Learning about wine can take many forms. One path is through formal education or certification, whether an evening class at your local wine bar or a more intensive program. Wine lovers in America may have heard of a master sommelier, the exclusive title of those restaurant wine stewards who make it to the top of the Court of Master Sommeliers organization. 

The group has gained notoriety, some good, thanks to the “SOMM” series of movies and, unfortunately, some bad thanks to recent scandals in its ranks.