Master Sommelier programme

The Master Sommelier programme refers to the certification path developed by the Court of Master Sommeliers, founded in London in 1977 and extended to the United States in 1986. The Master Sommelier certification remains the most difficult in the profession worldwide : fewer than 280 living recipients globally, of whom 175 reside in the United States. The examination covers three sections : theory, service, blind tasting of six wines in 25 minutes. The cumulative pass rate stays below 10 %. A lesser-known feature : The Little Nell in Aspen is the only hotel in the world to employ three Master Sommeliers simultaneously and has trained five additional graduates since 2010 through its in-house paid apprenticeship programme. The cellar holds 22,000 bottles and 1,600 references.