2025 MW exam wines and questions revealed
LONDON, UK, 15 JUNE 2025 — The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has released the list of wines and accompanying questions from the 2025 Master of Wine (MW) exam, which was completed by students in centres around the world last week.
This year, 141 students sat the stage two exam between 2–8 June in Adelaide, London and Napa. Widely recognised as the wine industry’s most challenging examination, the MW closed book exam comprises two components: a practical assessment of three 12-wine blind tasting papers, and a theory assessment made up of five papers covering:
• Viticulture
• Vinification and pre-bottling procedures
• Handling of wine
• The business of wine
• Contemporary issues in the wine industry
The full list of 2025 wines and theory questions is available to view on the IMW website here.
Candidates who pass both the practical and theory components will progress to stage three, the final phase of the MW study programme, which involves writing a research paper (RP) on a topic of their choosing. Previous research papers can be viewed on the IMW website here.
Ahead of stage two, candidates must pass the stage one assessment – a one-day exam consisting of a 12-wine blind tasting and a theory paper. This year, 85 students sat the stage one assessment. The list of wines and questions for this assessment is available here.
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IMW logos 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/