Alexander LaPratt, Andrew Myers, Jarad Slipp, Lindsey Whipple and Pascaline Lepeltier Named Master Sommelier
ASPEN, CO—(May 21, 2014) –Today, the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas welcomes five new members to the prestigious organization: Alexander LaPratt (Atrium DUMBO, New York City, NY), Andrew (Andy) Myers (CityZen, Washington, D.C.), Jarad Slipp (RdV Vineyards, Washington, D.C.), Lindsey Whipple (Vegas Vine, Las Vegas, NV), and Pascaline Lepeltier (Rouge Tomate, New York City, NY).
The Master Sommelier Diploma is considered the highest distinction a professional can attain in the fine wine and beverage industry, and to achieve the title of Master Sommelier is no easy feat. Candidates must have successfully passed the other three stages of the Court’s educational programs: the Introductory, Certified and Advanced Exams. As the final stage, the invitation-only Master Sommelier Diploma Exam consists of three sections, including a theory examination, blind tasting and practical service component, and candidates must receive passing scores in each category in order to earn the highly coveted title of Master Sommelier.
Held at The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado and sponsored by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, the by-invitation exam was attempted by 65 individuals from 18 states and two countries.
“Today we’re delighted to welcome all five individuals as members to the Court of Master Sommeliers,” said Greg Harrington, Chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. “Their extraordinary commitment and dedication to earning the highest certification in the field of wine knowledge and service will be a valuable asset and contribution to their communities.”
ABOUT THE COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS
The Court of Master Sommeliers was established in England in 1977 to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants. The first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam to be held in the United States was in 1987. The title Master Sommelier marks the highest recognition of wine and spirits knowledge, beverage service abilities, and professionalism in the hospitality trade.
Education was then, and remains today, the Court’s charter. There are four stages involved in attaining the top qualifications of Master Sommelier: 1) Introductory Sommelier Course; 2) Certified Sommelier Exam; 3) Advanced Sommelier Course; and 4) Master Sommelier Diploma. There are 140 professionals who have earned the title of Master Sommelier as part of the Americas chapter since the organization’s inception. Of those, 119 are men and 21 are women. There are 219 professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam. For more information, please visit www.mastersommeliers.org.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT C. MILAN COMMUNICATIONS AT 415-392-6600 OR THE COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS AT 707-255-5056.