WINE MASTERS is a St. Petersburg school licensed in accordance with the state professional standard of education as a sommelier!

License №1714

Classes last 1 semester and will cover all the main topics required to become a sommelier. At the end of the training, after successfully passing the tests in the disciplines, each student will receive a certified diploma.

All classes are accompanied by a tasting of samples on a given topic. Over 250 samples per semester.

The course program is not only the wine industry - it includes lectures on strong drinks, mixology. Participants will learn not only about the drinks themselves, how they are prepared and how they are served, but also gain management knowledge, for example, how to increase the economic efficiency of the establishment by working with the assortment and doing promotion.

A school graduate with such knowledge is a ready-made universal specialist!

• A new profession in just a semester
• Licensed Diploma
• Advanced course (wine, spirits, mixology, management)
• Convenient location
• Qualified teachers

The ideological inspirer of the school is a well-known wine expert, import director of the Ladoga group, Dmitry Zhurkin. He also compiled the program of lectures, timetable and selection of teachers.

Wine School Administrator – Maya Fedosova

It is not necessary to go to Italy to master the art of sommelier. There are enough schools in Moscow that offer courses for those who dream of learning to understand wine or becoming a professional sommelier, cavist or wine critic. chose five of the best wine schools in Moscow.

WINEPEOPLE

One day, sommelier Yulianna Grigorieva and wine guide Artur Sargsyan came up with the idea to open an independent sommelier school. Among teachers WinePeople you can meet a sommelier with a long work experience, psychologists and training managers for the sale of alcoholic beverages. The school offers long-term and short-term courses for amateurs and professionals, as well as master classes and wine tastings.

Address: Baltiyskaya st., 15, Diamond Business Center

Cost of education:Basic course -
₽50,000;Amateur course -
₽85,000;Professional course -
₽120 000

SCHOOL OF WINE "ENOTRIA"

"Enotria"- one of the oldest sommelier schools in Moscow, which has the right to issue state diplomas. The school program has been approved by the International Association of Sommeliers (ASI).

"Enotria" is more suitable for people who want to connect their lives with the wine business. In addition to professional training, the school offers express courses for anyone interested in wine. There are many people who want to get into the school, so the school has certain enrollment rules, which can be found in more detail on the academy website.

Address: 4th Magistralnaya st., 11, building 2

Tuition fees: Licensed professional course for training specialists — ₽140,000 for 270 academic hours; Evening course for amateurs — ₽100,000 rubles (96 academic hours)

WINE BUSINESS ACADEMY

Have you always dreamed of working as a cabist? Then you should visit the Academy of Wine Business, which cooperates with the French university Universite du Vin de Suze-la-Rousse and, upon completion of training and passing exams, issues a state diploma.

the main objective Wine business academies- to provide high-quality professional education in the field of wine business. Those who want to learn how to independently understand alcoholic products can take express training at sommelier courses.

Address: Kutuzovsky prospect, 36, building 6

Tuition fees: Basic and standard course - ₽60,000; Advanced Study — ₽80,000

WINEPROJECT CLUB

The school club has existed since 2015, it is suitable for both professionals who want to improve their skills and amateurs. Founder WineProject-Maria Volkova, who finished the above-mentioned "Enotria". Among the school's many programs, you can find express sommelier courses, a wine critic course, courses for two, wine master classes and wine tasting.

Address: Bolshoi Polashaevsky 12, building 2

Cost of education:

Sommelier express course for amateurs — ₽3,000 (for one master class)

Individual sommelier course for two — ₽34,990 (4 master classes)

VINOPANORAMA

Independent wine club Vinopanorama offers a wide range of services: from wine tasting for corporate parties to sommelier courses. Training in the club is conducted by sommelier Kamil Minyazev and consultant Sergey Popov.

Vinopanorama is more suitable for amateurs than for professionals, as the emphasis of the courses is on wine tasting. During the training, they devote time to the theoretical part, but not to the same extent as, for example, in other schools.

