Think back to the most difficult test you’ve ever taken. In director Jason Wise’s new documentary, “SOMM,” he delivers an exclusive look at a test like no other. Folks, you’ve never studied for a test like this before.
“SOMM” documents the entertaining and emotional path four sommeliers take to prepare for one of the world’s least passed tests – the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Master Sommelier Exam. This organization is regarded as one of the most prestigious, secretive and exclusive in the world and the highest honor a sommelier can gain.
Here’s an example of how hard this test is – the Court of Master Sommeliers has been around for 40 years. In that time, less than 200 people have passed this daunting test. Those who are up for the challenge should be experts in wine regions, sub-regions, districts, villages, what made certain years good, how to serve certain wines and what to serve with every wine – oh, and it’s in five different languages. Good luck with that.
Those who’ve passed say preparing for this test took a toll on their personal lives, well-being and sanity.
To celebrate the documentary’s international premier, Vancouver’s Rio Theatre is hosting its first-ever VIP Wine + Film Night. Enjoy exclusive wine tastings before heading into the theater for the screening. When the lights come back on, director himself will arrive via Skype for a Q&A with a panel of local wine experts.
For other showings, “SOMM” debuts in theaters nationwide Friday, June 21. So far, the only theaters in the Northwest that’s announced it will be playing is Seattle’s Sundance Cinema later this month and tonight at Kirkland, Wash.’s Kirkland Performance Center for the Seattle International Film Festival.
But for those who’d rather stay at home and have their own VIP party, “SOMM” also will release on iTunes the same day as in the theater. Click here for the official trailer.
Tuesday, June 11 || 7 p.m. (wine tasting), 8:30 p.m. (movie screening) || Rio Theatre || 1660 E Broadway Vancouver, B.C. || Tickets: VIP Wine Tasting + Movie $25 advanced/$30 day of, just movie $12 advanced/$15 day of
Friday, June 21-Thursday, June 27 || Sundance Cinemas Seattle || 4500 9th Ave. NE Seattle, WA || Tickets: available soon
