“It’s incredible. Some of my greatest gifts and most personal things I’ve ever felt are with these people in both failure and success.”
Shayn is the Examination Director for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. His quick wit, perceptiveness, ability to inspire (while also making you laugh), and generosity to all those around him, is limitless. In this episode, we cover how one creates what’s often called ‘the hardest test in the world,’ how being a former actor can prepare you for high-pressure situations, and ask: is fried chicken & Champagne the greatest food pairing ever?
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Shayn Bjornholm – Examination Director, Court of Master Sommeliers, Bainbridge Island
Shayn Bjornholm is based on Bainbridge Island, just outside of Seattle, and is undisputedly one of the foremost wine professionals in the world. He currently serves as the Examination Director for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, where he oversees all levels of examinations, including the Master Sommelier exam. He served as Wine Director at Canlis here in Seattle for 6 years, and while doing so, earned the title of Master Sommelier on his first attempt at the exam —one of only 10 people in the world to do so at the time, earning him one of the industry’s most prestigious recognitions, the Krug Cup. He’s also a dad of 2, and is a much sought-after mentor for some of the best and brightest in the biz.