It is the foremost qualification offered by the ASI, and since its inception, only 365 people have passed the arduous exam. The exam consists of written tests, blind tastings, essays, service tests, and oral presentations. The exam is held on the same day in all 60 ASI member countries.
On 14 March 2022, South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) will host the exam in Cape Town at the Sommelier's Academy (122 St. Georges Mall). Previously only three people in South Africa have achieved this level of certification. The cost for this exam is R7,500.
If you wish to achieve Gold or Silver, you must sit the exam in an approved second language. If you sit the exam in your home language, the outcome level will serve as bronze.
Please contact Erica Taylor (erica@sommeliers.org.za) for complete rules and regulations.