…people of color at the advanced level who are sitting for the Masters -Carlton McCoy

“There are several people of color at the advanced level who are sitting for the Masters [Sommelier Exam]. Without the pin [earned upon passing the exam], people are not going to believe the Black sommelier when she comes to the table. That pin shows you know your stuff. It’s like the medical degree hanging in your doctor’s office.”

—Carlton McCoy, CEO of Heitz Cellars and 1 of only 3 African American Master Sommeliers, who serves on the Court of Master Sommeliers’ diversity committee, commenting on the importance of the MS pin to minority professionals.