# Wagyu Sommelier Certifications
Wagyu Sommelier Brings Level 1 Training to New York

By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-01 | Social Good
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beef-education-programs
References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-institute-of-culinary-education-and-wagyu-sommelier-bring-certification-to-new-york-for-the-first-time-with-multi-day-experience-for-students-chefs-and-hospitality-professionals-302895120.html)

![Wagyu Sommelier Certifications](https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/639/beef-education-programs.jpeg)

The Institute of Culinary Education is expanding its partnership with Wagyu Sommelier by bringing its certification training to New York for the first time. The multi-day program covers Japanese Wagyu quality, traceability, sourcing, nutrition, heritage, butchery, and whole-animal usage alongside hands-on cooking and chef demonstrations. New for 2026, the Level One certification also includes expanded education for front-of-house professionals, helping hospitality teams better communicate the characteristics and origins of Wagyu to diners.

The program turns specialized ingredient knowledge into a professional credential that can support chefs, servers, and hospitality professionals working with premium meat. Expanding from Los Angeles to New York gives Wagyu Sommelier access to another major culinary market while strengthening the Institute’s professional education offerings. Partnerships with Japanese trade organizations and producers can also build awareness of lesser-known Wagyu brands seeking greater exposure within the U.S. restaurant industry.

Image Credit: The Institute of Culinary Education