United States Sommelier Association
Executive Offices
6039 Collins Avenue, Suite 504
Miami Beach, FL 33140
305.867.3226

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US Sommelier Association

The United States Sommelier Association is a Florida non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and teaching of the wine culture to wine lovers and industry professionals. Rick Garced, DVS, FMP Founder & President, developed the original course format and curriculum in 1997 for The United States Sommelier Association Wine School.
The highly respected Rick Garced is a well known restaurateur, wine writer and wine consultant based in Miami, Florida and Europe. He is Director of the wine programs for Apollo Ship Chandlers, Inc. one of the largest maritime caterer and cruise line operators in the world.
The Association offers two levels of Wine Course Certification programs. The courses are given at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Miramar. Our Wine School focuses on the practical aspects of enjoying wine, viticulture and vinification, review of major and minor wine producing regions, fortified wines, blending wines and food & wine pairings. A selection of eight to ten wines will be tasted at each session, offering a broad introduction to all wines. Many wines are tasted blind to make learning both interactive and fun.
Upon successful completion of the course a two-part test is given to the students. First is a one (1) hour written true/false, multiple choice and essay type test followed by a written blind tasting examination of six (6) wines by the USSA board of examiners. Passing students will receive a Foundation Sommelier Certification.