My Resignation from The Court of Master Sommeliers
Today, I resigned from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Whenever I am faced with a difficult situation, I remind myself that I can’t go wrong by doing the right thing. The Court of Master Sommeliers has shaped my life for the last twenty-five years. Their core mission of honor, integrity, exemplary knowledge and humble hospitality is deeply rooted in my identity as a person and as a beverage professional. We are tasked to serve in what is in the best interest of our guests. If we were to consider the candidates of the Court of Master Sommeliers, I am saddened to say that we have failed to live up to our code of honor. I am deeply devastated to learn of the hundreds of women, BIPOC and members of the LGBTQIA community who have been harmed by the members of this organization. I deeply regret that in the pursuit of my own comfort, I never asked questions into how the organization operated while continuing to leverage the title for monetary and personal gain. While I can’t go back and undo the harm that has already been done, I am willing to do the work to right the wrongs. The problem is, I can’t be an ally and have it both ways. You can’t say you stand with Women, BIPOC and members of the LGBTQIA community but stay with the source of so much of their pain. I am ready to make amends and in order to show the truth of that sincerity, I am giving up my title. As the proverbial saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Earlier this year, as our country awakened to a racial reckoning brought on by the murder of George Floyd, a group of Master Sommeliers and I presented membership with a list of actionable items, including the formation of a Diversity Committee. Let’s just say the reception wasn’t what I had hoped. After the endlessly-inspiring Tahiirah Habibi shared her experience as a Black Woman dealing with the Court of Master Sommeliers with the New York Times, the CMS-A quickly moved into action and announced the formation of a Diversity Committee with two MS’s appointed to lead it. I emailed Devon and the Diversity Committee three times asking to serve on it, and presented my case that as the first Woman of Color and only South Asian to become an MS I would be able to bring a lot to the table, but I was turned down. I was told that the DC wanted to keep the group small and nimble in order to move more quickly but they were more than happy to take my suggestions. So in other words, do the work but we won’t give you the recognition of being on the official committee. It’s rather unfortunate, to say the least, that a committee created to foster inclusion began with the act of exclusion and the fact that I am still so angry about this tells me that I am also incredibly hurt. It’s also hard to put into words what it’s like to feel so unseen by your own organization.
To my friends who remain in the Court, please do not misinterpret my resignation as an indictment against anyone who chooses to stay. The friendships and camaraderie that I have formed have been one of my greatest joys and it is my sincere hope that we can continue to forge that bond. I am simply following my heart and staying true to my authentic self. Many of you are ready to take on the incredibly difficult task of rebuilding this organization in order to honor the candidates who have already sacrificed so much. I have often said that the title of Master Sommelier doesn’t make you great, but rather it’s the inherent greatness of a number of you who give meaning to the title.
My therapist told me once that endings are the hardest things we must face. It will take me time to process and unpack all of this. I recently wrote that no man, woman, title or organization can control who you are as a person or your career. I worked hard to earn that title and no one can ever take that accomplishment away from me. These are the facts but I also said that I didn’t know who I would be without my connection to this organization. After twenty-five years, I’m ready to find out.
Sincerely
Alpana Singh