Court of Master Sommeliers - Introductory
This is the first level at which all prospective Master Sommeliers should begin. Students who pass the course are eligible to register for Court of Master Sommeliers - Certified.
Course dates and time: April 25th - 27th 2023 08.00AM - 06.00PM (05.00PM last day)
Location: Central Oslo
Fee: NOK 7900
Language of instruction: English
Please note: This 3-day course is arranged by Norsk Sommelier Utdannelse (NSU) and is only taught in Oslo, Norway.
About the Court of Master Sommeliers certification
Only 274 people in the world hold the prestigious title Master Sommelier. Norsk Sommelier Utdannelse (NSU) is currently the only course provider in Norway, to offer the Court of Master Sommeliers (CoMS) certification. NSU offers stages 1 and 2 out of the 4 CoMS certification stages:
Introductory Sommelier Certificate: the course is run over two days with the examinations held on the morning of the third day.
Certified Sommelier Examination: a one-day exam.
You can read about the key differences between the Master of Wine and the Master Sommelier certification in this Michelin Guide article.
Introductory Sommelier Certificate – 3 Days
Candidates who satisfactorily gain this certificate will be able to:
- explain the factors which contribute towards the quality of wines.
- describe the characteristics of the wines from the main wine producing countries of the world.
- demonstrate an understanding of the wine classification and control systems in current use.
- interpret wine label terms.
- state the basic ingredients and flavors of apéritifs, spirits and liqueurs.
- demonstrate an awareness of beers, saké and other beverages.
- demonstrate the correct service of wine and other beverages.
- demonstrate a basic competence in selling and matching wines with foods.
- identify the requirements of the Advanced Sommelier Certificate.
The content of the course covers:
- elementary practices in the vineyard and winemaking procedures.
- the grape varieties, origins, specific winemaking procedures and classifications for all the major wines of the world.
- the production, raw materials and flavors of Spirits and liqueurs.
- technical skills of wine service.
- importance of social skills.
- fundamentals of matching wines with food.
- an introduction to the skills of wine tasting.
The lectures are presented by Master Sommeliers using a Power Point format interspersed with wine tastings, and a practical service demonstration.
Examination
The examination comprises a multiple-choice theoretical paper plus a short elementary practical service test. The pass mark for each part of this examination is 60%.
Course fee
NOK 7900*
The course includes
• Text book: Sales and Service for the Wine Professional by Brian K Julyan MS
• Lunch and fruit
• Coffee, the and water
• Over 40 wines
• Course materials
• Diploma and lapel pin
* The fee is set by the exchange rate on the day of purchase
Watch the trailer from the fascinating film Somm
"Somm is the story of four Sommeliers attempting to pass the Prestigious Master Sommelier Exam, a test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world. The exam covers literally anything having to do with the entire world of wine and that is just the beginning".
Terms and conditions
Please read our terms and conditions before you register.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation of course registration must be in writing and submitted to post@vinkelneren.no.
If you cancel your course registration, regardless of reason, a NOK 3000 cancellation fee applies per student. Cancellation within 6 to 4 weeks before the first course date, 50 % of the course or examination fee will be charged per student. Cancellation within 4 weeks of the first course date, the full course and examinations fee must be paid.
Course cancellation
In case of too few registrations, Norsk Sommelier Utdannelse can cancel courses up to 4 weeks before the first course date (this happens very rarely). In case of cancellation, course and examination fees will be refunded immediately.
More information
For more information about the Master Sommelier Certificates, please contact NSU's head of administration, Isabella Tozzi:
Phone +47 93 80 07 88
E-mail post@vinkelneren.no