Wine making and production dates back thousands of years to ancient times. In fact, the art of making and producing wine goes back to the Romans, the Greeks, and even the Chinese. Sites that were used to make this product date back to 6,000 B.C. Back in the day, this process was labor intensive and time consuming. This process involved collecting the grapes that were going to be used into baskets, and taking those baskets to the location where the product was to be made. This allowed for some level of quality control, and having one place where the product was made also allowed the product to be controlled.
Most people have heard of the terms red and white, and sweet and dry, as they are often found in wine baskets, but many people are not quite sure of what they mean. The term red is used to describe the fact that in this particular product, red grapes, as well as the seeds and the skins are used to make the final product. Because the red skins are used the color of the product takes on the color of the grapes. This is also the reason that red grape juice is also red. These products also tend to be dry and heavier tasting. White refers to the fact that in this product, only the clear juice of the grape is used, not the skins or the seeds. This is also how the white grape juice is created. The process is the same, except for the juice is not fermented.
The process of creating this product is labor intensive, and there are those who are experts at making it. There are also those experts that are readily available to you to answer questions, and to help you make selections that are correct for whatever the occasion. These professionals are known as sommeliers. A sommelier is a steward who is also considered an expert in wine making and is trained in common knowledge of the product. They are also responsible for educating consumers who wish to purchase the product, and make correct connections between the product they are using and the food that they are making, and the party that they are throwing. If you are trying to select a gift for someone else, they can also assist you with that. These professionals can be employed as an expert in a shop, or in a restaurant.
Though sommelier is a job title potentially anyone may claim, becoming a certified sommelier requires classes and testing. The certification is offered by a wide range of educators. The Court of Master Sommeliers, established in 1977, is responsible for giving the examinations for the Master Sommelier Diploma, as well as any other certifications that may be applicable to the profession.
This organization also offers a higher level of education which screens potential candidates to be both tested and educated in the program. The course is usually offered twice per year and acceptance is highly selective. Often candidates will apply for years before being accepted. The organization is a nonprofit membership, used to support the development of the profession.