494 & Glad All Over, passing one of the hardest exams in the world
That's me in that picture! Front row, third from the left (yes, the one in the cheetah skin boots), with sixteen amazing people, being welcomed into the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) at our graduation ceremony on the 23rd of March 2022.
Why did I want to become a Master of Wine (MW)?
So, why did I put myself through one of the world's most challenging study programmes and examination experiences? Everyone's reasons are different, but it was about learning and professional development for me. I wanted to improve and enhance my capabilities as a wine professional and as an educator so that I could be better at my job and, so I could help others be better at theirs. I wanted to refresh my knowledge and my tasting skills, and I was looking for a structured opportunity to keep up to date with current trends and developments in the wine industry.
What is an MW?
An MW is a professional in the wine industry that has completed the MW Study Programme and passed the Institute of Masters of Wine entrance examination. In addition to in-depth knowledge and professional level wine tasting skills, an MW has demonstrated mastery in logical and confident communication and deductive reasoning on the topic of wine by passing the exam.
How did I become a Master of Wine?
Upon completing an application form (thank you, Richard Bampfield MW, for being my referee!) and submitting an essay and example tasting notes, I was accepted onto Stage One of the MW Study Programme in 2011.
Stage one gave me an insightful introduction to the IMW that was loaded with opportunities to interact with and learn from MWs. I developed valuable and lasting relationships with fellow students, many of whom are now among my best friends (yes, I mean you, Karen). The objective was to prepare for the Stage One assessment. This assessment offered a flavour of how it would feel to take the MW examination and for the institute to evaluate my progress and my suitability for moving onto Stage Two. I remember the feedback clearly "your assessment of the Beaujolais-Villages was a disaster", it said! However, they must have seen some potential as I was accepted onto Stage Two.
Stage Two got serious. The focus was on preparing for the MW examination, consisting of 5 theory papers and three practical papers. Tasting frequently and widely, practising writing essays (very quickly) and gathering examples from around the world to support arguments. I remained in Stage Two for seven years, passing the theory exam in 2014 and the practical exam in 2019.
Stage Three, I was so close, but oh my, this was tough. It is dedicated to completing a 6000-10000 word research paper on any wine-related topic in the sciences, arts, humanities or social sciences. My first submission was deferred, but I had tremendous support from my advisor, Lynne Coyle MW, which was essential to put me on the right track and keep me moving toward a successful submission in June 2021.
My paper and all the other excellent research papers can be found here:
On the 27th of August 2021, at 07:58, I received a phone call from Adrian Garforth, Executive Director of the institute, inviting me to become a member of the IMW. Ten years of study had finally paid off. My primary emotion was relief, quickly followed by joy and a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV Champagne!
What did I learn?
Facts are great 'n all, but you need more than facts to pass the MW exam. Critical thinking, deductive reasoning, logical thought, disciplined study, and listening to and interpreting feedback were all skills that needed developing and nurturing. I developed resilience in buckets. I had to take the practical exam five times before I passed it. Four times I received a letter to say I hadn't been successful. That hurts. My research paper was deferred on its first submission, which effectively meant I had to re-write it. Each time I was told my work wasn't good enough, I had to dig deep, find a big spadeful of grit, and have another go.
I learned to believe in myself. I am so grateful to the people around me (particularly Mr B!) for never letting me give up and ultimately believing that I would succeed. Still, it wasn't until I believed in myself and started to see that I was good enough to pass that I did pass!
I don't think I need to explain that the Master of Wine is demanding! That's why only 498 people have passed the exam. It is a considerable challenge, and dedication's what you need. Very few people complete the Study Programme in three years, it took me ten years to complete, and the average is seven.
What Next?
I join a network of 420 Masters of Wine, and 151 are women (go girls!). Masters of Wine comprise winemakers, merchants, educators, journalists, consultants, judges, authors, sommeliers, strategists, marketers, publicists, events organisers, technologists, buyers, and professionals from all areas of the wine industry. Each is committed to excellence, learning and interaction. Imagine the strength of that group when they work collaboratively.
As Master of Wine 494, and in the words of The Dave Clark Five, I'm feeling glad all over, and I can't wait to contribute to such an extraordinary network.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming an MW, please visit the IMW's website. They frequently hold introductory sessions or contact me…