Since its inception, barely 300 people have passed the exam necessary to earn the designation of Master Sommelier, the wine world’s most exclusive and most prestigious title. Sally StewartA Sommelier Scandal Washuta passed the tasting portion on his second attempt in September of 2018. Shortly after, he attended the bi-annual Master Sommelier Symposium, held to welcome new members. He was given a certificate and presented with the revered Master Sommelier pin — a gold interior embossed with the bust of Bacchus with a red border. She passed her Advanced Sommelier exam in 2018, and they were hatching a plan to leave the restaurant world to open a wine shop when Washuta passed his Master exam.