The movie chronicles the rigors of becoming a certified Master Sommelier, a process far more difficult than many might imagine. Director Jason Wise took three years to follow four people studying to pass this prestigious exam.
There are fewer than 200 people worldwide who have ever achieved the Master level through the Court of Master Sommeliers, with locations in both Napa, California and Devon, England.
Wise got the idea to turn the process into a documentary when a friend in the program asked him to come what how the candidates practice.
"I went and watched it, and my jaw hit the floor," Wise told us during a recent edition of Eat Drink Explore Radio. "I had never seen anything like it. It was like somebody showed me a ballet without the music."
The film SOMM made its festival debut last fall at the Napa Film Festival and has received praise from a number of top publications for its humor and ability to relate to those not closely connected to the wine industry.
Screenings of SOMM will take place at the following SLO Film Fest locations:
| CITY | VENUE | TIME | DATE |
| Paso Robles | Park Cinemas | 7:00 p.m. | Friday, March 8, 2013 |
| San Luis Obispo | Fremont Theater | 2:00 p.m. | Saturday, March 9, 2013 |
