Hong Kong masterclass
I have just spent the last two and half days giving an insight into the MW path to some twelve Hong Kong, Chinese and Japanese students. I found it fascinating as there proved to be a wide variety of cultural and professional backgrounds, life experiences and expectations present in the room. What they all had in common though was a shared desire to learn more about the world of wine.
The majority of the attendees hold the WSET Diploma or, if not, are studying for it. As well as possessing an intellectual desire to develop greater academic depth and detail about wine, it soon became apparent that those present also desired to develop a more objective and holistic view about the business of wine.
So it was reassuring that during the time we spent together a number of students expressed the intention of sitting the entry exam and, by the final day and after sitting the mock exam that I had set them, almost all of those who had previously stated an interest still intended to sit the online paper and to enrol on the MW course.
I was impressed by the diligence, enthusiasm and enquiring minds of the students and, as I sit invigilating/teaching today’s MW Study Programme course day here in Hong Kong, I am confident of a continued surge in interest in the MW Study Programme from Hong Kong, China, Japan and their near neighbours.
When all is said and done, wine people are great fun to spend time with wherever you meet them in the world. We often hear that because it’s so true. The attendees of this Masterclass were no exception and the time we spent together socially, post-class, was great fun and with the added bonus of some cultural exoticism…for me at least.
Those students who do subsequently enter the course will no doubt feel the comfort of not having to face the shock and confusion of the early days of Stage 1. This can only be a positive (and kind) approach on the part of the Institute.
Many thanks to David Le Mire MW and Ying Tan MW for their sage involvement and for diluting the student experience of me!