Watch Somm

In the world of wine, only a handful of individuals can be dubbed as proficient sommeliers - wine experts who have mastered the art of tasting and identifying the distinct flavor and characteristics of a particular grape variety. And this is the very core of the documentary film Somm, which follows the journey of four hopefuls as they gear up for the grueling certification exam to become a Master Sommelier.

Released in 2012, the film takes us on an in-depth look at the rigorous process that applicants undergo to obtain the coveted title of Master Sommelier, a feat achieved by only 240 people in the world as of the film's production. The cameras follow the journey of four candidates - Ian Cauble, Brian McClintic, Dustin Wilson, and DLynn Proctor - all with a singular objective: to become a Master Sommelier. These contestants had to sacrifice their personal lives, their mental and physical health, and their time and resources to prepare for the exam.

Somm is directed by Jason Wise and produced by Christina Wise and Jackson Myers. The film's setting is centered in Napa Valley, California, and shows how the four candidates have prepared for the exam, studying books and maps, conducting blind tastings and constantly discussing wine with esteemed sommeliers they work with.

The documentary dives into their world, exposing their tenacity, their insecurities, their struggles, conflicts, and even their friendships. From the intense emotional rollercoaster of revising every possible grape variety, country and region, to the sheer panic during the final exam, Somm brings viewers an insight into the lives of four aspirational Master Sommeliers.

Part of the film's charm is how it sheds light on the intense passion that sommeliers possess. It is not merely a profession, but also a lifestyle. One of the candidates, DLynn Proctor, who at the time was sommelier for famed chef Thomas Keller's The French Laundry stated: "Being a sommelier is not a job. It's a lifestyle choice. It's a way of living." This statement brings a new perspective to the role of sommeliers, indicating the degree of commitment and devotion they invest in their craft.

In an industry famous for its exclusivity and intimidation, where few can have the expertise and knowledge to match up to the most renowned sommeliers, Somm showcases their training from a unique angle. It whittles down the facade of sophistication and presents wine culture in a dynamic, accessible, and relatable manner.

Somm paints a picture of how wine professionals possess a unique and rare talent. They must use not only their senses but also their intuition when it comes to assessing the wine's flavor profile. And the documentary emphasizes that the average person is not aware of the extent of skill involved in judging a wine's quality.

The film also emphasizes the almost mystical connection between a sommelier and wine. Each candidate has their own way of evaluating wine, and their passion is evident in the precision with which they describe the wine's complexities, regaling their audience with interesting anecdotes and its history.

In conclusion, Somm is a captivating, engaging, and insightful documentary that offers a glimpse into the lives of individuals infatuated with a single objective, a single passion. While the documentary is unquestionably geared towards wine connoisseurs, it can also appeal to a broader audience. It's a fascinating look at determination and the drive to master a specific field, as well as an interesting examination of the wine education process. And even though the title's precise implications may be clear only to a particular group of people, Somm is an alluring and revealing watch for everyone.

Somm is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 58.