Address: Starokonyushenny per., 19

Cost of education:

Sommelier courses in the general group — ₽4,000 (1 lesson)

At professional courses, sommeliers are taught to recognize subtle shades of aroma and flavor bouquet of wine, to thoroughly study the signs on its labels and read this information correctly, to know the range of wines and their history.

They also teach wine etiquette, the rules for storing and serving wines. The most difficult topic to study is enogastronomy: for a competent combination of wine with food, you need not only to learn to understand wine, but also to know the cuisines of the world.

In courses for amateurs, you will be introduced to the history of winemaking and the basics of wine tasting, they will teach you the rules for drinking wine. After training, you will be able to understand wines and evaluate them correctly.

In this article you will find information about wine schools where you can take a sommelier course in Moscow, find out what programs are offered in different schools, and get acquainted with the prices.

As part of the school's projects, you will find master classes and sommelier courses for every taste. For lovers - 3 types of express courses, individual sommelier courses, wine tasting for two and sommelier master classes for companies. For future professionals there is prof. weekend course.

The opportunity to attend courses (for amateurs) at a convenient time, all group master classes begin at 19.00.

Romantic wine tasting and sommelier master class for two:

As part of the master class, you will learn about the main wine-growing regions, wine classifications, get acquainted with the main varieties and, of course, taste the selected wines.

• Duration: 1 sommelier master class, 2 hours.
• Number of wines: 5 wines
• Who this course is for: For those who want to have a good time and learn something new for themselves.

Wine tastings and gourmet sommelier courses:

You have already tried many worthy samples and want only the best representatives of their regions to attend the master class. We have prepared master classes for sommeliers and gourmet wine tastings, where the average cost of a bottle is from 3000-6000 rubles.

• Workshop duration: 2 hours
• Who this course is for: For experienced amateurs who want to understand the smallest details.
• Start date of the master class: negotiated individually.

Sommelier master class for two "Grand Tasting":

This master class is ideal for those who like to read wine lists and explore the shelves of wine boutiques, as well as for those who want to begin to understand and feel wine.

Sommelier express course for amateurs:

Course on the main wine regions: France, Italy, Spain, New World.

• Duration: 4 sommelier master classes.
• Number of wines per course: 19-20 bottles.
• Workshop duration: 2 hours.
• Who this course is for: For those who want to systematize their knowledge and / or get a theoretical base: wine classifications, varieties, regions, etc.

Express course Other Europe:

Wine course from France, Italy, Spain/Portugal, Germany/Austria. With the exception of Germany and Austria, the emphasis is on red wines. The regions of this course are not the same as the Amateur Express Course.

• Number of wines: 19-20 bottles
• Workshop duration: 2 hours.
• Who this course is for: For those who want to get to know the European wine regions in more depth.

Express Course Wine Critic:

The main emphasis is on the varietal characteristics of wines, their potential, price-quality ratio, comparison of wines from the Old and New Worlds, we evaluate wines.

• Course duration: 4 sommelier master classes.
• Number of wines: 20-24 bottles
• Workshop duration: 2 hours.
• Who this course is for: For those who want to put more emphasis on the difference in aromas and tastes of wines, as well as for those who want to learn how to “feel wines” without deep theory.

Sommelier master classes on sparkling wines for the company:

Master class on sparkling wines within the framework, which tells about the main methods for the production of sparkling wines (Champenois and Charmat Method), the main regions of production and varieties, classifications, the best producers (France, Italy, Spain ...), the difference between Champagne, Franciacorta, Asti , Prosecco, Cava.

• Workshop duration: 2 hours.
• Course start date: negotiated individually.
• Number of wines: 4 bottles

Sommelier Courses Intensive:

• Course duration: 44 master classes 3 times a week (from 10.00 - 12.40), 118 academic hours.
• Number of wines: about 90 bottles.
• Interactive presentations, tests at each master class.

Weekend sommelier courses:

Professional sommelier course. The program includes the wine regions of France, Italy, Spain, the New World, Germany and Austria, Portugal, Strong spirits and much more.

