What is an olive oil sommelier?

An olive oil sommelier is someone who is trained to identify the different types of olive oils and their flavour profiles. They also know how to pair olive oils with food, and can advise on the best way to use olive oil in cooking. 

There are a number of defects that can occur during the production of olive oil, which can impact its quality. These include rancidity, which is caused by the oxidation of the oil and fustiness, which is caused by the presence of yeast or bacteria.

An olive oil sommelier can also advise producers on optimizing their process to eliminate defects and make better quality. To produce high-quality olive oil, producers must carefully control all aspects of the production process, from the selection of olives to the storage of the finished product. By paying attention to these details, producers can ensure that their olive oil meets the highest standards of quality.

Olive oil sommeliers typically have a background in food and beverage service, and many have formal culinary training. They may also hold certifications from olive oil trade organizations, such as The National Organization of Olive Oil Tasters (O.N.A.O.O.) in Italy or the Olive Oil Sommelier certification program by the International Culinary Center in the United States. 

If you're interested in becoming an olive oil sommelier, there are a few things you need to know. First, olive oil tasting is similar to wine tasting, in that you'll need to learn how to identify different flavours. Second, you'll need to be familiar with the different types of olive oils and their uses. And third, you'll need to know how to pair olive oil with food. 

If you have a passion for olive oil and want to learn more about it, becoming an olive oil sommelier may be the perfect career for you. Or, if you are simply curious and eager to learn, our website is full of content on the subject. In fact, our president and founder, Michel Favuzzi, is himself an olive oil sommelier. Visit our section dedicated exclusively to olive oil: https://www.favuzzi.com/en/olive-oil-guide

There are also sommeliers who offer excellent online training such as Emily Lycopolus of The Olive Oil Critic right here in Canada. Find her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emily.lycopolus/