LaVonda Wagner is an athlete coach and certified Sommelier. She has years of experience coaching at universities and now runs her own training company. A sommelier is an expert in wine service, pairings, and wine knowledge. Becoming a sommelier requires extensive study as there are no shortcuts. Individuals can study on their own and work in the wine industry to gain knowledge and experience, and the last step is certification from organizations like the Court of Master Sommeliers.

2.  Athlete and coach LaVonda Wagner has years of
experience in the sports field, having coached at
several universities, including Duke University and the
University of Illinois. She currently manages LA
Performance Training and Skill Enhancement
Company, which she founded. LaVonda Wagner is
also a certified Sommelier through the Court of
Master Sommeliers.
A sommelier, or a wine steward, is an individual who is
an expert in all things wine, including wine service
and wine and food pairings. Becoming a sommelier
requires a great deal of study, and there are no
shortcuts.

3.  There are many wine programs that help individuals
become sommeliers, but potential sommeliers should go in
with a substantial knowledge base through self-education
and work within the industry. Aspiring sommeliers can learn
a lot on their own, including wine regions and other wine
facts, and can also practice the art of presenting and
pouring the wine. For more practical experience, a
sommelier-in-training can get a job at a restaurant or in
the hospitality business with companies that offer staff
wine tasting.
The last step in becoming a sommelier is certification.
While certification is not required, it does help sommeliers
stand out in the job market. There are many organizations,
including the Court of Master Sommeliers, that offer
classes and certification.