2026 Master of Wine exam questions and wines revealed
LONDON, UK, 16 JUNE 2026 — The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has released the list of wines and accompanying questions from the 2026 stage two Master of Wine (MW) exam and stage one assessment (S1A), which were undertaken by students in Adelaide, London and Napa between 1-6 June.
Widely recognised as the wine world’s most challenging accreditation, to become a Master of Wine candidates must pass the S1A and the MW exam; comprising the stage two closed book exam and the research paper (RP) in stage three.
This year, 101 stage one students sat the S1A. This one-day assessment comprises a 12-wine blind tasting paper in the morning and a theory paper in the afternoon.
The full list of wines and questions for the S1A is available here.
Over the next four days, 111 students sat the stage two closed book exam, which consists of three 12-wine blind tasting papers—requiring students to assess variety, origin, winemaking, quality, style and commercial position—and five theory papers covering viticulture, vinification, wine handling, the business of wine and contemporary issues.
The full list of wines and questions for the 2026 stage two closed book exam is available to view on the IMW website here.
Those who successfully pass the stage two theory and practical exams will progress to stage three to take on the RP.
Previous RPs can be viewed on the IMW website here.
IMW executive director, Sarah Harrison, remarked: “The Master of Wine exam is a significant undertaking, which challenges candidates at the highest level. To reach this stage demands years of dedication, commitment and an extraordinary depth of knowledge and skill. We wish all students the very best of luck as they await their results and hope they enjoy a well-earned break over the coming months. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the examiners for their long hours of dedication in selecting wines and setting questions that reflect the level of knowledge required to become a Master of Wine.”
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IMW logos and .docx press release can be downloaded here.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Laura Coles
Head of Marketing and Engagement
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9136
lcoles@mastersofwine.org
Notes to editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For more than 70 years, its members—the Masters of Wine (MWs)—have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 427 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 320 students from 46 countries in the 2025-26 MW study programme. The IMW works with 38 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group. The IMW’s International Symposium is a highlight of the global wine calendar, bringing together leading figures from across the industry. The 11th International Symposium will take place in Adelaide, South Australia, in April 2027, offering four days of world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations, debate and opportunities to explore Australia’s diverse wine regions. Find out more here: https://imwsymposium.com/