How To Become a Sommelier

How hard is it to become a sommelier? With The Institute of Culinary Education’s Intensive Sommelier Training, offered at ICE’s New York and Los Angeles campuses, you can take courses in the only wine course approved by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.

With a curriculum created by ICE’s Dean of Wine Studies, Master Sommelier Scott Carney, the course prepares students to become internationally-certified sommeliers in as few as 10 weeks. ICE’s Intensive Sommelier Training is the nation’s best* for a reason.

Here’s how to be a sommelier, the ICE way.

Step 1: Choose an expertly-designed course

ICE’s Intensive Sommelier Training covers 200 hours of instruction, during which students taste more than 300 wines. The duration of the course ranges from 10 to 17 weeks. Courses are offered in the morning or evening, and students can decide which session will best fit their schedule. Morning sessions span 10 weeks, while evening sessions take 17 weeks. 

Designed by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, ICE’s course offers a curriculum based on the industry standards and techniques. The course teaches students how to approach wine tasting using the Court of Master Sommeliers' Deductive Tasting Method, setting it apart from other wine courses. 

The curriculum is organized into eight modules, covering essential skills and then some. Students will study the processes behind grape growing and winemaking, master wine tasting and professional service techniques, virtually explore notable wine-growing regions and learn how to navigate the business sector of the beverage and hospitality industries in becoming a sommelier. 

Step 2: Learn from masters in the industry

Like in all courses offered at ICE, the Intensive Sommelier Training is led by instructors with extensive experience and expertise.The course's curriculum was developed by Dean of Wine Studies Scott Carney, who became a Master Sommelier 30 years ago and now serves on the Court’s board of directors.

In addition to a decades-long career in the industry, Scott has 10 years of experience as an educator. Before coming to ICE in 2020, Scott became the dean of wine studies at the International Culinary Center in 2012. The course is informed by Scott’s wealth of industry knowledge and driven by his passion for teaching aspiring sommeliers. 

Scott’s experience as both a full-time sommelier and a restaurant manager is reflected in the course's comprehensive curriculum, which covers fundamental wine knowledge along with practical service and business skills. Taught by experienced wine professionals, the course focuses on relevant and contemporary skills from the very beginning.

Step 3: Receive an internationally-recognized certificate

After successfully completing the course, students take the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Introductory and Certified Sommelier examinations, administered at ICE’s campus. Passing these exams is the final step before students receive their sommelier certification, which is recognized at restaurants and hospitality establishments worldwide. 

A certification from ICE’s Intensive Sommelier Training gives students a competitive edge when entering into a career in the beverage or hospitality industry. Within these industries, students can explore a wide range of opportunities, from sommelier or beverage director to brand ambassador or retailer. 

Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in the beverage or hospitality industry, or deepen your knowledge as a wine enthusiast, ICE’s course offers a respected wine education. Take the first step in becoming a sommelier and enroll in ICE’s Intensive Sommelier Training.

Learn more about the course here.