Master Sommeliers Expel Six Members

Reformers hope to professionalize the organization. But some say recent actions aren’t enough

- JULIE HARANS

After an investigation that began more than a year ago, the Court of Master Sommeliers–Americas (CMS-A) has expelled six Master Sommeliers: Bob Bath, Fred Dame, Fred Dexheimer, Drew Hendricks, Joseph Linder and Matt Stamp. The move follows allegations by multiple female wine professionals who were studying for the organization’s exams that some of the most senior members committed sexual assault. They also allege that the group suffered from structural toxicity in which male leaders exploited the mentorship-based nature of the organization.

“From this deep disappointment and betrayal, we will continue channeling the learned lessons into growth and positive change for our organization,” said CMS-A chair Emily Wines in a statement. Wines is part of the new board of directors elected in 2020 as part of the organization’s restructuring efforts.

Some members see it as a step in the right direction. But others, while happy to see any concrete action taken, are dissatisfied with components of the investigation as well as the CMSA actions that followed.

“This was the final chance for [the Court] to do the right thing, and they did the wrong thing in every way,” said Liz Mitchell, an Advanced Sommelier based in New Orleans. Mitchell is among the more than 20 women who came forward with allegations in a New York Times article in October 2020 that they had been groped, received explicit texts, were pressured for sex in exchange for professional favors and even raped.