I first heard about the Master of Wine program when I was a WSET Level 2 student, while at culinary school. The idea of knowing so much about wine, that you could write a book about it (just like this Jancis person the instructor kept mentioning), appealed to my driven and competitive side and also there was that constant siren song of learning more about wine. What could be better than a life of studying wine and travel?

This drive carried me through the WSET Diploma, always with the mythical MW on the horizon. In the time since the Diploma, several people I know have been accepted into the program and some have even already left it, which at the time seemed inconceivable!

For the past few years, I’ve joined in on practise mock MW exam tastings. 12 wines, essay style answers. Intense stuff, but not enough to deter from the ultimate goal of becoming a Master of Wine, even though I was hearing bittersweet feedback on the program from MW students (cons such as the intensity, the pressure, and especially the costs involved, pros of travel, interesting people, and unbelievable tastings). The tasting abilities of the students were impressive, I wanted to be as thoughtful, articulate, logical, and talented as them.

Last June, I took the leap to apply, and waited as patiently as possible to hear whether I got in. It's a feeling that's brought back awaiting Diploma exam results.... it takes so long that you kind of put it out of mind, but really you're wondering all the time what the word will be. I was not confident about getting in.

The entry test was really challenging, and I wasn’t able to finish it in the allotted time (more on that in Part 2). However, I’d already put off applying the previous year; I’d been all geared up and got cold feet. Our vineyard was taking a lot of work to get into shape and to be honest I was a bit scared.

This time, I had to keep a promise to myself to do it, come what may! I’d at least have the peace of mind that I’d tried.

Applicants were told we’d get word on our results in September.

When I saw the email on September 2, I hesitated before opening it. Whether it was an acceptance or rejection would have a huge influence on the trajectory of life for the next year.

I clicked on it, the subject line an innocuous: “IMW Application Result”.

A pause, reading quickly. “Dear Rachel, It gives me great pleasure…”. Wow, was I stunned. I was in!

A heartbeat later, my stomach flipped with the weight of, goodness, OK now it’s time to get really, really serious. I called out the good news to my husband: I was accepted! OMG can you believe it? I was accepted!!

Now I’m officially a Stage 1 student in the Master of Wine program, or in MW vernacular (of which there is a lot to pick up on), S1.

Before studies were derailed by the inability to travel, and the ultimate cancellation of the exam, I was able to attend the first S1 course days in Napa, and then the incredible and intense week long Stage 1 seminar in Woodinville, WA.

As is usually the way of things when you build them up over many years of work, with anticipation and high expectations, my experience so far has been mixed. I’d like to share as honestly as possible what it’s been like, in case you are working towards the same goal or curious to learn more.

Cheers & Cin Cin,

Rachel

PART 2 - APPLICATION PROCESS

PS: if you're a Diploma grad, considering applying to the Master of Wine program, or an MW student, could you share your thoughts and questions? Feel free to send me an email or comment below.

Read Journey to MW: Part 2 - Application Process here