TWO JOIN THE PRESTIGIOUS RANKS OF THE MASTER SOMMELIERS
Rigorous three-day examination concludes at the Midwest Culinary Institute
 
CINCINNATI, OH – This week, the Court of Master Sommeliers, American
Chapter expanded its membership, as two wine professionals successfully earned
the title of Master Sommelier after passing the organization’s intense Diploma
Examination.  Held at the Midwest Culinary Institute, the three-day exam was
attempted by 38 individuals, each of whom has spent years pursuing this
esteemed designation.  The newly minted Masters, both residents of Louisville,
Kentucky, include Scott Harper of Bristol Bar & Grille and Brett Davis of
Vintner Select.  They join 101 other individuals who have successfully earned the
title of Master since the organization’s inception.
 
“These devoted wine professionals have proven their knowledge about and
passion for wine in a spectacular form,” stated Jay Fletcher, Chairman of the
American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers.  “Master Sommeliers
represent the pinnacle of wine expertise, tasting ability, and exemplary service and
we know that each of these new Masters will be a tremendous asset to the wine
industry.”
 
“It is my privilege to welcome these new Masters to our organization,” said
Frederick Dame, Chair of the Master Sommeliers’ Communications Committee
and President of the Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation.  “The Master
Sommeliers Diploma Examination is an incredibly difficult challenge, and while
we congratulate those who passed, we also applaud all of the sommeliers who sat
for the exam after years of preparation.” 
 
For Scott Harper, the journey to become a Master Sommelier began more than
fifteen years ago when his interest in wine culture led him to an introductory wine
course taught by a Master Sommelier.  Infinitely intrigued by the subject matter
and the challenge of earning the title himself, Harper devoted thousands of hours
over the years to the task.
 
“It is an honor to have passed the Masters Diploma Exam,” noted Harper.  “I am
excited to share my knowledge with my staff and customers and to assist others
who are working toward this prestigious title.”
 
Brett Davis’ path began in 1985 when at age 18 he started working at the famed
Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.  It was there that he discovered his passion
for food and wine, which led him to pursue a career as a Sommelier.  Fourteen
years later, while running the beverage program for a Louisville restaurant, Brett
met Scott Harper who introduced him to the Court of Master Sommeliers
program.  His pursuit of the Master Sommelier title began at that time and
concluded this week, after ten years of study and preparation.
 
“To be honest, when I began this program ten years ago, I was motivated by how
the letters ‘MS’ behind my name might benefit me professionally,” said new
Master Brett Davis.  “Somewhere along this long, humbling path that motivation
faded and it became much more about education.  Now that I am fortunate
enough to have earned the title, all I can think about is how I can use those letters
to put myself in the best position to help teach and propagate up-and-coming
wine and service professionals.”
 
Masters Davis and Harper worked together for years preparing for their Diploma
Exams, often meeting twice a week to taste and quiz each other on wine theory
and service.
 
The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is administered in three sections: Taste,
Theory, and Practical Service.  Sommeliers must receive passing scores in each
category to earn the title of Master Sommelier.
 
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 now 103 professionals who have earned the title Master Sommelier in
North America.  Of those, 89 are men and 14 are women.  There are 168
professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since
the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
 
# # #