© Jean-Pierre Muller

Record numbers take the wine industry's fiercest test.

A record 98 candidates from 21 different countries took the daunting step of sitting the annual Master of Wine examination last week.

They included students from China and India, who were competing to become the first Masters of Wine in their respective countries. If successful, they would join the 298 existing MWs worldwide. Examinations were held in London, Sydney and Napa.

Three tasting papers, four theory papers and subsequently a dissertation stand between the students and the wine industry’s most illustrious title. (Ask any sommelier, of course, and they will claim top billing for Master Sommeliers).

The MW theory papers test candidates on all aspects of the wine business, from viticulture and vinification to marketing, business and contemporary issues. This year, questions ranged from “How does soil influence wine quality?” to a technical query inspired by natural wine: “Examine the risks and rewards of bottling wine unfiltered.” At the business end of the industry, the examiners asked: “Which elements of the marketing mix are most effective in influencing the choices made by today’s wine consumers?” And, "Is ingredient labeling for wine necessary?"

The tasting part of the exam involves 36 wines over three days: whites on day one, reds on day two and a mixed bag – from sparkling to fortified and everything in between – on day three.

Candidates are tested on their ability to identify wines from around the world, from the classic fine wines of Bordeaux retailing at more than $100, all the way down to a $10 sparkling zinfandel rosé.

Students are most commonly quizzed on the origin and variety of the wine. They are also asked to draw conclusions about the likely production methods, the style and quality, and the wine’s commercial potential – based on what’s in the glass.

Candidates are seated at separate tables, which are set with 12 glasses, a spitoon and the exam papers. Each exam lasts for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Generally, the room is silent, apart from the slurping and spitting of the all-important samples.

Of course, it all looks much easier when you see the wines on paper rather than at a blind tasting. But how do you think you would have fared if presented with an Australian marsanne or an Austrian zweigelt?

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

The candidates face a long wait to find out whether or not they have passed. The results of the MW examination are not due to be released until September.