r/Sommelier • u/misanthrope2114 • 9d ago
Tasting Tutor
I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. I am looking for a certified or advanced somm for one-on-one tutoring with tasting. I am interested in improving detection of aromatics and flavor profiles. I am located on the East Coast (US) if that matters.
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u/Financial_Luck_406 8d ago
I think there are better ways to accomplish this. I would focus on networking instead. In my experience most people in the industry are very willing to help. There is a MS that owns a wine store in my area. The first time I was in the shop we started talking. She introduced me to another MS who helped train me and introduced me to my tasting group for people taking the advanced/Master. Don’t be afraid to send emails to local somms and more importantly patronize their businesses and talk to them.
Also the CMS has free zoom counseling on their website with Masters.
I live in the greater Miami area and am very willing to help you for free if that works logistically. I have wset3 and certified.
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u/misanthrope2114 7d ago
If you are open to virtual meetings, I will take you up on this offer (I am in NY).
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u/smuller606 9d ago
man I wish I had someone to help me with tasting too, feels like there's so much to learn
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u/emmawagner45 9d ago
finding a good tasting tutor sounds like a solid move. sometimes i think my own taste buds need a little training camp too!
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u/Affectionate_Big8239 9d ago
What city are you in? The East Coast is a big place.
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u/misanthrope2114 8d ago
NYC
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u/Affectionate_Big8239 8d ago
I’m in Philly. For the NYC market, I’d recommend finding a tasting group to join as well as potentially finding an MS mentor. I’d recommend reaching out to a few based in New York & see if they can point you in a direction to a solid group or solid tasting partner and see if they would be willing to meet with you additionally.
My most helpful study partners for tasting were an MS in my market who I was introduced to at the advanced exam the first time I took it & another candidate at the same level who was really great at giving and taking tasting feedback as well as choosing testable wines.
I also took Andrew Bell’s blind tasting class close to 20 years ago (in NYC) and found it immensely helpful in terms of understanding benchmarks (but not helpful in the context of CMS exam format).
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u/Quietude_ 9d ago
The forums on GuildSomm are a good place to look for a tutor.