Certified Sommelier Exam

Recommended Study Resources

The Certified Sommelier Candidate should use the same recommended reading material as the
Introductory Student with the addition of more detailed food pairing, service, beer and spirits resources.

Topic Resource Why This Resource Is Useful

A wealth of the most up-to-date information at your
Guild of Sommeliers fingertips. The website includes study guides and access to
Website
www.guildsomm.com the greater sommelier community through forums and
message boards.
This venerable bible is an excellent source for food, wine
The Wine Bible 2nd Edition
Wine and producer information geared to the Introductory and
By: Karen McNeil
Certified level student.

This reference is a must for understanding location,

The World Atlas of Wine 7th Edition
Wine geography and topography of the major wine regions of the
By: Hugh Johnson and Jancis
world.
Robinson

The Oxford Companion to Wine A reference for all aspects of wine from quick look ups to
Wine
By: Jancis Robinson diving into complete subjects one definition at a time.

Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia A reference detailing regions, sub-regions and approved

Wine
By: Tom Stevenson grape varieties of the major wine countries of the world.

Wine *Wine & Spirits Magazine

Current news and in-depth articles
Magazines *Decanter Magazine

Tasting Beer: An Insider’s Guide to

Insight into the world of brewing beer and learning the
Beer the World’s Greatest Beverage.
major styles in easy to understand language.
By: Randy Mosher

Sake World Website created by John Gauntner, one of the top sake
Sake
www.sake-world.com experts in the world. Information on sake basics,
downloadable guides and a food pairing section.

Ultimate Guide to Spirits &

Learn about the world of spirits and cocktails. A handy
Spirits Cocktails
reference with useful, eye catching graphics
By: Andre Dominé

Drinks Well-presented graphics detailing the history and

Spirits By: Vincent Gasnier MS ingredients of the world’s well-known and off the beaten
path spirits and liqueurs.

Topic Resource Why This Resource Is Useful

CMS-A May 2016 ©
 Perfect Pairings: A Master The how’s and why’s of food and wine pairing with recipes
Sommelier's Practical Advice for to try them at home.
Pairing
Partnering Wine with Food
By: Evan Goldstein MS

Lessons in Service from

A bird’s eye view into service at one of America’s legendary
Service Charlie Trotter
restaurants.
By: Edmund Lawler

Setting the Table: The

From the famed New York City restaurateur a behind the
Transforming Power of Hospitality
Service scenes look into the restaurant business and understanding
in Business
hospitality from a leading authority
By: Danny Meyer

CMS-A May 2016 ©