• Course duration: 44 master classes on weekends (2 times a week on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 - 14.30), 118 academic hours.
• Number of wines: about 90 bottles.
• Interactive presentations, tests at each master class
• Who this course is for: For those who want to professionally understand wines.

Wine Service (CAO)

The secret of the success of the courses is the combination of theory and practice, which will be taught by professionals in the field of restaurant service. Please note that you can either take sommelier training with a group or sign up for individual lessons.

Full course

For those who want to pursue wine professionally later, the Wine Service School offers a complete course. Classes are held during the daytime. Training, in this case, lasts three months, during which you will be told a lot about winemaking and wines from different countries.

In addition, students will learn how to store and serve wines and spirits. Particular attention is paid to the psychology of working with guests, reinforcing the theory with practical exercises. At the end of the sommelier course, an exam is held, after which certificates are issued to students.

Short course

The short course at the sommelier school is aimed at people who want to increase the level of knowledge in the field of winemaking, that is, to learn more about this drink “for themselves”. Classes are structured like tastings accompanied by theory. In addition, you will definitely be explained how to open, store and serve wine and spirits.

If necessary, within six months after graduation, that is, during the start of your career, you can get professional advice or advice at the school.

Vinopanorama (CAO)

A wine school is not a classic sommelier school where you take classes and learn about wine regions. Wine school for amateurs is a more versatile project aimed more at the practical part of studying wine, where theory is integrated to the extent that it is necessary for a member of the club, taking into account his preparedness and preferences.

A wine school for lovers is not only wine master classes, sommelier courses are also gastronomic meetings of the club, wine shop tours to the best wine places in Moscow, consultations on the formation of wine stocks, wine cellars for collectors, wine tasting sets expanding the horizons of wine.

The goal of our sommeliers is to show you the world of wine in all its splendor and diversity, teach you how to navigate wine and spirits, and develop your tasting skills. At the wine school for lovers you will find the most convenient way to get to know wine.

Wine introduction programs:

1. Express sommelier course individually.
2. Express sommelier course in a group.
3. Wine master classes.
4. Wine tastings.

WineState (CAO)

Professional and amateur wine courses, author's teaching methods, seminars and tastings with international experts, well-equipped auditoriums.

Professional course, first level, basic:

An initial professional course for those who want to acquire basic knowledge about wine, winemaking, global producing regions, features of production technology and grape varieties

• Number of lessons: 10.
• Duration of training: 2 weeks.

Professional course, second level, basic:

An intensive course where novice professionals will be able to expand their existing knowledge about wine and winemaking, improve tasting skills, and become a sommelier.

• Number of classes: 55.
• Duration of training: 3.5 months.
• Time: daily Mon.-Fri. 10:00 - 14:00.

Professional course, complete:

A professional course for those who want to gain comprehensive knowledge about wine and strong alcohol, master tasting skills to perfection and work in the wine industry.

• Number of lessons: 65.
• Duration of training: 4 months.
• Time: daily Mon.-Fri. 10:00 - 14:00.

Evening intensive course:

A basic course for beginners that introduces basic wine terminology and concepts, key features of varieties and production technologies, as well as the world's main wine-growing regions.

• Number of classes: 23.
• Duration of training: 2.5 months.
• Time: weekly Mon and Thu. 19:00 - 22:00.

Wine & Spirit Education Trust 2:

The certified program of the prestigious WSET course provides knowledge about the main grape varieties, regions, the prof. tastings. Graduates receive an international certificate.

• Number of lessons: 4.
• Duration of training: 4 days.
• Time: 10:00 - 19:00.

Wine & Spirit Education Trust 3:

A third level certified course from the UK Wine & Spirit Education Trust for professionals working in the wine business. Training takes place in English.

• Number of lessons: 6.
• Duration of training: 6 days.
• Time: 10:00 - 19:00.

Individual lesson with an expert:

Three hours in the company of a leading Russian sommelier, a tasting of premium wines from the WineState collection and a live “wine Google” are the answers to all the questions about wine that you have long wanted to ask.

• Number of classes: 1.
• Duration of training: 1 day.

