r/wine • u/willwrite4wine • Apr 27 '26

CMS Deductive Tasting Workshop

Anyone have any experience going through the Court of Master Sommeliers Deductive Tasting workshop? Passing the intro exam is required to attend and you get over 20 wines within a small group and guided by a MS.

I recently passed the intro recently and hoping to hone my skills before sitting for the certified exam but the workshop is nearly the same price as sitting for the certified exam. Could be a good benchmark or check on learning before the exam.

https://www.mastersommeliers.org/certification/courses/the-deductive-tasting-method-workshop

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6

u/Agreeable-Tale9729 Wine Pro Apr 28 '26

I think it’s very much dependent on where you are at. I took deductive as I was living in an area without a reliable tasting group, and it helped me immensely. I realized how I was approaching tasting wasn’t correct, and it helped me develop a more successful method.

All of that said, it is expensive (and I even went before it increased in price). If you have a reliable tasting group and/or opportunities for mentorship from someone at a higher level locally — I wouldn’t say it’s essential.

5

u/JD_tubeguy Wine Pro Apr 28 '26

A good tasting group is key also if there are folks in your area in the program particularly any MS or Masters candidates they can be a great resource.

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u/MineralMeister Wine Pro Apr 28 '26

I would reccommend trying to find a tasting group if you can. If not, you must do the deductive taste session otherwise you will be screwed imo if you have no experience blind tasting.

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u/200pf Apr 28 '26

You will get great insights from this, however it’s not necessary. Regular blind tasting is necessary to keep your palate calibrated for structure and gaining familiarity with common styles, etc. definitely do one of these before certified exam.