Becoming a Certified Sommelier - Is it worth it?

Today I took a trip down into the vineyards in Oakville to discuss whether or not it is worth it to pursue a level 2 certified Sommelier Certificate with the court of Master Sommeliers. Do you really want to be a Sommelier? If any one has any questions about this please contact me or comment! I have 17 years of Sommelier experience and would love to answer any questions about the business.

[@alexandrebrard]

The answer is yes. Very hard work and very gratifying. This profession got me and family so much. I am blessed to be a sommelier and wouldn’t do anything else. Unless I start my brewery. 🥂

[@TheArchaicSaga]

As someone who passed my Certified Somm exam earlier this year, this is great perspective. Good Job

[@MagicTimeWineChannel]

Thank you and thanks for subscribing to my channel!

[@ChunChunMaru98]

Kyril can I have your Email or Instagram so that i can ask Questions about Court of Master Sommelier. Because im planning to go for the course

[@Political.insights]

Do you need a college degree for this ?

[@maxerpelding8553]

​@@Political.insightsI don't think so

[@sammywhite5504]

Good video. Ive worked in the wine business 16yrs on the wine route management side. Nothing better than this job. I have ZERO somm certifications. I do have level 2 wset though. I couldnt agree more with you. To be a somm is 100% egos and 100% a restaurant business certification.

[@MagicTimeWineChannel]

Thanks for subscribing and supporting the channel!

[@daniellesmeister]

Excellent video with well presented arguments for and against, especially when it comes to what the job requirements really are and what hours actually spent on shift. Nice to get a truthful statement about how much job security you really have within the position too. This is the most succinct video I have ever watched.

[@MagicTimeWineChannel]

Thank you for the amazing comment and for subscribing!

[@jeremiahhedeen3879]

Napa valley baby!!! I'm a chef in a great steakhouse and you just nailed it...duckhorn, silver oaks, opus....don't forget palmas...literally just had wine dinners for each of those winery's

[@MagicTimeWineChannel]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Please subscribe! Cheers! Now I'm craving steak

[@jaydenmoon1165]

I am glad you spoke of your friends path and why he chose it - I am more on that side of the reasoning for taking the tests

[@kauaifishing1365]

Nice video! I worked at George’s in Lajolla. To be a server you had to take a 20 page wine test all hand written. Our wine training was so extensive and ongoing didn’t have time to do the sommelier test. One guy did and ended up working at Jean George in NY.

[@maxerpelding8553]

Great video content thank you for your honesty, clarity and wisdom. You are so right when I tell people I'm a Sommelier they are always reacting: oh waow so cool 😎. What a dream job. You must taste so many wines. Do you taste them all? What is your favourite wine? You know I'm sure you have been there too. But like you said a restaurant Sommelier works restaurant times and services which are usually 2 per day with a tiny break or no break in the middle. If I may add I would say it's a job that requires passion. If you are not deeply passionate and curious about wines then don't become a working Sommelier. If you just want to drink wine for" free " don't work as a sommelier.

[@MagicTimeWineChannel]

Excellent comment and thank you for watching my video. I created this one to dispel a few misconceptions about the Somm life. Glad you were able to jive with it and I think most Somms that are actually floor somming would agree with most of this.

[@roviperezcruz2448]

Love your view on being a great sommelier! Auto sub

[@14dimitri]

It all comes down to being a businessman listening to what the customer wants…damn…. I am a filmmaker and I guess in every industry it is the same battle: deliver what you want vs deliver what the world wants.

[@marek8734]

I agree more than 100% with you!

[@jasetaylorconstruction3667]

This was very informative. Thank you. Is there any email to discuss other thinga with you?

[@roman.696]

It is not easy but still it us worth it . U wont find many sommeliers around often 😁 one of the hardest exam to ever undergo and from career point of u its gives u balanced credibility

[@madeline5175]

Great info! Could you share some resources on how to get started to become a level 1 somm? TIA.

[@MagicTimeWineChannel]

Oh Yes, for sure. Level one requires a solid basic understanding. But there is also a two day course prior to the multiple choice exam. The intro exam is thorough but if you pay attention to the Master Somms teaching the course and take copious notes (and go into the exam with a good working knowledge) you will pass. Check out the information on the Court of Master Sommeliers website. I will make a few more videos about the process on here as well, so make sure to subscribe!

[@fluttershysweetiepie]

I want to be a floor sommelier for a few years. Then I was thinking I would go into wine education after that. I love teaching others😁 But lately I have been very interested in becoming a Master of wine. My original goal was to be a Advanced level sommelier but now I’m not sure if I should just pursue the WSET. Can I go through the CMS program, work as a sommelier for a few years, then get my Master of wine certification?

[@MagicTimeWineChannel]

If you want to be a floor somm then you need to get certified by the court because they have the most recognition in the restaurant business by far. Thanks for visiting and subscribing!!

[@maxerpelding8553]

Step by step start with lvl 1 or certified first.

[@lavos1127]

What about people like me that's a chef looking to expand my knowledge into the wine industry?

[@user-mp8hi2id2u]

Not true. The majority of Sommeliers, if you’re good, take on nice positions in liquor stores or grocery stores…….chains! Or become the handler over a hotel chain’s wine cellar. Traveling around the world. As in everything in life, it’s up to you what it is you do with the knowledge you gain.

[@wineasmr]

Yeah it’s worth it

[@EthanLim_209]

It's all a hype and the general public doesnt even care. As long as you can do your job after WSET L3 is already good enough. The rest of your career as a sommelier is about learning by doing. It's just a load BS. This is a fact.

[@MagicTimeWineChannel]

I wouldn't say it's a load of BS. I learned plenty studying for the Certified exam and it is not a walk in the park either. I do believe one can be a very successful Somm without that pin though. I also wouldn't say the public doesn't care....I was a floor somm in fine dining for 8 years and one of the most frequent questions I got was (Are you a Certified Sommelier?) Which by the way, I think is a stupid inquiry, but that being said they asked alllllllllll the time. I think the Court has lost some of it's credibility for sure over the years, but it's still a valid credential for up and coming somms.

[@oldmanfigs]

Vendor

[@ligamentpull1]

Fine Dining is out. People want to enjoy good food and drinks in a fun environment. The majority of Customers in the mainstream are not into the stuffiness of Fine Dining and want to enjoy food that will actually satisfy their hunger!

[@inthemindofny1100]

Fine dining is never out lol