Our Journey to Becoming Certified Olive Oil Sommeliers

We’ve just completed the Olive Oil Times Olive Oil Sommelier course and we’re so proud to say we’ve officially passed and are now certified Olive Oil Sommeliers.

It’s a moment that feels both exciting and deeply rewarding.

Coming into the course with an established foundation, we were looking to refine and deepen our understanding. What we experienced went far beyond that, an immersion into the nuance, precision, and quiet complexity that defines truly exceptional olive oil. It reaffirmed that no matter how much you know, there is always another layer to discover.

At the very heart of the experience was olive oil tasting.

We tasted over 80 olive oils throughout the training, allowing us to truly refine our palate and develop a more structured, confident approach to evaluation.

An essential (and let’s be honest, slightly character-building) part of the experience was tasting defective oils. Not the most glamorous moment and certainly not the most pleasant, but memorable and undeniably important. Learning to identify what shouldn’t be there sharpened our understanding of what truly great olive oil is. Safe to say, it’s an experience we won’t forget anytime soon.

Remarkable team of speakers.

A defining part of the course was the remarkable team of speakers. From Dr Simon Poole to expert panel tasting judges, agricultural engineers, a master miller, sensory analysis experts and even a olive oil chef, the breadth of knowledge was extraordinary. Each brought a different perspective, creating a layered and deeply engaging experience. Their expertise and passion made the learning incredibly inspiring.

Equally special were the people we met along the way. An international group, all curious, all passionate, creating an atmosphere that felt both energising and collaborative. The exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences added something truly invaluable.

Passing the exam was a proud milestone. But more than that, becoming certified Olive Oil Sommeliers feels like stepping into a new chapter, one defined by a deeper understanding, a more refined palate, and an even greater respect for the craft.

Most importantly, this experience allows us to bring that knowledge back to you.

It enables us to better guide, educate, and share helping you to understand the world of olive oil with more clarity and confidence.