The Court of Master Sommeliers has reached a significant milestone in Asia, awarding its 2,000th certification to students in the region. The announcement, made in June, highlights nearly two decades of educational expansion across Asia since the Court’s initial foray into the region through Hong Kong and Singapore more than 19 years ago. Its programs have since grown to include India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and mainland China.
Founded by Bryan Julyan in 1977, the Court of Master Sommeliers is recognized globally for setting rigorous standards in wine service and education. Reflecting on the organization’s progress in Asia, CEO Ronan Sayburn, Master Sommelier, emphasized the remarkable development in wine knowledge and access across the continent. When the International Sommelier Association first introduced courses in the region, resources were limited and professional wine expertise was in its infancy. Sayburn credited the rapid advancement to the strong dedication of Asian students, noting that their skills now rival those of sommeliers trained in Europe.
To commemorate the issuance of its 2,000th certificate in Asia, the Court will host a celebratory event in July at the Okura Garden Hotel in Shanghai. The event will feature a tour tasting of wines from prominent Asian wineries, followed by a formal dinner with wine selections presented by top sommeliers. Bryan Julyan, founder and current president of the Court, will deliver a keynote address. Approximately 150 alumni from the International Master Sommelier Academy, along with influential figures in China’s wine and hospitality industries, are expected to attend.
The Master Sommelier Academy currently operates in 18 countries and 26 cities worldwide. Its tiered certification program includes the Introductory Sommelier Certificate, Certified Sommelier Certificate, Advanced Sommelier Certificate, and the elite Master Sommelier Diploma. The inaugural Master Sommelier examination was conducted in London in 1969, and to date, only 282 individuals have successfully achieved the qualification.
Sayburn expressed optimism about the future, noting a growing number of Asian candidates are now preparing for the Master Sommelier exam. The upcoming Shanghai celebration not only acknowledges the evolution of wine culture in Asia, but also affirms the global recognition of sommeliers trained to the highest international standards.
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