Intensive five-day course for HoReCa specialists:

High-level professional knowledge and skills from the best teachers in Moscow in a short time.

• Number of lessons: 15.
• Duration of training: 5 days.

Amateur course "Wine in 3 days":

An express course for those who do not yet understand much about wine, but want to improve it. In three sessions, you will get a basic understanding of wine, learn how to rotate a glass, recognize aromas and understand tastes.

• Number of lessons: 3.
• Duration of training: 3 days for 3 hours.
• Weekdays: 19:00 - 22:00.
• Weekends: 15:00 - 18:00.

A series of lectures-tastings "Wheel of aromas":

A cycle of lectures and tastings for those who are tired of endlessly hearing about the aromas of gooseberries, mulberries and licorice in wine, and not feeling anything themselves.

• Number of lessons: 1, 2 or 3 to choose from.
• Duration of training: 1 - 3 days, 3 hours each.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

A series of lectures-tastings “Russian ballet and wine. Nijinsky, Kshesinskaya, Pavlova, Karsavina":

A one-of-a-kind cycle of lectures and tastings, where wine and ballet come together.

• Number of lessons: 1, 2, 3 or 4 to choose from.
• Duration of training: 1 - 4 days, 3 hours each.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

Lecture-tasting for lovers of "Sparkling Wines of the World":

We try champagne, cremant, prosecco, cava and zekt, find out how they differ and choose your favorite.

• Number of classes: 1.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

Lecture-tasting for lovers of "Winemaking in France":

We learn to understand French wines and find good ones in the store on our own. You will definitely learn how to read French labels.

• Number of classes: 1.
• Duration of training: 1 day, 3 hours.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

Lecture-tasting for lovers of "Winemaking in Italy":

Learning to understand Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Nebbiolo, Trebbiano and other Italian wines.

• Number of classes: 1.
• Duration of training: 1 day, 3 hours.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

Lecture-tasting for lovers of "It's not beer that kills people":

Tasting organic craft beer from unexpected regions.

• Number of classes: 1.
• Duration of training: 1 day, 3 hours.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

Lecture-tasting for lovers of "Winemaking in Germany":

Learning to understand Riesling, Lemberger, Spatburgunder and other German wines.

• Number of classes: 1.
• Duration of training: 1 day, 3 hours.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

Lecture-tasting for lovers of "Winemaking in Austria":

Learning to understand Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and other Austrian wines.

• Number of classes: 1.
• Duration of training: 1 day, 3 hours.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

Lecture-tasting for lovers of "Winemaking in South and North America":

Learning to understand malbec, carmenere, pais and other varieties of the New World.

• Number of classes: 1.
• Duration of training: 1 day, 3 hours.
• Time: 19:00 - 22:00.

Liga Sommelier (CAO)

Liga Sommelier has a training center equipped with everything necessary for tastings. Among the teachers are sommeliers and tasters with many years of experience and wax qualifications. After vocational training, graduates receive an international diploma, which is recognized abroad.

Studying programs:

1. Sommelier course EXPERT. In this course, teachers reveal to students all the secrets and subtleties of the profession, so that in the future graduates can get a job in the best elite restaurants. This course is the most detailed and detailed of all. After completing the EXPERT Sommelier course, graduates will have the opportunity to get a job abroad.
2. Sommelier cavist course. The course will talk about the history and technology of wine production, so that future cavists can give professional advice on any drink. In addition, much attention will be paid to the techniques of selling elite alcohol. After completing this course, graduates receive a certificate that is valid not only in Russia, but throughout the world.
3. Ambassador course. The Ambassador course is designed for those who wish to become an ambassador of strong alcohol. Students will gain general knowledge about famous wines and the basic skills of the profession of a sommelier, bartender, cavist. Also, future ambassadors will undergo special trainings, after which they will be able to compose a beautiful and exquisite story about each drink.
4. Basic sommelier course. The basic sommelier course includes a theoretical part about the history of winemaking and the rules for tasting spirits. It provides detailed information on the various brands of wine, how to store wine, and details on building private wine collections. The basic course will be the initial step in teaching the high intricacies of the sommelier profession.
5. Amateur sommelier course. Gives basic knowledge about the profession of sommelier and the art of drinking wine. In this course, you will learn a brief history of winemaking and the basics of spirits tasting. Our sommeliers will introduce you to the most famous and noble wines. This course will be necessary, first of all, for those who wish to learn how to understand wines and evaluate them correctly.

