The Court of Master Sommeliers was established to encourage improved standards of beverage and service in hotels and restaurants.

Education was then, and remains today the Court's charter.

The first successful Master Sommeliers examination was held in the United Kingdom in 1969. By April 1977, the Court of Master Sommeliers was established as the premier international examining body.

It took the Court 10 years to perfect it's qualifications, which today are recognized internationally.

The American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers can be found at: www.mastersommeliers.org