Master Sommelier. Consultant, Critic, Judge, Scholar, Writer... And More.
Master Sommelier! In the world of wine, that's a really big deal. No kidding. The Master Sommelier Diploma, granted by the Court of Master Sommeliers, is the ultimate credential a wine professional can attain, worldwide.
And getting the Master Sommelier credential is hard. Really hard! To earn their diploma a candidate has to learn production methods of wines and spirits, international wine laws, harmony of food and wine, wine tasting skills, and practical service and salesmanship, including service of liqueurs, brandies, ports, even cigars. Then, in a blind tasting of six wines in only twenty-five minutes, candidates must correctly identify grape varieties, country and region of origin, age, and quality. You gotta know your stuff for sure to pass that test!
Although hundreds begin very few candidates successfully complete the Court of Master Sommeliers program. Even fewer earn their credentials. Only 140 in the United States, for a total of 219 worldwide (and of those, only 21 are women.) Undeniably, Catherine is one of the very best.
"Highest Service Score in the History of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas"
Fred Dame, MS
Master of Wine, Second Year Candidate
Advanced Certified Wine Professional
Culinary Institute of America
Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies
French Wine Scholar
Connaisseur en Vins de France, Le Comite National des Vins de France
German Wine Correspondence Course, German Wine Information Bureau
International Wine Center Wine Course
Harriet Lembeck's Wines & Spirits of the World Program, Magna Cum Laude
California Wine Appellation Specialist, with Distinction
Napa Valley Rocks Educator
Sterling School of Service & Hospitality One Day Seminar
Sterling School of Service & Hospitality Advanced Course
Sterling School of Service & Hospitality Spirits Program
Windows on the World Wines & Wine Service
Windows on the World Advanced Wine Seminar
Master Sabreuse
Mumm Master Program, Reims, France
Schramsberg Sparkling Wine Symposium
Los Angeles County Fair
San Diego Wine Competition
San Francisco Wine Competition
Salinas Valley Wine Festival
Dallas Morning News Wine Competition
Oregon State Fair
Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Sommelier Competition