Each course consists of a theoretical and practical part. You will be given an exceptional opportunity to taste the great wines of the world's best brands. Under the guidance of leading tasters and sommeliers, you will explore the bouquet of the best wines.

Academy of Wine Business (CJSC)

Main program of the school Elite drinks of the world. History, modern development trends» involves three stages: basic (5 weeks), standard (11 weeks) and advanced (14 weeks). Each of them not only gives students the opportunity to gain basic theoretical knowledge about wine and other alcoholic beverages, but also includes practical taster courses. Classes are held on Kutuzovsky Prospekt in small groups of no more than 20 people.

Sommelier lessons are held according to a clear schedule. Here they value and respect the time of customers, so we launched another format of classes - individual sommelier course . Experienced teachers - tasters and kavistas with many years of experience - will draw up a special program of classes according to your wishes.

Sommelier Express Course - a great option for those who are just starting to get acquainted with the basics of oenology and want to learn how to independently understand the variety of alcoholic beverages.

The program consists of four thematic blocks on wine-producing countries - Italy, Spain, France, New World. Choose any direction and go on an exciting journey into the world of wine culture. The program includes not only lectures, but also practice - short wine tasting courses.

Professional Training Center "PLUS" (SZAO)

The courses are taught by experienced professionals and highly qualified teachers. The training course includes theoretical sessions (most often in the form of seminars) that address issues such as:

• history of winemaking;
• wine grape varieties;
• wine production technologies;
• the main wine-growing regions of the world;
• signs of wine classification, etc.

After completing the course, students will be able to understand "wine" terminology, learn how to match drinks to certain dishes, and also "read" bottle labels. After all, a small-sized label can give out much more information about a drink than its name, wine color, etc.

In addition to theoretical seminars, practical classes are also held, which allow you to apply the acquired knowledge, learn not only “in words”, but directly “in deeds”.

The professional training center is ready to do everything possible so that you become a qualified specialist in wines, able to choose them correctly in accordance with the taste preferences of customers or dishes.

WineEmbassy (YuAO)

There are several training programs for beginners, amateurs and professionals. All courses are developed by experienced teachers of the school. Convenient class schedule.

1. Basic course.
2. Course: ABC of wine.
3. Various workshops.
4. Webinars.

Wine People (CAO)

The school is not limited to the study of only wines and spirits. Students are waiting for classes in marketing, the theory and techniques of sommelier work, enogastronomic combinations.

Basic course:

An abbreviated version of the Professional Course program. The program includes introductory lectures, as well as lectures on the wines of France, Italy, Spain. Listeners are issued a certificate of the Wine People sommelier school of the established form.

• Number of classes: 18 lectures (72 academic hours).

Amateur course:

The program includes introductory lectures, a block on the wines of the Old World (France, Italy, Spain), as well as one lecture from the regions of the New World. Listeners are issued a certificate of the Wine People sommelier school of the established form.

• Course duration: 4.5 months.
• Number of lessons: 35 lectures (140 academic hours).
• Class time: morning from 11 to 14:00; evening from 19:00 to 22:00.

Professional course:

The program is designed to train practitioners.
After successfully passing the exam, a diploma of the Union of Sommeliers and Experts of Russia of the established form is issued, allowing you to work as a sommelier or kavist.

• Course duration: 5 months.
• Number of lessons: 54 lectures (216 academic hours) + 6 optional lessons (24 academic hours).
• Class time: evening from 19:00 to 22:00, morning from 11:00 to 14:00.

Weekend course:

These are the basics for the beginning wine connoisseur. Classes are designed for students who want to gain basic theoretical and practical knowledge about the art of wine tasting and the secrets of enogastronomy.

