I want to be a certified Tea Sommelier!
It's hard to say exactly when the first tea sommelier appeared on the scene, but several individuals lay claim to a variety of firsts. In the United States - and perhaps worldwide - James Labe is said to be the first person to take on such a post, at New York's W Hotel. Nowadays, Labe is counted as one of the faculty members of the American Tea Masters Association, among other things. Here's a 2000 podcast that features Labe.
As of 2003, when this article on tea sommeliers was published, there was no formal certification course available for someone hoping to take on this designation. That's apparently still the case today. Aspiring tea sommeliers looking to further their education might want to consider the Tea Certification Program offered by The Tea Association of the USA. Also of interest, a Tea Sommelier Academy, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
For additional perspective on what a tea sommelier does, look here and here.
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