Defining the Path: The MW Application Process
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There was a lot of thinking back and forth, talking to people, getting advice, and here we are. Some say, “don’t tell anyone your next move,” and while I get that, this time it doesn’t apply. I told everyone who asked, and now there’s no turning back - the streets are watching. Plus, external accountability helps fuel that fire alongside the intrinsic motivation.
First off, the main purpose of you subscribing to this paid content is to follow my Master of Wine journey, whether you’re in the wine trade or just curious. While these posts will have a bit of stream-of-consciousness style, I’ll keep things structured and informative.
Where did the idea come from?
The decision to go after the MW wasn’t some natural consequence of finishing my WSET Diploma, like it is for most people. When I graduated in London in 2019 - just a month before the shitstorm called Covid hit - I was done with studying wine. I wanted to throw myself into my career, focus on developing more skills in restaurants, and drink as much wine as I could. Honestly, before the Diploma, my tasting experience was thin due to limited access to wines in Bosnia and the grind of my first job in Singapore.
From 2019 until now, I dedicated myself to trying every wine I could get my hands on. But despite that, I started feeling like my knowledge was slipping away as jobs dragged me further from wine, forcing me to think more about numbers, Excel sheets, and sales pipelines. I fell into that rhythm - work, rest, repeat. Then a trip to Australia in December 2023 shook things up. I met an old friend from Rust, where the Diploma was held, and after a week of drinking wine together, he pushed me to start studying again. Something about “wasted talent,” A Bronx Tale reference. Thanks Jan! My partner, parents and close circle of friends all encouraged the idea, so I hopped on the MW website, clicked apply, got Debra Meiburg MW to write me a reference, filled out the endless application, and paid for the online entry exam. But let’s start from the top.
Getting accepted
The MW exam isn’t a walk in the park. Before you even start studying, you have to get accepted into the Institute of Masters of Wine. Applications open every May, and you usually find out if you made the cut in September. It’s a long waiting game, like the WSET Diploma results, and you either obsess over it every day or let it go because it’s out of your hands. I went with the latter option - until 7 days before the results dropped. In 2019, the acceptance rate was between 50-60% (not sure if that changed), but stats don’t matter much. The key is getting in.
Requirement #1: Wine Qualification
You need a qualification at the WSET Diploma level or equivalent. A Bachelor’s or Master’s in enology or viticulture, or an advanced sommelier certification, also qualifies. CHECK.
Requirement #2: Work in the Wine Trade
You need at least 3 years of professional experience in the global wine industry - whether that’s as a buyer, winemaker, journalist, educator, etc. CHECK.
I’ve been in the wine trade since I was 19, covering everything from sales to restaurant beverage programs, imports, and most importantly, education.
Requirement #3: Reference Letter
A reference from an MW or senior wine trade professional is required. CHECK.
I reached out to Debra Meiburg MW, who’s based in Hong Kong. She’s an incredible woman and one of the most inspiring Masters of Wine I know. I still don’t know what she wrote in my reference, but whatever it was, it worked.
Requirement #4: Personal Statements and Supporting Docs
You also need to include:
A statement about how you’ll make time to study for the MW exam.
A 500-word motivation statement on how you’ll contribute to the IMW’s mission of promoting excellence in the global wine community.
Details about your tasting experience and how you plan to access wines for study.
Supporting docs like your WSET Diploma certificate.
CHECK.
Not working in restaurant service anymore has been crucial for making time to study. Also, having a partner who supports this journey is essential because the MW will consume a lot of my time. Luckily, Singapore is loaded with tasting events, and being part of the Sommelier Association helps bring costs down. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my dedication to wine education and the community is top priority. I live for this stuff and want to inspire others to do the same.
Requirement #5: Fees
The fees for the MW are no joke, so once you commit, you better get serious about studying. I know that for the next 3 years, traveling and going out are going to take a backseat. The entrance exam costs $492 and is non-refundable. Stage 1 costs $7,783. I’ll be applying for scholarships to try to bring those costs down. Before you go into a spiral, here’s a link to the rest of the fees if you’re curious. I’ll also need to budget for wine samples, tasting events, flights for mandatory seminars and exams, and accommodation. When I graduate, I’ll give you the full breakdown. Let’s just say, I chose the MW over kids, so the finances are allocated accordingly. Cue the moral outrage in 3, 2, 1...
Requirement #6: Entrance Exam
After you submit everything, you take an online entrance exam that includes both theory and practical components. I’ll break down what that’s like in the next post.
As always, thanks for reading - stay thirsty, stay curious. If you would like to further support me, you can follow me on Instagram or LinkedIN.
Aleksandar