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