sommelier — Wine Certifications and Courses

Dear friends, family and colleagues,

2020 has been an extremely difficult year for all of us. At the North American Sommelier Association even more so. The “hands-on” nature of our educational initiatives, our belief in human contact, networking and live experiences have made our transition to an online format practically impossible. We have always believed that wine must be lived. It brings people together, sharing passion, knowledge and most of all experiences. The intrinsic nature of what we do (classes, events, tastings…) has been hampered by COVID-19 lockdowns, shutdowns and insecurities. This is why we have been “on hold” for all of 2020, patiently waiting for things to return to normal and for us to join each other once again in a classroom. We are developing some initiatives and programs for online education but our classic certification courses cannot be replicated on zoom. Please keep checking back to our website for updates on new endeavors and opportunities. Hopefully, we can all return to normality soon. Until then we are always here to help and to provide support to our members and especially our graduates.

This said, we are excited to share with you one of our many and recent success stories. Sandra Taylor who graduated with us 2 years ago has moved on to very big things ! She has made all of us at NASA extremely proud in becoming the official Sommelier and Wine Director for the LAS VEGAS RAIDERS football team, managing the wine offerings and educational initiatives for the incredible new Allegiant Stadium. SOMM JOURNAL has rightfully dedicated an article to her in their upcoming edition, which we would lvoe to share with you below. Congrats to her and to all our students and friends who have pivoted during these difficult times and kept the flame of passion for fine wine & fine living, brightly burning.

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DECEMBER 10th saw the graduation of the new NASA/WSA Silver-Pin Sommeliers class of 2017 in Los Angeles.

The ceremony and toast was held at a private events venue (RITA HOUSE) in the heart of West Hollywood, CA, and featured the patronage of top Champagne maison Dom Pérignon, present with a spectacular magnum of Blanc vintage 2006, artfully sabered by NASA President & U.S. Brand Ambassador for DP, Diego Meraviglia, for the pinnacle toast to the new Somms in town !

"You have just bought yourself a whole deal of responsibility. Society will now look up to you to educate people on the ancient culture of wine, alcoholic beverages, fine dining and fine living, as well as the ancient discipline of the Sommelier. Your well-earned Silver Pin is just the beginning as you now have the tools to LEARN about wine and will continuously evolve and grow within the industry. I am proud to now salute you not just as friends, but as colleagues and as brothers of a sturdy and tight knit family. Kudos to you ! "...expressed Meraviglia's opening speech - which was followed by NASA's traditional sabrage of a magnum and delivery of the certificates and the silver-pins to each passing student.

Immense gratitude goes out to the NASA Executive Council (VP Nina Sventitsky, Counselor Irina Ponomarenko, Counselor Stacie Hunt and Counselor Ciro Pirone) without whom this would not have been possible and for the tremendous efforts throughout the year, the organization of this spectacular evening and the generous contribution of Rioja DOCa red wines and Cognacs. Thank you to the RITA HOUSE staff for hosting and to Simona Maffei for the event photography.

It is with heartfelt respect and love that we at the North American Sommelier Association and the Worldwide Sommelier Association wish to welcome these proud individuals to the list of Silver-Pin Sommeliers around the globe. Here's to you and your bright futures !