SoDel Concepts employees pass introductory sommelier exam

Chris Carmean, general manager of Lupo Italian Kitchen in downtown Rehoboth Beach, and Chad McMaster, an assistant manager at Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar in Rehoboth, recently passed the introductory sommelier course and exam administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. The organization was established in 1977 to improve beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants.

Carmean and McMaster join colleagues Bogi Szabo and Chris Racine, who have also passed the introductory exam. SoDel Concepts wine director Mike Zygmonski and Eric Overman have passed the second level, which is the certified sommelier exam. Zygmonski plans to sit for the advanced sommelier exam in 2019.

To achieve certification, candidates must pass blind tastings, a written theory examination and a practical service examination.

"As a company, we are always striving to be the best that we can be," said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts. "We encourage and support employees who set career goals, and we celebrate when they achieve them."

Having more knowledge about wine improves the guest experience, he said. Since becoming the wine director, Zygmonski has revamped all the restaurants' wine lists. Lupo Italian Kitchen now features the only all-Italian list in the area.

"It's exciting to share a love of wine with my fellow employees," Zygmonski said. "We're building a strong wine culture at SoDel Concepts, and our customers appreciate it."

For more information, go to www.sodelconcepts.com.