Court of Master Sommeliers to Bring Its Leading Educational Programs to Edmonton, Alberta

NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA--(Marketwired - July 6, 2015) - The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas has announced that they will conduct the Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam in Edmonton, Alberta on July 18^th and 19^th, 2015. The Introductory course is the first of four required steps to become a Master Sommelier.

Attendees will partake in an intensive, two-day instruction and training session to learn the art and science of wine and spirits service from a group of the world's foremost experts on the topic including Master Sommelier Matthew Citriglia and local Canadian Master Sommelier Jennifer Huether. Participants will conclude the Court of Master Sommeliers-sponsored course by sitting for the first of the organization's four exams, each of which requires an increasingly keen dedication to the mastery of all elements of beverage theory and service. Those who excel in the upcoming training program might eventually join the exclusive group of just 147 individuals in North America with the coveted title of Master Sommelier.

The Court's unmatched expertise, combined with the public's growing interest in wine in recent years, has meant that these courses fill up far in advance and generally command a sizable waitlist. For registration, please visit the Court of Master Sommeliers website at www.mastersommeliers.org/IntroApplication.aspx. Students will first need to create a student ID at www.mastersommeliers.org/Registration.aspx before being enrolled. Participants in the course will study beverage service and wine theory, as well as begin the arduous journey of perfecting their tasting abilities.

"I am looking forward to launching this program in Alberta. With each new exam, it is always exciting to see who will walk through those classroom doors," said Matthew Citriglia, Examinations Committee Chairman of the Court of Master Sommelier, Americas. "These individuals will be developing critical skills they will need in the industry. Working with sommeliers provides the Court a wonderful opportunity to ensure that the next generation of wine professionals shares our passion for wine and wine service."

"I am incredibly excited to participate in the Edmonton Introductory Course, and to see these outstanding courses be offered through Canada this year," said Master Sommelier Jennifer Huether. "From this course, candidates will have the opportunity to learn about the Court, learn the Deductive Tasting Method of blind tasting skills from the ground up and learn about the world of wine as a whole. It's a great way to get started or brush up on your tasting/theory."

Matthew Citriglia, MS passed his Masters Examination in 2002 and has over 30 years of experience in the wine industry including restaurant, retail and wholesale management. Citriglia is the Examinations Committee Chairman for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Jennifer Huether, MS passed the Masters Examination in 2011 and is the Prestige Account Manager-Canada for Jackson Family Wine International.

ABOUT THE COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS

The Court of Master Sommeliers was established in England in 1977 to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants. The first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam to be held in the United States was in 1987. The title Master Sommelier marks the highest recognition of wine and spirits knowledge, beverage service abilities, and professionalism in the hospitality trade. Education was then, and remains today, the Court's charter.

There are four stages involved in attaining the top qualifications of Master Sommelier: 1) Introductory Sommelier Course; 2) Certified Sommelier Exam; 3) Advanced Sommelier Course; and 4) Master Sommelier Diploma. There are 147 professionals who have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter since the organization's inception. Of those, 124 are men and 23 are women. There are 229 professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam. For more information, please visit www.mastersommeliers.org.