Reflections from the CMS Advanced Sommelier Course 2026
Completing the Advanced CMS course marks an important milestone on the path toward the Advanced Sommelier Certification. While the examinations in theory, service, business of the somm and tasting still lie ahead, attending the course itself is a prerequisite for those assessments and represents a meaningful achievement in its own right. More importantly, it offered something that cannot be measured by an exam score: perspective.
The Company You Keep Matters
One of the aspects that inspired me most was the people.
As I have progressed through the Court of Master Sommeliers—from Introductory to Certified Sommelier, and now to the Advanced level—I have witnessed the natural evolution of the student community. With each step, the collective experience in the room changes dramatically.
This time, I found myself surrounded by accomplished wine professionals: wine directors overseeing respected restaurant programs, senior consultants advising hospitality businesses, experienced retailers, educators, and sommeliers who have dedicated years to mastering their craft.
It was a reminder that wine education is not simply about accumulating knowledge. It is about joining a community committed to continuous improvement, generous learning, and elevating hospitality.
Being part of that community is something I feel genuinely proud of.
Understanding What Makes a Wine "Classic"
Perhaps the most valuable lesson from the course was gaining a much deeper understanding of what truly defines a classic wine.
A classic wine is not merely famous, expensive, or historically important. It earns that status because it consistently demonstrates the characteristics that define its origin, vintage after vintage. It represents its region faithfully, delivers reliable quality, and occupies a meaningful position in the global wine market.
Thinking about wine through this lens changes how we evaluate bottles.
It influences the way beverage programs are designed. It sharpens purchasing decisions. It creates confidence when selecting wines that consistently deliver value to guests. And it reinforces why certain producers and appellations have become benchmarks against which others are measured.
Whether building a restaurant wine list, educating future sommeliers, or evaluating wines in professional competitions, understanding what constitutes a classic wine provides an invaluable framework for making better decisions.
Confidence Through the Deductive Tasting Method
Another major takeaway was appreciating the true strength of the deductive tasting framework.
At the Advanced level, the universe of wines expands significantly beyond what many Certified Sommeliers have previously studied. Rather than relying on memorization alone, candidates are challenged to apply a structured process to increasingly complex wines from around the world.
The beauty of the framework is that it provides consistency.
By systematically evaluating appearance, aroma, structure, and quality indicators, we learn to reduce uncertainty and increase confidence, even when confronted with unfamiliar wines.
For professionals, this discipline extends far beyond blind tasting.
It contributes to stronger wine programs, more informed purchasing decisions, better staff education, and greater consistency when evaluating wines in professional competitions. The framework doesn't eliminate uncertainty—but it provides a rigorous methodology for navigating it with confidence.
Looking Ahead
The Advanced Sommelier Course reminded me that the study of wine is, above all, the study of excellence.
Every conversation, every tasting, and every lecture reinforced the idea that technical knowledge ultimately exists to serve hospitality. Our goal is never simply to identify a wine correctly. It is to create memorable experiences for guests, support thoughtful wine programs, and contribute positively to an industry built on generosity and service.
I'm grateful to the Master Sommelier instructors, the Court of Master Sommeliers, and every colleague who shared this experience in Dallas. Learning alongside such accomplished professionals was both humbling and motivating.
Now the work continues.
The focus shifts toward preparing for the Theory and Service examinations that await in 2027. There is still much to learn, but the course has provided a clearer roadmap—and even greater motivation—to continue pursuing excellence.
Here's to continuing to elevate hospitality through wine.
Cheers!
