Want to Become a Sommelier? Here’s the Course Path

“Sommelier” sounds glamorous, and at the senior level the salaries are real — sometimes matching head chefs. But the road there is misunderstood. Here’s the map.

What is a sommelier, actually?

A professional wine specialist working in restaurants. Responsibilities: build the wine list, recommend pairings, manage the cellar, guide guests through their selection. The senior pathway is a 10–15 year arc — not a weekend course.

The two main international systems

WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) — UK-origin, most globally widespread. Levels 1 to 4 (Diploma). Heavy on academic knowledge and structured tasting.

Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) — internationally recognised as the highest service-floor standard. Progression runs Introductory → Certified → Advanced → Master Sommelier. Fewer than 300 individuals hold the Master Sommelier title worldwide.

Most people working in restaurants pursue WSET for knowledge and CMS for service credentialing — they complement, not compete.

A reasonable entry path

1. Foundation tasting course — locally, no exam pressure. Find out if you actually enjoy wine analytically.
2. WSET Level 1 / Level 2 — solid framework for grapes, regions, styles.
3. 1–2 years of restaurant service experience — non-negotiable. Tasting from a book ≠ tasting in service.
4. CMS Introductory → Certified — once you have floor time.
5. Keep tasting, push toward WSET Level 3, then CMS Advanced. Master is a separate world.

Honest advice for Malaysians

Don’t rush international certificates. The certificate alone won’t open doors — your palate, your service experience, and your network do. Build foundation first. JWC’s tasting courses are taught in Mandarin and English, sized for the Malaysian context. Beginner RM 200/pax (RM 150 each for pairs), Advanced RM 350/pax (RM 300 each for pairs); the bundle of both levels is RM 450, sampling 10 wines from Italy, France, Spain, Australia, Chile, and Argentina. Use these to confirm your interest before investing in WSET/CMS fees.

The mindset

Sommelier is a lifetime profession. Take it one level at a time.