New MWs Announced

The Institute of Masters of Wine has just announced an astounding 11 new Masters of Wine!  Usually, a class tends to be between 2 and 8 people, so this is quite an accomplishment to have so many pass the grueling tests that I hope someday to pass myself.  There are now about 300 MWs in the world.  The test consists of four three-hour written exams on winemaking, viticulture, business and economics, and issues in wine.  There are 3 12-wine blind tastings where you have to write a paper on each wine in about 2 hours.  And finally, there is a dissertation of original research you must write and defend.  It is considered to be the most difficult and prestigious wine  certification in the world.  You can read about the freshly minted MWs at http://www.mastersofwine.org/en/news/index.cfm/id/B66A4C2B-C36C-4EC8-9DB44800C896F55E.