In a major opportunity for local sommeliers some of the “royalty” from the leading professional body, the Court of Master Sommeliers, are heading to Australia in August.

Brian Julyan, chief executive of the Court will be here with five other Master Sommeliers, including Cameron Douglas —the only Master Sommelier in this region—to conduct their Introductory and Certificate Sommelier programs and examinations in Sydney and Melbourne.

There will be one hundred places in each of the cities available for participants in the Introductory Course and Exam and only thirty places in each city for those who wish to try for their Sommelier’s Certificate.

In order to sit for the Certificate Examination, candidates must first pass the Introductory Course and Exam.

These courses represent the first two levels of the four necessary to become a Master Sommelier—the ultimate professional credential worldwide for sommeliers.

The Court of Master Sommeliers developed their strategy in the United Kingdom with the first Master Sommelier examinations held in 1969. Since then they have opened a chapter in America, in 1997 and there are now over 160 Master Sommeliers around the world.

The group is being brought to Australia by Fine Wine Partners.

The Introductory Course and Examination will be held in Melbourne August 27 and 28, and in Sydney on August 30 and 31.

The Certified Sommelier Examination will take place on August 29 in Melbourne and September in Sydney.

For more information phone Fiona MacDonald on 02 8335 8016 or email fiona.macdonald@finewinepartners.com.au