine) but we went to Piedmont, Italy wine tasting this summer instead. I know, what a shame. haha
Next Nov. when we come out we will definitely give Rosenblum a visit.
John
November 14th, 2007 at 10:37 am
Yeah!! I did pass, it was a great learning process and journey - with much more to learn! Thanks to everyone’s well wishes and to Ms. Farley for always believing in me. The support from my friends and co-workers at Rosenblum was amazing and I couldn’t have done this without them. Thanks to the Master Sommeliers at our exam and may the juice of life continue to inspire us all!
P.S. Farley, I will be leaving you flashcards here and there to remind you of the great studying times.:)
November 15th, 2007 at 8:59 am
John, I can’t say I feel sorry for you. I’m dying to do the Italian wine trip. But let me know when y’all do come here and I’ll give you a tour….
Meg, I may actually need to borrow the blasted flashcards when I start studying for the Society of Wine Educators!