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| Master of Wine | |
|---|---|
| Name | Master of Wine |
| Established | 1953 |
| Type | Professional qualification |
| Awarded by | Institute of Masters of Wine |
| Country | United Kingdom |
Master of Wine The Master of Wine is a professional qualification awarded to wine industry practitioners by the Institute of Masters of Wine; it is widely recognised among Wine industry professionals, sommeliers, viticulturists, oenologists and wine critics. The qualification is associated with high-level expertise across Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, Barossa Valley and other global terroir regions, and holders contribute to organisations such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Decanter magazine, The New York Times and national trade bodies. The programme combines theoretical study, practical tasting and original research, drawing candidates from countries including the United Kingdom, United States, France, Australia and South Africa.
The Institute of Masters of Wine was established in 1953 in the United Kingdom following precedents set by earlier professional bodies such as the Wine Society and associations of sommeliers linked to estates like Château Margaux and regions like Bordeaux. Early Masters emerged during the post‑war expansion of international trade overseen by ports such as London and Le Havre, responding to growing markets in United States and Canada and the rise of critics associated with outlets like The Times and The Observer. Over decades the Institute adapted to events including the expansion of European Union trade rules, the globalization symbolised by Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti fame, and shifts driven by commentators like Jancis Robinson, Robert Parker and Hugh Johnson.
Candidates typically possess professional experience with employers such as Christie's wine departments, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Foster's distribution, or roles within wineries like Château Lafite Rothschild and Penfolds. Entry requires demonstrable competence often evidenced by qualifications from bodies such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, degrees from universities like University of Bristol or University of California, Davis, and portfolios referencing work with retailers including Majestic Wine or publications such as Decanter. Applicants must meet residency and identity checks similar to those used by organisations like HM Revenue and Customs or USCIS when relevant to international candidates, and submit references from figures such as Masters, sommeliers from Guild of Sommeliers or academics affiliated with University of Bordeaux.
Assessment combines blind tasting panels modelled on methodologies used by Institute of Masters of Wine examiners and critics like Robert Parker, written theory papers akin to academic assessments at University of Adelaide or University of California, Davis, and a research dissertation judged by panels including members drawn from leading estates such as Château Margaux, consultants from Ernst & Young and editors from The Guardian wine sections. Practical tasting sessions reference benchmark vintages from regions such as Bordeaux 1982 vintage, Burgundy 1990 vintage, Napa Valley 1978 vintage and fortified styles from Jerez and Madeira. The pass rate has historically been low, prompting comparisons with qualifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst and examinations run by Royal College of Physicians for rigor.
Training covers viticulture topics referencing sites like Pomerol, Ribera del Duero, Mosel and Marlborough District; winemaking techniques discussed with reference to equipment makers such as Barrel Works and programmes practised at research centres like Agroscope and UC Davis Viticulture. Modules address markets and distribution channels involving firms including E. & J. Gallo, Treasury Wine Estates, Sotheby's and Berry Bros. & Rudd, plus communication skills for contributors to outlets such as The New York Times, Financial Times and Bloomberg. Candidates often undertake masterclasses led by notable figures from Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and consultancies such as Enartis or Scott Labs.
The qualification is awarded by the Institute of Masters of Wine, a charitable company with trustees and examiners drawn from members and stakeholders that include representatives of institutions like Wine & Spirit Education Trust, University of California, Davis, Court of Master Sommeliers, and major trade associations such as the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. The Institute publishes codes and policies and liaises with regulators and bodies including UK Charity Commission and professional standards groups in Australia and the United States to maintain independence and integrity.
Notable holders have included figures who influenced public discourse and trade: Jancis Robinson (writer and broadcaster), Tim Atkin (critic), Deborah Parker Wong (educator), Andy Howard (retailer consultant), Sarah Abbott (educator), Michael Broadbent (auctioneer), Matt Walls (writer), Christina Pickard (journalist), Clare Tooley (consultant), Jon Bonné (writer), Fiona Beckett (journalist), Isaac Smith (grower), Terry Theise (importer), Oz Clarke (broadcaster), Andrea Páez (educator), Kate Goodman (consultant), Charlie Hibbert (consultant), Paul Draper (winemaker), Tim Hanni (educator), and Stephen Skelton (winemaker).
Masters of Wine serve as authors in publications like Decanter, advisors to wineries such as Penfolds and Château Latour, consultants to retailers like Majestic Wine and auction houses such as Sotheby's, and educators at institutions including Wine & Spirit Education Trust and universities like UC Davis and University of Bordeaux. They influence wine investment through commentary referenced by funds and firms involved in fine wine such as Liv-Ex and auction houses, shape tasting standards used by competitions like Decanter World Wine Awards and International Wine Challenge, and participate in policy discussions with trade organisations such as the International Organisation of Vine and Wine and national agencies. Category:Wine qualifications