ICARTS Italia is proud to announce our collaboration with the renowned, Court of Master Sommeliers of Europe who will offer their 3-day, Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam and their Certified Sommelier Examination at our facilities in Monte Castello this summer.  We are indeed honored to host these classes which are to be conducted by the worlds premier sommelier training and examining body!  The Course fee includes the course and instruction, wine and classes, and testing for both Level 1 and 2 certification. (Please note, certification is not a guaranteed and is contingent on passing the appropriate exams.)

For millennia, the peoples of the Italian peninsula have produced some of the most extraordinary wines in the world. Today Italy is the worlds largest wine-producer and also maintains the greatest diversity of autochthonous (indigenous) wines to be found anywhere!  In fact, here in Umbria, our village is surrounded by vineyards producing varietals that are found nowhere else - it is the perfect setting in which to begin your journey into becoming a sommelier!  Our objective in this workshop provide this geographic and cultural backdrop to the rigorous sommelier certification program (Level 1 and 2) offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers.  The class is intended for food and wine industry professionals seeking to develop their wine theory, tasting, and practical expertise.

It is important for participants to be aware that this rigorous program is demanding, requiring a 60% pass mark on both written and practical evaluations in addition to two-days of in-person coursework and lecture. The lectures are presented by Master Sommeliers using a power-point format interspersed with wine tastings, plus a practical service demonstration. The examination comprises a multiple-choice theoretical paper plus a short elementary practical service test.  The Introductory Sommelier  Certificate examination is held on the morning of the third day of the introductory program.  After examination results are tallied, those who are successful will be invited to participate in the Certified Sommelier examination, to be held later that day.

The 3-Day experience hosted by ICARTS in collaboration with the Court of Master Sommeliers class culminates with exams on Friday. For those traveling from abroad, we highly recommend enrolling in our concurrent, Week in the Green Heart of Italy program, which provides and ideal companion experience to the Sommelier Program. It presents an opportunity to stay at ICARTS facilities in Mionte Castello and to dine at the school on our breathtaking terrace over the Tiber Valley.

Optional addition: A Week in the Green Heart of Italy

(Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of  the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included in the price of the sommelier course.)

For those traveling from abroad, the program offers an ideal opportunity to acclimate to the time change, relax and prepare for the Sommelier Course with MA. For those coming to ICARTS to participate in the Sommelier program, our Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program offers a very attractively priced all-inclusive package of meals and accommodation.

For those interested in traveling with a partner or spouse, the program provides ideal activities for a companion with a week of relaxation filled with immersive experiences that will soon become treasured memories. From pasta-making to truffle hunting to watching the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta in action.  We will visit the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will sample regional wines and typical products at nearby wineries, learn about the wonderful olive oils of Umbria, and celebrate the ancient culinary traditions of our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.

The all inclusive experience provides accommodation in our beautifully preserved 14th c., medieval hill town in a former convent, called: "Asilo."  The simple rooms convey the experience of the nuns who lived here in quiet contemplation, while each has a window overlooking the stunning Tiber Valley. Double occupancy accommodation upgrades are available with private bath, AC, etc., are available on request. We provide Welcome and Departure services on selected days from the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) airport as well as airport transfer by private bus.  Our private bus transports participants to off-campus excursions to vineyards, etc.  Using locally sourced and artisanal ingredients, three traditional meals are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff Monday through Friday. Saturdays and Sundays, we provide an incredible brunch with fresh baked bread and pastries, a variety of eggs, cheeses, and cured meats, as well as fresh yogurt and fruit. Of course, all accompanied by chilled Prosecco! Saturday and Sunday dinner are also "grill-day’s" and we will enjoy savory grilled meats (including wild game), fresh vegetables, and more! All lunches and dinners are accompanied by local wine, wines from our extensive Wine List available for purchase.  Our bi-lingual staff is on hand 24/7 to fill your needs.

Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of  the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included with the sommelier course. 

.       

Court of Master Sommeliers Program Objectives

The below is taken from the Court of Master Sommeliers website at: https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/qualifications/

Level 1: Introductory Sommelier Certificate

(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/introductory-sommelier-certificate-3-days/)

A three-day, intensive program comprised of two days of coursework followed by one day of examinations. 

Prerequisite: Hospitality industry experience and a good basic theoretical knowledge of wines.

"The content of the course covers:

1. elementary practices in the vineyard and winemaking procedures.
2. the grape varieties, origins, specific winemaking procedures and classifications for all the major wines of the world.
3. the production, raw materials and flavours of Spirits and liqueurs.
4. technical skills of wine service.
5. importance of social skills.
6. fundamentals of matching wines with food.
7. an introduction to the skills of wine tasting."

"Candidates who satisfactorily gain this certificate will be able to:

1. explain the factors which contribute towards the quality of wines.
2. describe the characteristics of the wines from the main wine producing countries of the world.
3. demonstrate an understanding of the wine classification and control systems in current use.
4. interpret wine label terms.
5. state the basic ingredients and flavours of apéritifs, spirits and liqueurs.
6. demonstrate an awareness of beers, saké and other beverages.
7. demonstrate the correct service of wine and other beverages.
8. demonstrate a basic competence in selling and matching wines with foods.
9. identify the requirements of the Advanced Sommelier Certificate."

Level 2: Certified Sommelier

(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/certified-sommelier-examination-1-day/)

"The Certified Sommelier qualification is the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals, comprised of one full day of examinations. There is no coursework for this level."

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Level 1 course.

"Objectives:

1. To create a minimum standard of service and knowledge for the Hospitality Industry.
2. To provide successful candidates with credentials to show employers their skills have been evaluated at a high level of proficiency by the leading authority on beverage service – the Internationally recognised Court of Master Sommeliers Worldwide.
3. To create a certification that provides all successful candidates with a sense of accomplishment while providing the most dedicated students an opportunity to further their education and skills at the Advanced and Masters levels."

"The Certified Sommelier Examination comprises three parts:

1. Short written theory paper of 40 multiple choice and short answer questions.
2. Tasting test consisting of two wines tasted blind, and answered on a Tasting Grid.
3. Practical service test."