WELCOME
The Institute of Masters of Wine is the home of exceptional expertise in the wine world. What started more than 65 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognised title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 414 MWs based in 30 countries, each making their own contribution to the world of wine. Becoming an MW means entering a unique wine community; one that brings enriching personal and professional opportunities, as well as lifelong friendships.
ABOUT US
The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. As well as running the MW study programme, our programme of worldwide events offers unparalleled opportunities to taste and learn. These tastings and seminars, including our international symposium, are open for anyone to attend – you don’t have to be a Master of Wine to join in.
FIND AN MW
The IMW’s directory of Masters of Wine allows you to search not just by name, but also by skills and specialisms. MWs are active all over the world and in all fields; MWs are winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. If you are looking for an MW in a particular country, expert comment on a specific style of wine, a speaker for your event, or experienced commercial advice, look no further.
THE MW EXAM
The MW exam tests the breadth and depth of a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and tasting skills in the art, science and business of wine. By passing the MW exam, you become a member of the IMW, gain the title Master of Wine and can use the initials MW after your name. The MW exam is a series of tasting and theory papers, plus an in-depth research project. You can find out about all stages of the exam, as well as downloading past papers, by clicking below.
Latest News

Bottlebooks becomes a supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is thrilled to announce that Bottlebooks, based in Munich, Germany, has joined its international supporter community. Bottlebooks’ cutting-edge wine data management technology will be used to provide producer-entered product...
Features

Mary Gorman-McAdams MW on how wine education has changed in recent years
Mary Gorman-McAdams MW is a leading voice in the SevenFifty Daily's recent article titled "The Changing Landscape of Wine Education". As a Master of Wine, educator, independent consultant and former director of the International Wine Center (IWC) in New York City,...

MW study programme wines 2021-2022
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) would like to thank all those who generously supplied wines to the 2021-22 MW study programme. The wines were shown throughout the academic year at residential seminars in Adelaide (Australia), Berkshire (UK), Napa (USA),...

Five stage one students share IWSC Foundation scholarship
IWSC Foundation, part of the IMW’s international supporter community, has awarded five scholarships worth £5000 each to MW study programme students. The prize fund of £25,000 is shared by Ana Gallegos, Xinhao Hu, Arpine Manukyan, Agnese Meiersone and Karene Vilela....

Stage two students awarded IWSC Foundation scholarship
After awarding five stage one students, the IWSC Foundation has further granted 5 stage two students a scholarship of £5,000 each. The scholarships were given to Amanda Barnes, Marina Olwen Fogarty, Evmorfia Kostaki, Dimitris Motsos and Andrew Shelly. Christelle...

Programme and tickets now available for the IMW’s 10th international symposium
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to launch ticket sales for its 10th International Symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 2023. Coinciding with the launch is a first look at the not to be missed programme. Open to anyone to attend, the symposium will run...

Tim Jackson MW becomes first resident Master of Wine for British Airways
Tim Jackson MW was recently appointed by international airline British Airways to enhance their drinks menus both on the ground and in-flight. Tim, who has been a Master of Wine since 2017, is now leading the choice of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for...

GuildSomm Expert Guide on Loire Valley
Rebecca Gibb MW and Beverley Blanning MW have written the GuildSomm Expert Guide to the Loire Valley, published in November. This 25,000-word guide provides a comprehensive look at the region, from the mountain wines of the Auvergne to the coastal appellations of the...

Andrew Corrigan MW dreaming with the Claret Jug
What was going through Andrew’s mind? He is holding the best sporting trophy in the world that has a relationship to wine – the famous Claret Jug award to the winner of the British Open Golf. In 2022 it was won by Australian Cameron Smith, a member of Royal Queensland...

Andrea Pritzker MW awarded Dux of Len Evans Tutorial 2022
Andrea Pritzker MW, was announced as the recipient of the Basil Sellers Prize for Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial 2022 (LET) in the Hunter Valley on November 4th. Founded in 2001 by the late Len Evans AO OBE, the goal of the LET is to equip scholars with the tools and...
Latest News

Bottlebooks becomes a supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is thrilled to announce that Bottlebooks, based in Munich, Germany, has joined its international supporter community. Bottlebooks’ cutting-edge wine data management technology will be used to provide producer-entered product...

MW study programme wines 2021-2022
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) would like to thank all those who generously supplied wines to the 2021-22 MW study programme. The wines were shown throughout the academic year at residential seminars in Adelaide (Australia), Berkshire (UK), Napa (USA),...

Stage two students awarded IWSC Foundation scholarship
After awarding five stage one students, the IWSC Foundation has further granted 5 stage two students a scholarship of £5,000 each. The scholarships were given to Amanda Barnes, Marina Olwen Fogarty, Evmorfia Kostaki, Dimitris Motsos and Andrew Shelly. Christelle...

Five stage one students share IWSC Foundation scholarship
IWSC Foundation, part of the IMW’s international supporter community, has awarded five scholarships worth £5000 each to MW study programme students. The prize fund of £25,000 is shared by Ana Gallegos, Xinhao Hu, Arpine Manukyan, Agnese Meiersone and Karene Vilela....
Features

Mary Gorman-McAdams MW on how wine education has changed in recent years
Mary Gorman-McAdams MW is a leading voice in the SevenFifty Daily's recent article titled "The Changing Landscape of Wine Education". As a Master of Wine, educator, independent consultant and former director of the International Wine Center (IWC) in New York City,...

Tim Jackson MW becomes first resident Master of Wine for British Airways
Tim Jackson MW was recently appointed by international airline British Airways to enhance their drinks menus both on the ground and in-flight. Tim, who has been a Master of Wine since 2017, is now leading the choice of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for...

Andrew Corrigan MW dreaming with the Claret Jug
What was going through Andrew’s mind? He is holding the best sporting trophy in the world that has a relationship to wine – the famous Claret Jug award to the winner of the British Open Golf. In 2022 it was won by Australian Cameron Smith, a member of Royal Queensland...

GuildSomm Expert Guide on Loire Valley
Rebecca Gibb MW and Beverley Blanning MW have written the GuildSomm Expert Guide to the Loire Valley, published in November. This 25,000-word guide provides a comprehensive look at the region, from the mountain wines of the Auvergne to the coastal appellations of the...