Houston, TX (September 6, 2023) – The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas ™ is proud to welcome two members to the organization: Jonathan Eichholz from New York, NY and Mark Guillaudeu from Phoenix, AZ.
Thirty-four individuals from sixteen states and three countries attempted the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination proctored by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Out of the thirty-four hopeful candidates, the two noted above successfully met the qualifications to be awarded the title of Master Sommelier from one of the world’s most influential wine organizations. The results were announced at Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas.
“It is with great honor and joy that we welcome this group of new Master Sommeliers to our community. We commend their years of hard work and dedication that is required in pursuit of this certification. These two professionals have demonstrated the highest level of excellence within the hospitality industry and have displayed their mastery of the art, science, and history that informs a sommelier’s work. On behalf of the Court of Master Sommeliers, I wholeheartedly congratulate our new members on this accomplishment.” said Michael Meagher, Chair of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
The Master Sommelier Diploma is the highest distinction a professional can attain in the beverage service industry. The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination consists of three sections: a verbal theory examination, a deductive blind tasting assessment of six classic wines and a practical component that focuses on hospitality, beverage service, salesmanship, and overall business acumen. Candidates must receive passing scores in each section to earn the highly coveted Master Sommelier title.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new members as we continue to chart the course for current and future Master Sommeliers worldwide. Although our new members come from unique backgrounds and experiences, they share a passion for hospitality, and we are excited to see their impact on the industry.” said Julie Cohen Theobald, Executive Director of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.
ABOUT COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS, AMERICAS
The Court was established in England in 1977 and sets the global standard of excellence for beverage service within the hospitality industry with integrity, exemplary knowledge, and humility. The first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam to be held in the United States was in 1987. The Americas chapter, which serves both North and South America, was established in 1987. Since then, 168 professionals have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter. 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. For more information, please visit www.mastersommeliers.org.
