Master of Wine Application & Resources
Wine Unify is proud to support up to three application fees for those applying to the Master of Wine program in 2023. Read on for important resources, information, and to apply for funding.
Please note: Beginning in 2023, Wine Unify will assist with funding up to three applications into the Master of Wine program. This funding is for the application only. In order to be eligible for assistance, interested individuals must: 1) be a person of color 2) formally apply for funding assistance within Wine Unify’s application framework, and 3) meet the criteria as set forth by the Institute of Masters of Wine to be eligible to apply.
Wine Unify cannot guarantee acceptance into the Master of Wine program, nor does Wine Unify have any control over applications and acceptance within the program. Wine Unify functions as a separate non-profit that champions and promotes diversity within the wine industry. Any specific questions about the Master of Wine program should be directed to the Institute of Masters of Wine (www.mastersofwine.org).
Before registering your interest for funding assistance from Wine Unify, we encourage all potential applicants to review the MW application process via the Institute of Masters of Wine.
According to the Institute of Masters of Wine website, the following criteria must be met in order for applicants to be considered:
STUDY PROGRAMME ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply for the MW study programme:
You must have active professional involvement in the wine industry. For the purposes of the application, active professional involvement means that this is your primary profession and/or involvement of at least 20 hours/week. The IMW is a membership organisation for wine trade professionals and so this is essential for your application to be progressed.
You must hold a wine qualification of at least WSET Diploma in level or equivalent. For example, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in wine (oenology, viticulture, wine business etc.), or an appropriately high-level sommelier certificate.
You should have a minimum of three years of current and continuous active professional involvement in wine at the time of submitting your application. That activity may span the broad diversity of wine professions including, but not limited to: the production of raw materials to winemaking, selling wine, wine writing and wine education.
If you feel you fall outside of the definitions of points 2 and 3, but within the spirit of the IMW mission, you can request permission to apply from the admissions committee. The decision of the committee will be final. No exceptions can made for active professional involvement in the wine industry.
In order to apply, you must complete an application form, followed by a practical and theory entrance exam. In addition, a reference must be submitted to confirm your credentials. The reference should be provided by a Master of Wine or another senior wine trade professional with over 15 years of experience in the trade.
Each applicant is looked at holistically, and all parts of the online application will be taken into consideration. It is, therefore, important that each part of the application is carefully completed. Historically, the quality of answers to the open-ended questions in the application form has varied widely in quality. Poor, incomplete or hurried responses will put your candidacy at a disadvantage.
If you meet the above requirements, identify as a person of color, and intend to apply for the Master of Wine program in 2023, please complete the interest form below. We will send you information about the Wine Unify’s support and the application assistance process as it becomes available.