Meet America’s Newest Master Somms

The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, welcomes 10 new members to the organization: Tyler Alden, Barking Frog, Woodinville, WA; Martin Beally, Canlis, Seattle; Pablo Braida, Monarch Restaurant, Dallas; Julie Dalton, Post Oak Hotel, Houston, TX; Erik Elliott, Heitz Cellar, Napa Valley, CA; Christopher Gaither, Ungrafted & Glu Glu, San Francisco; Maddy Jimerson, Casa Tua, Aspen, CO; Alexander Powell, Grill 23, Boston; Christopher Ramelb, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Honolulu; and Scott Turnbull, Winebow, Calistoga, CA.

The Master Sommelier Diploma, the highest distinction a professional can attain in the beverage service industry, involves an examination consisting of three sections: a verbal theory examination, a wine assessment exercise using the Deductive Tasting Method, 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 Master Sommelier title. 

Forty-five individuals from 16 states and three countries attempted the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination proctored by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. In addition to the 10 Americans awarded the title of Master Sommelier, the Court of Master Sommeliers, Europe, welcomed Pierre Marie Pattieu of Jackson Family Wines, Hong Kong, to their organization in August. The results were announced at a Krug Reception on Aug. 31, 2022, at the Royal Sonesta in Portland, OR.

Established in England in 1977, the Court of Master Sommeliers sets the global standard of excellence for beverage service within the hospitality industry. The Americas chapter, which serves both North and South America, was established in 1987 — the same year that the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam was held in the U.S. Since then, 182 professionals have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter.

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