Court of Master Sommeliers names four new Master Sommeliers for 2026

The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas added four professionals to its highest credential after its 2026 exam in the Americas. The rare title underscores the scale of the challenge: just 176 Master Sommeliers are now in the Americas, out of 305 worldwide.

Why it matters: - The Master Sommelier title remains one of the most exclusive credentials in wine and hospitality. - Four new inductees strengthen a community that totals 176 Master Sommeliers in the Americas and 305 globally. - The result signals continued demand for rigorous service, tasting and leadership standards in the beverage industry.

What happened: - The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas announced four new Master Sommeliers for 2026. - Alex Mares of JW Marriott Essex House in New York City, Robert Ord of Wine Scout in Napa, California, Kaysie Rogers of SingleThread Farms in Santa Rosa, California, and Steven Washuta of Denver Wine Merchant in Denver, Colorado earned the title. - Thirty candidates took the exam this year, and four passed all three sections. - The announcement came Sept. 14, 2026, from Houston.

The details: - The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination has three parts: verbal theory, deductive blind tasting and practical service. - The theory section covers global wine and beverage regions, viticulture, production methods and regulatory laws. - The blind tasting section requires identification and analysis of six classic wines. - The practical service section tests hospitality, beverage service, salesmanship and business acumen. - Candidates have three years to complete the examination. - Alex Mares passed the tasting and theory sections in 2025, then returned in 2026 and passed the practical service portion. - Alex Mares also scored the highest in the cohort this year. - Michael Meagher, chair of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, said the exam reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence and the evolution of the profession. - Julie Cohen Theobald, executive director, said investments in access, mentorship and transparency are producing results.

Between the lines: - The exam remains a high-bar filter for senior wine professionals, which helps preserve the credential’s cachet. - Alex Mares’ turnaround stands out because the exam allows multiple attempts over a three-year window, rewarding persistence as well as knowledge. - The organization is signaling that education and mentorship are now part of its strategy, not just testing.

What's next: - The four new Master Sommeliers will join the Americas chapter’s leadership ranks in wine and hospitality. - The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas says it will continue building pathways through accessible education, clear standards and mentorship. - The organization directs readers to more information on its website.

The bottom line: - The 2026 results show how rare the Master Sommelier title remains — and how much perseverance it takes to earn it.