IMW

What is the Institute of Masters of Wine? What does it do?

The Institute exists to promote the highest educational and professional standards in the wine industry. Its members are all Masters of Wine. It administers the Master of Wine education and examination programmes. It also holds events for wine trade professionals throughout the year which include seminars and tastings, master classes, discussions, and, every four years, a symposium which is an independent forum for wine industry leaders to address topical issues.

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What is a Master of Wine?

Strictly speaking, a Master of Wine (MW) is someone who has passed the rigorous Master of Wine examination and has signed and abides by the Code of Conduct of the Institute of Masters of Wine. More practically, they are someone who has achieved the highest level of wine trade education, uphold professional excellence, and has a proven set of problem solving skills that are specific to the wine industry.

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How many Masters of Wine are there? In how many countries?

There are currently 279 Masters of Wine, living in 22 different countries.

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How do I become a Master of Wine?

To become a Master of Wine, you need to have passed the examination, completed an original dissertation and have signed up to - and abided by - the Institute's Code of Conduct. Please visit the About Us section of the website for more information.

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What are the benefits of being a Master of Wine?

Perhaps the most important is membership of the Institute itself: being part of the global community of Masters of Wine, each of whom has demonstrated the highest knowledge and ability in the art, science and business of wine. Masters of Wine are equipped with a unique range of practical and theoretical knowledge which enables them to work across all disciplines within the wine industry, from winemakers, oenologists and viticulturists through to shippers, retailers and writers.

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How do I check to see if someone really is a Master of Wine?

The best way to do this is to check to see if they are listed as a Master of Wine on our website. You can also contact the Institute on +44 (0)207 621 2830.

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How can I contact a Master of Wine?

Many Masters of Wine give their contact details in the Meet the Masters of Wine section. If you need to reach someone who does not provide a contact within their profile, please contact the executive office where a message can be passed on. The Institute does not give out members' details without their prior authorisation.

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How many Masters of Wine are women?

There are currently 75 female Masters of Wine.

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How many Masters of Wine are based outside the UK?

There are 97 Masters of Wine living and working outside the UK.

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When and how did the Institute start?

In 1953, the Vintners' Company, based in London, resurrected the qualification Master of Wine by setting an exam to measure professional excellence in the wine trade. Six of the 21 people sitting the exam passed it, and became Masters of Wine. Two years later, in 1955, these individuals founded the Institute of Masters of Wine.

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Where is the Institute based? Why is it in England?

The Institute's head office is in London, although it runs its education and examination programmes and events worldwide. London has historically been one of the world's principal wine trading centres and was, therefore, a natural place for the Institute to start up and flourish. Today, its membership and activities are truly international.

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What is the structure of the Master of Wine exam? Can one be a part-qualified MW?

There are three parts to the exam. The Practical exam comprises three papers of 12 wines each, tasted blind. The Theory exam comprises four papers on the Production and Handling of Wine (two papers), the Business of Wine, and Contemporary Issues. The Dissertation is a 10,000 word report based on original research. To become a Master of Wine, one has to pass everything. There is no such thing as a part-qualified Master of Wine.

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Who are the examiners?

Each paper is examined by a panel of Examiners, headed by a Panel Chair. The members of the panels are Masters of Wine and other senior members of the wine trade from around the world. The Institute also has an external academic adviser.

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How often can someone sit the exam?

A candidate who has participated in the education programme may sit the Practical and/or Theory parts of the exam a maximum of five times within six years. Both parts must be sat until at least one is passed. However, the candidate must pass at least part of the exam (i.e. Practical or Theory) within the first three attempts.

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Is the Institute of Masters of Wine education programme full time?

The Institute of Masters of Wine education programme is principally self-study and is not full time. The academic year begins in mid-September and finishes at the end of May. Students participate in a one-week residential seminar during the academic year, may also attend course days, and get the support of a Master of Wine mentor in their studies throughout the year. The residential seminars are offered on three continents: Europe, Australasia and North America.

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How long does the Institute's education programme take to complete?

The education programme takes a minimum of three years to complete, although it may take longer. Students may sit the Theory and Practical exam after the end of the second year, and then submit their Dissertation in the following June should they pass both the Practical and Theory parts of the Exam.

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Where can I study to become a Master of Wine and how many classes do I need to attend each year?

The education programme is offered on three continents with residential seminars in Adelaide, Australia; Napa, USA; Bordeaux, France; Rust, Austria; and Berkshire, UK. These seminars normally last one week and attendance is compulsory to be eligible to sit the examination. There are also additional course days. The main element of the course is self-directed study. The examination is held over four days, usually in June, in three locations: London, UK; Napa, USA; and Sydney, Australia.

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How much does it cost to study in the Institute's education programme?

The annual education programme and exam fees are listed in the Education section of the website. Candidates also need to factor in their travel costs and wine costs for their own tasting sessions.

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What is the language of education at the Institute?

The education programme is conducted in English. The Institute will try to provide candidates with a mentor who reads their language, although this may not always be possible. Candidates must write the Practical exam in English and the Dissertation must be submitted in English, but candidates may arrange for translation from their mother tongue prior to submission. The Theory exams may be written in any language. The Institute will arrange for translation and will subsidise the cost.

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How do I apply for the Institute of Masters of Wine education programme?

Applications for the education programme can be submitted every year between mid-July and mid-September. They must be supported by a referee, who is either a Master of Wine or a senior member of the wine trade. Application forms can be downloaded from this website and applicants will be informed if they have been accepted on to the education programme at the end of October each year.

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What are the prerequisites for the education programme?

The Master of Wine qualification is a professional one. For that reason, the Institute recommends that applicants hold the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma, or another wine qualification of at least the same level - for example a bachelor or masters degree in oenology. Applicants are also required to have at least five years of professional experience within the wine industry.

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Where can I learn about wine if the Master of Wine qualification is not for me?

There are numerous organisations that offer wine courses, depending on whether your interest is as a consumer or a collector, or someone wanting to follow a specialised wine tasting, oenology or viticulture course. Visit the Links section of the website for more information.

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Are Institute tastings open to the public?

Institute tastings and events are principally provided as professional development opportunities for Masters of Wine, students of the Institute and other members of the wine trade. However, most Institute events now offer a limited number of places for members of the public with a series interest in fine wine. Visit the Events section of the website for details of forthcoming events.

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