• Number of lessons: 2 lectures (6 hours).
• Class times: from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00.

Express course:

• Course duration: 1 day.
• Number of classes: 1.
• Class times: 12:00 - 15:00, 16:00 - 19:00.

Introductory course:

The course includes lectures on the history and technology of wine production, as well as 2 classes on the art of tasting.

• Number of lessons: 4 lectures (16 academic hours).
• Class time: evening from 19:00 to 22:00.

Gastronomic combinations:

Noble wine requires a special attitude and implies absolute harmony. It is to her - the harmony between wine and snacks - that the unique lecture "Gastronomic Pairings" is dedicated.

• Course duration: 1 day.
• Number of lessons: 1 lecture.
• Class time: morning from 11 to 14:00; evening from 19:00 to 22:00.

Strong drinks of the world:

The best Russian connoisseurs and experts, and part-time teachers of the first Russian independent sommelier school WINEPEOPLE will help you to find yourself in the very center of this world, learn the history of the best drinks from different countries and taste them.

• Course duration: 1 week.
• Number of lessons: 3 tasting lectures (12 academic hours).
• Class time: morning from 11 to 14:00; evening from 19:00 to 22:00.

Wines of the New World:

To taste Australian shiraz, to feel the piercingly pure and “wild” aromas of New Zealand wines, to compare the brightest examples of wines from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and try to uncover the secret of their popularity around the world, the New World wine course will help you.

• Course duration: 2 weeks.
• Number of classes: 5 lectures-tastings (20 academic hours).
• Class time: morning from 11 to 14:00; evening from 19:00 to 22:00.

Enotria (SAO)

The school has a modernly equipped professional tasting room that meets the most demanding Western standards. All lectures are exclusively author's in nature, tastings are carefully selected and prepared together with teachers.

Basic vocational training course:

• The course takes: 490 academic hours (5.5 academic hours / day).

After listening to the course and successfully passing the exams, students receive a licensed diploma approved by the International Association of Sommeliers (ASI)

Universal, evening, intensive course for professionals and amateurs:

Licensed professional training course for specialists (sommelier, cavist, manager of a wine trading company), as well as for connoisseurs of wine culture.

• Class times: 19.00 - 22.30 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
• Form of classes: lectures-tastings.

Special, summer, intensive course for professionals and amateurs:

Licensed professional training course for specialists (sommelier, cavist, manager of a wine trading company), as well as for connoisseurs of wine culture.

• The course takes: 270 academic hours (5.5 academic hours / day).
• Class time: 10.00 - 14.00, daily (except weekends).
• Form of classes: lectures-tastings.

After listening to the course and successfully passing the exams, students receive a licensed diploma approved by the International Sommelier Association (ASI).

Evening course for amateurs:

The course is great for those who want to get to know the world of wine better. After listening to the course, students receive a commemorative certificate.

• The course takes: 96 academic hours (4 academic hours / day).
• Class time: 19.00 - 23.30 (Tuesday, Thursday).
• Form of classes: lectures-tastings.

Express course for wine lovers:

This is a good opportunity to get acquainted with the professional world of wine in a short time and, together with the leading teachers of the school, to master important practical topics. After listening to the course, students receive a commemorative certificate.

• The course takes: 40 academic hours (4 academic hours / day).
• Class time: 19.00 - 22.00, (Tuesday, Thursday).
• Form of classes: lectures-tastings.

Business Academy MBA CITY (SVAO)

A professional sommelier must know and be able to: recognize subtle shades of aroma and flavor bouquet of wine, thoroughly study the signs on its labels and read this information correctly, know the range of wines and their history. You will also need to learn wine etiquette, the rules for storing and serving wines.

You can study the course in any format convenient for you:

1. Distance learning.
2. Full-time education. Provides personal meetings with certified sommeliers during lessons in our center. Training for the profession of "Sommelier" takes place in groups of up to 10 people.
3. Individual / corporate. An ideal format if such nuances as an individual schedule and exclusive content of the training program are most important to you.

