The Olive Oil Sommelier certification program, offered by the esteemed Masters of Olive Oil Academy, is not just a course; it’s a transformative journey into the world of olive oil expertise. Aspiring olive oil connoisseurs, this is your chance to elevate your tasting skills and become a certified olive oil sommelier.

The Olive Oil Sommelier Tasting Course for new olive oil tasters organised by the Masters of Olive Oil Academy is a true Master Class for those who want to become olive oil sommeliers and olive oil experts by attending an Official Oil Tasting Preparation Course.

Increasingly, the ability to assess virgin oils from a sensory point of view is a fundamental skill and tool both for those who aspire to become “technical experts in olive oil tasting” and for those who want to become a taster or olive oil sommelier first and perhaps, in time, become a Master Blender for olive oil Companies.

Finally, we can say that olive oil-tasting expertise is very useful for all consumers and operators in the Horeca sector. All who wish to learn or deepen their knowledge of how to choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and therefore healthy EVOO can take advantage by attending the new Olive Oil Sommelier path provided by Masters of Olive Oil Academy.

OLIVE OIL SOMMELIER COURSE – UNLOCKING THE WORLD OF OLIVE OIL EXCELLENCE 

The Olive Oil Sommelier Tasting Course, meticulously organized by the Masters of Olive Oil Academy, is not merely a class, it’s a Master Class designed for individuals aspiring to become olive oil sommeliers and experts. This official Oil Tasting Preparation Course equips you with the sensory skills essential for distinguishing the nuances of virgin oils, a skill crucial for both technical experts and those aspiring to become master blenders for olive oil companies.

OFFICIAL OLIVE OIL SOMMELIER CERTIFICATION COURSE

Enrol in the official tasting course taking place in Stellenbosch in February 2024, where you’ll build the foundations for a successful career as an olive oil sommelier or expert oil taster. This comprehensive course, in strict compliance with international and regional standards, spans around 40 hours, providing the essential skills endorsed by both the Ministry of Agriculture in Italy and the International Olive Oil Council.

OLIVE OIL OFFICIAL COURSE – SOUTH AFRICA SESSION – LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE (20 PLACES IN THE ROOM FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE)

For a truly immersive experience, join our Olive Oil Sommelier Course in South Africa, with only 20 seats available. At the Masters of Olive Oil Academy, we ensure professional training, adhering to the criteria established by regulations and industry standards.

 THE NEW OIL SOMMELIER COURSE  2024 – SOUTH AFRICA  (FOR YOUR BETTER EXPERIENCE ONLY 20 SEATS ARE AVAILABLE)

At the Masters of Olive Oil Academy, we are in the habit of organising training courses in the most professional way possible. The Olive Oil Sommelier Tasting Course is the start of a complete course, according to Ministerial Decree 7/10/2021, to enrol on the National List of Technicians and Experts of Virgin and Extra Virgin Olive Oils in Italy. This is a course lasting a minimum of 35 hours (normally about 40), authorized by the Region where the course is held. This is the first course directed by two Panel Leaders and held following the criteria established by Reg(EEC) No. 2568 and subsequent amendments and supplements and the MI.P.A.F. decree of 7 October 2021.

OFFICIAL OLIVE OIL COURSE SYLLABUS HIGHLIGHTS?

The Olive Oil Sommelier Course consists of theoretical lessons and practical sessions, and is divided into two steps:

1. Part 1 First Level – Official Oil Tasting Course – consisting of the Official Course for Aspiring Olive Oil Tasters to obtain the Diploma of Physiological Suitability for Tasting. This is a 5-day full immersion course with final tests with at least four series of tests for each of the attributes indicated in document IOC/T.20/Doc. No 14;

2. Part 2 Second Level – Official Oil Tasting Course – consisting of 20 certified tasting sessions as prescribed by Italian regulations. For enrollment “in the National List of technicians and experts of virgin and extra virgin olive oils”, in fact, the Ministerial Decree of 7/10/2021, (art.4 paragraph 2 letter b) provides that, in addition to the Certificate of Physiological Suitability, a: “Certificate issued by a Panel Leader as per art.3 paragraph 7, which proves participation, according to the methodology envisaged in Annex 12 of the Regulation, in at least 20 tasting sessions, held on different days, in the 24 months preceding the date of submission of the application, each comprising at least two sessions with 3 organoleptic evaluations”.

OLIVE OIL SOMMELIER COURSE – TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Embark on this transformative journey and secure your spot in the Olive Oil Sommelier certification program. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an avid enthusiast, this course promises to enrich your understanding of olive oil in ways you never thought possible.

Let’s see what the official olive oil sommelier/taster course programme consists of:

1. Outlines of the history of the olive oil product.
2. Basics of sensory analysis.
3. Explanation and use of the official tasting sheet.
4. Guided tasting of an appropriate number of oils according to MASAF regulations.
5. Basics of olive growing.
6. The plant. Cultivation techniques. Harvesting methods.
7. Explanation of oil production technologies from traditional to modern methods.
8. Description of storage, preservation and packaging practices.
9. Evaluation of the main oil defects: explanation of causes and origins. understanding the
   Basics of the chemistry of oils and their composition.
10. Product classification and legislation.
11. Hints on uses in gastronomy.
12. Food pairing is how to choose and match the right oil to each dish.
13. Introduction to the main varieties (cultivars) in Italy and the world.
14. Relationship between Diet, Oil and Health and Conservation.
15. The final test to assess candidates’ sensory abilities according to I.O.C. (International Olive Oil Org) requirements.E