History
A standard of service with roots stretching back to 1363.
The modern Court
The first Master Sommelier examination was held in London, in the United Kingdom, in 1969. By 1977 the Court of Master Sommeliers was established, and has since become the premier examining body for Sommeliers worldwide.
Courses are now conducted regularly throughout Europe, Oceania, Asia and the Americas.
A longer lineage — 1363
It started in 1363 with the Twelve Great City of London Livery Companies. The companies were guilds where members took care of each other before government support programs existed, and were organisations with similar goals.
One of those twelve companies was the Worshipful Company of Vintners — established to help wine import, regulation, and sales.