The Institute of Restaurant Business at the MBA CITY Business Academy offers free assistance in finding employment.

At the end of the training program for a wine connoisseur, you will receive a state-recognised certificate with an international supplement on the completion of the training program for the profession of “Sommelier”.

Course program:

• The history of the creation of alcoholic beverages.
• Wine production.
• Wine regions of France.
• Winemaking in different countries.
• Wines and classification of wines.
• Special wines.
• Strong alcoholic drinks.
• Sommelier.
• Wine culture.

Every wine lover secretly or openly dreams of getting a job as a sommelier. This profession is surrounded by a halo of nobility, aristocracy, even elitism. And from the outside, she seems undemanding to the candidate: drink wine and remember the taste. In fact, not everyone can become a professional sommelier, whose skills will always be in demand in the domestic market. In this case, you can't just serve your 8 hours and go home. A sommelier is valued for the result, and if he does not give this result, then such a specialist will not be hired anywhere. However, this specialization still remains tempting, which is why we want to dwell on it in detail, talk about the intricacies of work, about obtaining the necessary knowledge and the situation on the labor market.

Origin

There is simply no single version that tells about the origins of the sommelier profession. However, there are two most replicated stories that look plausible. According to one of them, the profession originated in Italy in the 17th century. In those years, the Duke of Piedmont established the position of "sommelier". The candidate was selected from among the court tasters and was solely responsible for elite alcoholic beverages. He also controlled the presentation of wine, serving and quality.

Of course, the French will not agree with the Italians, it's a matter of national pride. According to their version, the very word "sommelier" comes from medieval Provence. Then the old French language was in use, because the position sounded differently - "sommereier" (literally: "driver of a pack animal"). This man was responsible for transporting luggage at the court of the feudal lords; of course, he also had guilt on his conscience.

However, it is reasonable to assume that the “legs” of sommeliers grow from more ancient eras. After all, the wine itself is much older than France, and it is foolish to argue that the Greek generals or Roman senators did not need a person at court who would understand such a wonderful grape drink. But today, when we talk about a sommelier, we assume:
a) France in the middle of the 19th century, when the profession was finally formed;
b) modern time, when it became again in demand.

Where do sommeliers work

A sommelier combines several specializations that can set completely different tasks for themselves. From this comes the versatility and modern demand for this profession in the market.

A good wine specialist will perfectly be able to work in production, where he will act as an indispensable specialist. Quite often, technologists give lectures at sommelier schools, sharing direct experience in the field of wine production. And sometimes they themselves take courses in order to more clearly imagine the taste changes in wines of different vintages. This is an extremely important task, because wine even from the same grape variety can differ in taste only at the whim of the climate. The manufacturer is always trying to maintain and improve the level of wine produced, whether it is working in the vineyard or at the winery, because the competition in the wine business is very high. Today in Russia there are many wineries that deserve the attention of the buyer, and all of them need exceptional specialists.

But if we return to the origins, then the primary task of a sommelier is to mediate between a good wine and a person. Not expensive, not cheap, but good wine! This is an important addition.

A real sommelier will never offer the most expensive item on a wine list just because of the cost of the drink. Such people simply want to raise the cost of the order, bypassing all the norms of decency. This is permissible for a waiter who does not have knowledge, but is guided by the logic "if it is expensive, then the taste is normal."

And people fall for it, not realizing that the taste of wine depends on hundreds of different little things that the waiter never thought about. For this reason, high-end restaurants often hire a full-time sommelier, whose duties include advising customers and compiling the original wine list of the establishment.

Sommeliers can also work in wine shops, and retail chains are gradually hiring relevant specialists in the wine departments. The bulk, of course, work in restaurants, where customer service skills are as important as wine knowledge. Of course, the sommelier instructs the waiters on how to properly serve wine, with what to recommend it and in which glasses.

Separately, it is worth highlighting wine specialists who do not work either in restaurants or in production, but still enjoy universal respect. As a rule, these are people who study the history of wines, individual wine-growing regions, try to restore forgotten recipes and are consultants in various specialized publications. Most often, they have many years of work "in the field" behind them. They work as tour guides in famous vineyards, give lectures and, of course, teach other people the art of sommeliers.

