Record numbers aspire to be Masters of Wine
A record number of students worldwide are taking the Institute of Masters of Wine’s exams this week in the hope of achieving the world’s most prestigious wine trade qualification.
This number includes students from China and India, who are competing to become the first Masters of Wine in their respective countries.
98 candidates, from 21 different countries, have put themselves forward this year for rigorous examination in the science, business and art of wine.
The exams are being held in the Institute’s global exam centres in London (UK), Napa (California), and Sydney (Australia).
Siobhan Turner, Executive Director of the Institute, said:
“Every year our student body grows as greater numbers of wine professionals worldwide aspire to be Masters of Wine. We’re particularly delighted with the rise in numbers from countries where the interest in wine is showing explosive growth. I have great admiration for the hard work and dedication of all our students, and I wish them all the best of luck.”
Lynne Sherriff MW, Chairman of the Institute, said:
“Wine is a global business, and the Master of Wine qualification has always commanded respect worldwide. I think it’s clear to see that wine professionals in a global marketplace are looking to extend and deepen their knowledge, and set themselves apart from their peers. Achieving the Master of Wine qualification is one way to ensure that your voice is heard in the world of wine.”
The Institute has been active in extending the opportunity for study into new territories. In recent years it has held Open Days and Master Classes for potential students on every continent.
As a result, the total student body has grown in recent years to 298, from 29 different countries.
Ned Goodwin MW, who is based in Japan, said:
“This is a wonderful time to be a member of the Institute of Masters of Wine. We have as many students in our study programme worldwide as we have actual Masters of Wine – and they come from a greater range of countries. We can definitely say that the future Institute will be larger, wider-reaching, and more diverse, and that’s a very exciting prospect for all of us.”
ENDS