Master of Wine, an international and historic title
The Master of Wine title or MW was created after the Second World War in Great Britain to increase the levels of knowledge of the country's wine merchants and to impose a high standard of expertise.
This four-day examination is held annually in three cities: London, Sydney and Napa. Renowned for its difficulty, it is regarded in the wine industry as one of the highest standards of professional knowledge.
It rewards fewer than 10 people a year, and there are fewer than 417 Masters of Wine wolrdwide. Among its prestigious members are winemakers, founders and directors of wine departments or wine schools, wine journalists and influential wine authors and critics, such as Jancis Robinson, Tim Atkin, Jeannie Cho Lee or Jeremy Cukierman.
How to become a Master of Wine?
The exam defines itself as "the most complex theoretical and practical examination in the world of wine". To be eligible to take part in the test, candidates apply and, if accepted, follow a two-year preparation for the examination: a selection test is held in the first year and, following the second year of preparation, candidates are invited to take the final assessment.
It involves a series of theory papers on different wine-related themes and blind tasting examinations. The tests are graded separately and the marking is carried out by MWs and recognised wine experts. Once the candidates have passed the theory and practical parts of the examination, they must write an individual research paper on a subject that will contribute to the understanding of the world of wine.
A Master of Wine at the head of KEDGE Wine School
With 16 years of experience in the wine industry as a wine merchant, educator, consultant, journalist, and author, Jérémy Cukierman is a highly recognised wine expert and wine taster. After obtaining the WSET diploma in 2012, he became a Master of Wine in 2017 and the recipient of the Madame Bollinger award, the same year, for his outstanding performance in tasting in the Institute of Masters of Wine examination. Since July 2018, Jérémy Cukierman is the President of KEDGE Wine School, the Wine education department of KEDGE Business School. Through the different programmes of KEDGE Wine School, he’s committed to shape future leaders of the wine, spirits and hospitality industry.
