The three-day program began with two days of intensive workshops led by an impressive panel of Master Sommeliers: Ronan Sayburn MS, CEO of CMS Europe; Kamal Malik MS, India’s first Master Sommelier; and Yohann Jousselin MS from France, now based in Hong Kong. The final day was dedicated to the examinations — a rigorous process combining theory, blind tastings, and live service assessments that test both precision and grace under pressure.
Of the 21 participants (18 from Indonesia, 3 from across Southeast Asia), 9 sommeliers successfully achieved Introductory certification, and 3 earned the coveted Certified Sommelier title — a major milestone for Indonesia’s wine industry. Top scores were awarded to Muhamad Yusud Breda from Biko Group for the Introductory level, and Adam from Union Group for the Certified level.
“Bringing the CMS certification program to Indonesia has been a pleasure. The results clearly show that Indonesian sommeliers stand shoulder to shoulder with their global peers,” said Ronan Sayburn MS, expressing satisfaction with the program’s success and hinting at a return in 2026.
The success of this program was made possible through the leadership of Kertawidyawati, wine educator, founder of Widya’s World of Wine and Jaddi Academy, who served as the official Indonesian organizer. Her contribution not only helped execute the event flawlessly but also placed Indonesia firmly on the international wine education map.
Kertawidyawati is no stranger to pioneering wine education in Indonesia. Through partnerships with WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) and as the first Approved Program Provider via Hatten Education Center and later Jaddi Academy, she has trained and inspired a new generation of wine professionals.
“This certification is a dream realized,” Widya shared. “With the support of Asia Wine Institute under Tommy Lam, and our generous sponsors, CMS certification is now accessible to Indonesian sommeliers. I’m thrilled that CMS Europe has confirmed a return next year — it’s a big step toward elevating our professional standards.”
The program was supported by a network of prominent industry sponsors including Jaddi International, Indonesia Sommelier Association, Lucaris Crystal, Lotus Food Service, Barton & Guestier, Dimatique Fine Wines, Dwimitra Sukses Perkasa, Pelita Makmur Perkasa, Pantja Artha Niaga, Mitra Indo Maju, and Teka Group. Each participant received a premium Lucaris Crystal glass set, while top scorers were awarded exclusive limited-edition glass series.
Founded to uphold the highest standards of wine service and beverage professionalism, The Court of Master Sommeliers represents the pinnacle of sommelier certification worldwide — with four ascending levels: Introductory, Certified, Advanced, and Master Sommelier (MS). Achieving any of these titles signals not only technical mastery but also an exceptional dedication to the craft.
As Indonesia now celebrates its first new batch of certified sommeliers, it’s clear that the local wine scene is evolving beyond appreciation — it’s maturing into expertise. The cork has officially been popped, and a new era of Indonesian sommeliers has begun.