Six new Master Sommeliers announced

Six new master sommeliers have been crowned by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), including first recipients from Mauritius, Bosnia and the Czech Republic following a rigorous two days of theory and tasting exams at Vienna’s Grand Hotel last month.

This takes the total number of MS’s worldwide to 299.

“So many congratulations to everyone who’s passed,” said CEO Ronan Sayburn, who became a Master Sommelier in 2005. “We’re also delighted to welcome people from Bosnia and the Czech Republic for the first time into our community of Master Sommeliers.”

He added: “Our candidates at the Vienna exam have already passed the Practical section and may have been doing these exams – sometimes resetting to zero parts (all parts must be passed within three years) – more than once. From these six candidates, some have been pursuing our course for eight to twelve years. We are delighted with their success this time.”

The six new MS’s include Reza Nahaboo, the first person to pass from Mauritius, who is currently working at the Lausanne Hotel School, the first Czech MS Amar Boudjaoui, and the first Bosnian to secure MS status – Suvad Zlatic – who currently lives in Austria and works as a wine consultant. 

London-based ex-67 Pall Mall sommelier Michele Fazari has also passed. Originally from Italy, Fazari works for Jackson Family Wines today.

Wine importer Adam Michoki has also secured MS status. Born in Poland and now Leeds-based, Michoki currently runs an import company specialising in wines from Central Europe. Finally, Michal Drozdowski, head sommelier at Bottiglieria 1881 restaurant in Poland, has also secured the prestigious title. .

Toasting to half a century

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Court of Master Sommeliers, originally founded by Bryan Julyan MS in 1977, and now present in 33 cities across 23 countries. 

Hong Kong is now joining the CMS map, which will hold the final, Level 4, Master Sommelier Diploma exam for the first time later this year and will alternate with Australia every year from now on. 

Sayburn said: “We run the earlier levels all over Asia and Australasia – the demand is high. But now it’s time for the Master Exam to be held in Asia too, and I’m thrilled that we’ll see 45 candidates set out to be the best they can be on the day – they’re working extremely hard and I’d expect to see some passes.”

 Turning over a new page

The CMS team has also just completed its 6th revision of its world-recognised course textbook, which has been relaunched as ‘Sommelier’ (previously Sales and Service for the Wine Professional) with the Academie du Vin Library.

“This is our first update in seven years, so it’s been a pretty big mission to bring all text and maps up to date for the modern era of beverage service,” added Sayburn.

“’Sommelier’ is also more than that – it’s a fact-based book for any wine student. A must-read for all aspiring and current beverage professionals and a great reference for enthusiasts. In its five previous editions since 1988, it’s been the handbook for all aspiring sommeliers to learn from.”

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