Matt Scammell
Freelance sommelier Matt Scammell formerly worked in the world of business management before leaving to pursue his dream role. He is regularly hired to undertake tasks such as creating wine lists, training staff and conducting wine tastings, providing his services to a wide range of individuals, businesses and restaurants. Travel is an essential part of Matt’s work and one he enjoys, especially when it offers the opportunity to visit vineyards in locations such as Italy, France, Spain, Chile, Peru and Argentina.
Master of Wine
Matt, who originally hails from the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Australia, is currently working towards becoming a Master of Wine (MW) with the Institute of Masters of Wine. MWs make up a unique global community, with members regularly called on to lead wine tastings, assess some of the world’s finest cellars, lecture on wine courses and judge at wine competitions.
To become an MW, an individual must first be accepted onto the official programme, at which point they’ll be assigned a mentor (also an MW) and have plenty of opportunities to meet industry leaders, other MWs and fellow students during residential seminars and course days. There are three stages to the study programme. The first is the foundation stage, the second includes a residential seminar and four non-residential course days, and the final stage is dedicated to producing a research paper. For their paper, programme participants may propose a wine-related topic, with the freedom to decide how to explore the chosen subject.
Sommelier
As a sommelier, Matt is an expert in wine and the wine industry and keeps up to date with changing food and wine trends. There are several different routes to becoming a professional sommelier. The main providers of sommelier certifications are the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). The latter was established in 1977 and is the primary educational organisation for wine service professionals. Most CMS programme students self-study, alongside receiving some face-to-face instruction before the examination.
Matt’s typical duties as a sommelier include managing cellars, storage and stock levels, wine buying and wine tasting. He regularly conducts research into different types of wine, where they’re cultivated and how they’re made to help him recommend the best wines to customers. This continuously updated knowledge also allows Matt to create perfect wine lists and pairings.
Hobbies & Interests
When he’s not working, Matt enjoys a range of hobbies and interests, including abstract art, listening to jazz music, canoeing, swimming and cycling.
