The Fastest 8 Minutes of My Life

It all started with a train to London and a simple idea:

If I’m going to work in the world of wine—build brands, design websites, and create campaigns—I should understand what it’s like for those who live and breathe it in the vineyard, in cellars, and behind the label.

It felt surreal. Just a year ago, UKFizz was honoured with the opportunity to redesign the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe website and consult on their social media and general marketing footprint.

I thought: if I’ve supported the Court of Master Sommeliers on the marketing side, it’s only right that I experience the other side—from the candidate’s perspective—and learn more about the audience I am helping to build.

So I booked a stay at the DoubleTree opposite Canary Wharf, with a stunning view across the Thames. I was there for something very different from my usual work in design and marketing: Invited by the Court of Master Sommeliers, I was heading to attempt the Introductory Sommelier Certificate and exam

A Classroom Full of Dreams

There were about 30 of us. On day one, we arrived quiet, nervous, and intensely focused. To be very honest, I felt a little on the older side—and perhaps a bit of an imposter—among what were clearly wine pros: restaurant lifers, some from Michelin-starred establishments, and people who’ve been working toward this for years. They had studied the world regions, prepped their palates for tastings, and had lived and breathed wine culture.

I, on the other hand, hold a WSET Level 2. This is no small feat and not one that many wine design agencies can boast, but my wine knowledge comes through a marketing lens—how UKFizz can support a vineyard or on-trade business to increase sales and brand presence.

Still, I threw myself in.

Over three packed days, we explored classic regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire, and Alsace—then the New World: South Africa, Australia, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and more. Each day brought tastings, theory, and growing camaraderie.

My respect for the dedication of the candidates around me grew immensely. Some could already name the vintage, appellation hierarchy, and even producer of a wine based on a few sips. It was incredible to witness.

By day three, there was laughter, shared nerves, and quiet confidence.

60 Guesses and a Broken Cork

On the third day, however, came the exam. I opened the multiple-choice booklet and immediately realised I was over my head. I knew the basics—vinification, grape varieties, and general geography—but when the questions got into Cru classifications, altitude zones, terroir specifics, and AOP/DOCG systems on a global scale, I was guessing.

Then came the practical service exam: eight minutes to present, open, and correctly serve a bottle of wine—under pressure—while a Master Sommelier throws curveballs at you.

Eight minutes. I’ve never known time to vanish faster. By the end, I had removed the foil, broken the cork, forgotten half my steps, and shakily served a single glass. I probably needed eighteen minutes. But it was thrilling, humbling, and completely eye-opening.

Still, I didn’t come just for a certificate. I came to learn. And learn I did.

Who Should Take the Intro Course?

I’m writing this not to criticise the course but to share my experience honestly.

If you love drinking wine, keep loving it! Maybe gift someone (or yourself) a WSET Level 1 course, or spend a day tasting at one of the many brilliant British vineyards.

But if you want a career in wine service—guiding guests through wine lists, recommending pairings, and serving bottles with grace—then the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Introductory Certificate is the perfect start.

Just know that to pass with confidence, it requires six months of serious study and, ideally, a year of hands-on service experience.

Nonetheless, the course provided me with some valuable insights to take back into my work with UK Fizz clients:

First, there is room for UK wine to grow on a global scale. While the prestigious chateaus of the Old World have given us a benchmark to aspire to and an archive of tastes, aromas, and histories, a new generation of Somms, vineyards and marketers are grappling with the rise of new and innovative grapes and winemaking practices, climate change and increased sustainability efforts, and a new kind of wine consumer – conscientious, selective, and heavily influenced by digital trends, social media, and online wine shopping.
Second, despite the enormous and distinguished expertise of the knowledge of those I studied with, familiarity with the UK wine region is a rare skill set, even amongst the most accomplished Somms.
Related to this, great wineries and vineyards deserve a marketing agency that knows their wine – its terroir and climate, unique market and tasting qualities, and the particular struggles and triumphs experienced by UK wine and sparkling wine proprietors. At UK Fizz, we’re proud to say we know wine and are taking steps every day to better serve the wineries and vineyards of the UK.

Why I’d Do It Again Tomorrow

This experience made one thing clear: There is so much more to wine than what ends up on a website or label. The dedication, knowledge, and poise under pressure are astonishing.

For me, this isn’t about becoming a sommelier.

It’s about understanding the full picture so I can tell better stories—whether we’re helping a vineyard with branding, designing packaging, or launching a digital campaign.

This clockwise journey around a mock restaurant table was the fastest eight minutes of my life—and one of the most important.

The next morning, I returned to the UKFizz office and rebooked to sit the Intro course again in six months’ time.

I now know what to expect—and how much more I need to learn.

And next time, I’ll open that bottle in 7.

For more information on the course, or how UK Fizz can work with you on your own wine journey, please get in touch.