Former Master Sommelier Aims for Seventh Attempt at Rigorous Exam
Steven Washuta, a former Master Sommelier from Denver, is attempting the rigorous Master Sommelier exam for the seventh time, seeking to reclaim his title after a challenging eight-year journey involving 25 minutes and six wines.
Denver, CO, August 11, 2026 —
DENVER – Steven Washuta, a sommelier from Denver, is preparing for his seventh attempt at the Master Sommelier exam. This marks a significant milestone in an eight-year pursuit to regain the prestigious title he previously held.
The Master Sommelier examination is known for its extreme difficulty and comprehensive testing of wine knowledge and service skills. Washuta’s journey to this point has been extensive, encompassing multiple prior attempts at the exam.
Each examination phase is designed to be challenging. A key component involves a tasting portion where candidates must identify wines under pressure. This specific part of the exam for Washuta has previously lasted 25 minutes and included the assessment of six different wines. The details regarding the outcomes of his previous six attempts were not provided.
Washuta, who was once a Master Sommelier, is now aiming to reclaim that status. The rigorous nature of the exam requires immense dedication and preparation, and his commitment to undertaking it for a seventh time highlights the demanding path to achieving and maintaining such a high level of expertise in the wine industry.
The specific challenges and reasons behind the previous unsuccessful attempts were not detailed in the provided information. The Master Sommelier Institute’s examination process is notoriously selective, with a low pass rate for candidates.
Story summarized from the original created by Antony Bruno on www.westword.com, see more information here.
