�We�re honored to welcome these three wine professionals of such high caliber to the Court. They displayed exemplary knowledge and skill. To be able to award the prestigious Krug Cup to Keith was an added bonus,� said Evan Goldstein, chairman of the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers.  �Their achievement will further them in reaching even greater heights within the wine and beverage industries.�

Keith Goldston, from Las Vegas, Nev., is the sommelier at Aureole in the Mandalay Bay Resort. He is the first candidate since 1991 to receive the coveted Krug Cup, awarded when one passes all three portions of the exam in one sitting. �I was committed to passing the exam at some point, but to achieve this on the first attempt and receive the Krug Cup was beyond my wildest expectation,� said Goldston.  �My thanks go to all who have helped, inspired and supported me along this path.�

Lawrence O�Brien, residing in Orlando, Fla., is the sommelier at Emeril�s Restaurant Orlando. His start in the industry was as a teamster�s truck driver in Youngstown, Ohio, where he delivered beer and wine.  He has now been in the vocation for 12 years. �This is proof positive that you do not have to be the biggest and brightest shining star in the industry,� said O�Brien. �I did however have the integrity and perseverance to the task at hand, and am proud to now be a Master Sommelier.�

Robert Jones from Richmond, Va., is the Wine Director at The Commonwealth Club located in Richmond. �You do make sacrifice to prepare for the program, but the benefits to be gained by obtaining the Master Sommelier Diploma are well worth the time and effort,� said Jones. �Hard work and determination pay off.�

Twenty-one candidates participated in the March 6-8 exam, including the first United Kingdom candidate, Nigel Wilkinson, who traveled from North Wales to attempt the exam through the American Chapter of the Court. The exam is administered in three sections: Theory, Tasting, and Practical Service.  Passing scores in each of the three sections are required to earn the Master Sommelier Diploma. There are now a total of 47 Master Sommeliers in the United States and 104 in the world. Of the American Master Sommeliers, 39 are men and 8 are women.

The Court of Master Sommeliers was established in England to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants. The title Master Sommelier marks the highest recognition of wine, liquor, and beverage service abilities and professionalism in the hospitality trade.  Education was then, and remains today, the Court�s charter. There are three stages involved in attaining the top qualifications of Master Sommelier: Introductory Sommelier Course; Advanced Sommelier Course; and Master Sommelier Diploma.