What Does It Mean To Be A Master Of Wine?

Master of Wine (MW) is an title one earns by passing the difficult exam set by the UK-based Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW).  It entitles you to put "M.W." after your name.  The IMW was set up in 1953 to recognise excellence in knowledge about wines.  For a long time membership was limited to UK-based traders (importers, expoters or retailers) only.  In 1987 membership was extended to residents from outside of the UK.

Even at the moment only 257 people are MWs, of which fewer than 70 are women, and only 78 are from outside the UK. The IMW exam is on paper, but covers all aspects of wine production, trade and consumption both within and outside of the UK.

Other countries and cultures have their own MW-type accreditation schemes  For instance, the Court of Sommeliers is the dominant accrediting body in Europe (150 people are Master Sommeliers, M.S. after the name).  The Americans have various professional bodies, each with their own recognition scheme.