Required Skills

From the outside it may seem that the profession of a sommelier is close to art. So it is, but this is only part of the truth. The fact is that a sommelier must have impressive knowledge that he is able to put into practice. It is difficult to acquire such knowledge on your own, even if we talk about the initial understanding of the wine world, but you can always enroll in a specialized school and be trained by experienced sommeliers with rich experience. Such schools exist in Russia as well. In them, you can not only gain and improve your theoretical knowledge, but also learn how to decompose the taste and aromas of wine into components in order to correctly interpret wine bouquets. The sense of smell, of course, occupies a leading position in the list of skills required by a candidate for admission to such schools.

But let's get back to the mandatory knowledge that will be useful not only for professionals, but also for wine lovers.

Let's list them briefly:

– knowledge of grape varieties and features of wines made from them;
– what is terroir and how does it affect the taste of wine;
– how the winemaker’s decisions about the time of harvest affect the taste of the wine;
– what is the role of the barrel in winemaking;
- classic combinations of wine and food, the principle of selection;
- the influence of the shape of the glass on the taste of wine;
– determination of the taste palette during a blind tasting;
– the ability to match one bottle of wine to different customer orders.

This, of course, is only the tip of the iceberg, and the very essence is hidden under the water column and is comprehended only by many years of experience. The best wine tasters tend to taste thousands of different wines, so they have a huge tasting experience. This partly explains such high selection criteria that the French Sommelier Union introduces for its participants. The winners of international sommelier competitions, as a rule, are people who have 15-20 years of experience behind them.

Sommelier training

Difficulties are not a hindrance when it comes to a business that you consider the dream of a lifetime. Friends may consider your aspiration foolishness, and relatives - folly, but this does not mean that you should give up everything and forget about the goal. The best way to start learning the basics of wine art is to enroll in a wine school. If you want to choose it yourself, then be sure to look at the teachers. They must have an international wine education, for example, under the WSET program. First of all, these should be certified specialists, and it is best when their certificate is of European origin, those countries that are famous for their wine traditions and professional approach to business.

We chose the wine school as an example of an excellent educational institution that meets high standards. The school itself is located in the very center of St. Petersburg, on the Griboyedov Canal. Their sommelier courses captivate with their meticulousness, deep immersion in the subject. In addition to the certificate (it must also be earned), at the end of the course you will be offered assistance in finding a job and will be given access to numerous tastings and professional sommelier competitions.

The training program of the Marine Express wine school includes: master classes, express courses and full-fledged professional courses that cover the subject in all its diversity.

Master classes are conducted by practitioners, winners of various wine courses and the best teachers in the country. They are held frequently, and are available to everyone. Even experienced wine lovers will be interested in them, because at such events they share a unique experience that you may not have.

Express courses are ideal for busy people who cannot afford to study for 4 months. They include 5-10 days of theory and tasting practice, which will help you gain basic skills and understand in which direction you should move on. The teachers themselves say that this time will not be enough to gain extensive knowledge, but it will be enough to understand their predisposition to this profession and test the ground under their feet. In addition, the best teachers in St. Petersburg will be teaching you.

The main emphasis, of course, is on full-fledged training. It has a full-time form of study, which lasts 4 months and includes 48 lessons (180 academic hours), and an evening form of study, which also lasts 48 lessons. In total, 4 groups are recruited, and they will study either from September to January, or from February to June. Each lecture is accompanied by a wine tasting of the studied region (the price of drinks is included in the tuition fee). This means that you can practice at any time convenient for you. As a result of passing the wine school, you will be issued a diploma on its successful completion. The courses themselves are popular with employees of wine trading companies, cavists, sommeliers, corporate clients and, of course, wine lovers who are hellishly interested in learning about the production of wines in Alsace, Bordeaux, Veneto, etc.

Marine Express is a great choice if you want to establish a professional relationship with wine.