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Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) was founded in 1955 in London (Great Britain) by a group of wine merchants in cooperative collaboration with the London Vintners Company, which was founded in the 13th century. Incidentally, the "Wine Trade Club" founded in 1908 by the famous wine merchant and wine author André Simon (1877-1970) is regarded as the forerunner. However, the first examination for the prestigious title of "Master of Wine" had already taken place in 1953, when six out of 21 candidates were chosen. The aim in the founding year was to provide special training to create a demanding qualification in the British wine trade, thereby helping it to achieve better quality and reputation. Initially, only candidates who could demonstrate many years of practice in a relevant position in a relevant company or institution could sit for the examinations.

Masters of Wine - Logos

Admitted candidates

In 1983, these strict regulations were relaxed and, among others, wine writers were also admitted. Non-UK candidates were not accepted until 1987. Eventually, preparatory seminars completed outside the UK were allowed. This is possible in the USA and Australia, and since 2004 also at the Wine Academy Austria. In 1992, the main objectives of the Institute were reformulated (mission statement), they are now "promotion of excellence in wine knowledge", "education of the highest standard" and "utmost good conduct in the wine industry". The course is largely self-study and takes three years to complete. After training in theory and practice, only a few candidates pass the extremely difficult and demanding final examinations (1 in 4, 5 to 6 annually).

Examination procedure

The examination is divided into three sections. The first consists of a theoretical examination, during which four days of questions about vinification, bottling, transport, quality control, marketing, commercial aspects and general wine knowledge from all over the world have to be answered in writing in the form of three essays. The second section consists of a practical examination in which twelve covered wines from around the world must be blind tasted, described, judged and identified on each of three days. In addition, questions about the wines regarding quality and production methods have to be answered. Only if the first two sections are successfully completed must a current topic from the world of wine be prepared within one year in the form of a dissertation of 10,000 words (about 30 A4 pages) based on own research. This research work must bring new knowledge related to viticulture.

Master Sommelier (MS)

A measure initiated by the "Institute of Masters of Wine" was the founding of the "Court of Master Sommeliers" in 1977. The title of "Master Sommelier" (MS) can be acquired through appropriate training, with particular emphasis on the combination of wine and food, and by successfully passing strict examinations. MS" (à la "MW") may be added to the name and used professionally. See Sommelier for details.

MW members

In spring 2022 there were 420 members (141 of them women) from 30 countries. These are allowed to use the abbreviation "MW" after their name. In Austria, there are three, namely Dr. Josef Schuller, managing director of the Weinakademie Österreich, who was elected the first non-British chairman in 2008, Roman Horvath, managing director of Domäne Wachau, and Andreas Wickhoff, managing director of Premium Estates of Austria. In Germany there are eight, including Markus del Monego (sommelier world champion), Frank Roeder (founder and CEO of MASTERWEIN) and Janek Schumann (wine trade, restaurant). In Switzerland, there are two MWs, wine merchant Philipp Schwandner and wine consultant and wine author Ivan Barbic. Every 4 to 5 years, an international symposium with a focal theme is organised. Previous locations were Oxford (England), Bristol (England), Perth (Australia), Vienna (Austria), Napa Valley (California), Bordeaux (France), Florence (Italy), Logroño (Spain) and 2023 Wiesbaden (Germany). WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) offers another renowned wine education.

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