I actually think that I’m starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with the wine world. I have this problem where I want to know everything – and I want to know it now. The learning curve just seems so massive. Especially when I read up on the wine professional certifications that are kicking around out there. The requirements and the knowledge that some of these wine professionals have is absolutely amazing. I almost feel like I’ve started too late!
The Court of Master Sommeliers, for example, is a certification that is recognized worldwide. A lot of the Americans I met while in Vegas were working towards these credentials. Skipping past the introductory courses and reading the requirements for the advanced course, I see that the successful candidate basically needs to know everything about wine. And spirits. And other drinks. And even cigars – which is probably the most surprising – because do people even smoke cigars now? Meanwhile, the tasting exam clearly states an expectation to identify the varieties, country of origin, district of origin and vintages. I just can’t imagine getting to a level where I could taste a wine – any wine – and be able to nail all of those.
That’s probably why there are only, per the website, 96 North American Master Sommeliers (167 total in the world)… of those 96 North Americans, there are only 15 women.
I need to drink more.
As for the Masters of Wine – should I even go into this? There are only 277 Masters of Wine in the world. Apparently this is certification is a bit more relevant for those in the trade, wine writers, etc. Or at least that’s what I’m hearing on all the wine message boards and the standard comparison websites. It’s strongly recommend that candidates either complete a diploma through the Wine & Spirits Education Trust or complete a program at one of the famous wine universities (for example UC Davis, University of Bordeaux, University of Adelaide – Waite Campus) and have five years experience.
The MoW designation is also insanely difficult. There are 3 blind tastings of 12 wines, a written exam and a 10,000 word dissertation. It’s a three and a half day exam. There’s even an essay and a tasting required to be accepted into the program. There’s an information package which contains details on the pass rates. 79 people sat to write the MoW exams in 2007. Of those 79 only four people passed both the written and practical parts of the exam. Twenty passed the theory component, seven passed the practical exam. I have bolded those numbers for extra emphasis.
Part of my quarterlife crisis is that I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I love wine, I love the classes I’m taking right now. It’s what has spurred me to look into further education. I love the history of wine, the taste, the sense of place you can get from a glass. I love the artistry and the culture that surrounds wine. I probably shouldn’t even be looking at these designations – I suppose I just want to learn how high I can go, if I really want.
Besides, after giving up on having that “CA” after my name, the idea of throwing a “MS” or “MW” would be pretty fun…
