By Amanda Alaniz

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – UTRGV students did not have to travel far to expand their wine knowledge thanks to a free two-day course that helped them gain the prestigious Court of Master Sommelier certification.

The UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Hospitality and Tourism program offered students the chance to enroll in a two-day Court of Master Sommelier Introductory Course last month. 

A Master Sommelier is a pinnacle of wine expertise, tasting ability and exemplary service. It is the highest distinction that can be attained in the beverage service industry. 

Abril Silva, UTRGV Nutritional Sciences student, in the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination learns about the major wine regions and beverages of the world including tasting, describing and evaluating wine on Saturday, Oct. 21. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Eva Paschal, UTRGV RCVCOBE professor for wine and beverage appreciation with the Hospitality and Tourism Program, helped coordinate the course at UTRGV.

“The Court of Master Sommelier of Americas chapter provides the certification that is at the highest level of the hospitality industry,” she said. “I’m extremely excited and happy to see we can provide this level of education here, at UTRGV, and it is of no charge to students. 

Students who attended were introduced to the principles of wine tasting as well as the art of winemaking. They also learned about grape varieties, major wine regions of the world, wine service, and how to match food with wine. The course was followed by a 70-question examination to gain certification.

Julie Dalton, master sommelier, teaches students in the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination going over the major wine regions and beverages of the world including tasting, describing and evaluating wine. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Three wine professionals were brought in to teach the course on UTRGV campus. They were Julie Dalton, Master Sommelier (MS), Pablo Braida, Master Sommelier (MS) and Serafin Alvarado, Master Sommelier (MS).

UTRGV students – Abril Silva and Cecilia Adame – signed up when they found out about the free opportunity for this prestigious recognition.

Silva, UTRGV senior and nutritional science major, said she has always had an interest in learning more about the sommelier and the wine industry.

“Normally you have to travel for this workshop, so it is a blessing that it is being offered at UTRGV,” she said. “I encourage other students to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Fellow student Adame, senior and hospitality and tourism major, echoed similar sentiments to her fellow classmate. She said the course being offered at UTRGV for free gave her a chance to further understand her career interests.

Cecilia Adame, UTRGV Hospitality and Tourism Management student, in the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination, learns about the major wine regions and beverages of the world including tasting, describing and evaluating wine. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

“I’m looking forward to the wine tasting and applying theory into tasting and seeing how it ties together,” she said. “I see this course as something essential for my future career. I can add it to my résumé.”

Paschal said she hopes students walk away with a newfound confidence and insight into the hospitality business.

“There are different aspects to hospitality. It’s not just being inside the restaurant or hotels, there is also behind the scenes, inventory and cost control,” she said. “It involves a lot more than sipping the wine.”

Court of Mater Sommelier Americas has four level education and examination program, beginning with Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination. Level two is Certified Sommelier, Level three is Advanced Sommelier and level four is Master Sommelier.

To learn more about the Hospitality and Tourism Program and upcoming opportunities, visit utrgv.edu/host/.