World’s Best Sommeliers Coming to New Zealand
April 2008

An exciting opportunity to learn from the best sommeliers in the world is coming for New Zealand beverage professionals, with the ‘royalty’ of the Court of Master Sommeliers scheduled to visit New Zealand in August this year, brought to you by Pernod Ricard New Zealand.

Evan Goldstein MS from the American Chapter of the court will be here with two other Master Sommeliers, including Cameron Douglas MS (the only Master Sommelier in Australasia) to conduct their highly regarded Introductory and Certificate Sommelier programmes and examinations in Auckland and Wellington.

Only one hundred places will be available in Wellington for the Introductory Course and Exam and only thirty places each in Wellington and Auckland will be available for those who wish to try for their Sommelier’s Certificate. In order to sit for the Certificate Examination, candidates must have passed the Introductory Course and Exam.

Level 1 Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam – Wellington (100 places)
Method of viticulture, vinification and local customs for major wines.
28th and 29th August 2008

Level 2 Certified Sommelier Examination – Wellington (30 places)
The certified sommelier represents the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals in the hospitality industry.
30th August 2008

Level 2 Certified Sommelier Examination – Auckland (30 places)
The certified sommelier represents the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals in the hospitality industry.
1st September 2008

These are the first two levels of the four necessary to become a Master Sommelier - the ultimate professional credential worldwide for sommeliers. The programme demands skills in practical areas; tasting, service and salesmanship in addition to extensive wine knowledge.

The Court of Master Sommeliers developed their strategy in the UK with the first Master Sommelier examinations held in 1969. Since then they have opened a chapter in America, in 1997 and there are now 150 Master Sommeliers around the world.

Pernod Ricard New Zealand has been proud to sponsor the court's visits to New Zealand over the last three years.

Any questions about the courses themselves, please email Cameron Douglas MS on cameronjdouglas@gmail.com. Further information about the Court of Master Sommeliers can be obtained on www.mastersommeliers.org.

For further information contact Philip Bothwell, Fine Wine Development Manager
027 336 8368 or email cms@pernod-ricard-nz.com.

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