Already on the MW Study Programme?
Whether you’re a Stage One student who’s keen to gain useful insights early on, a Stage Two student seeking to refine your approach to the practical and theory exams, or a Practical- or Theory-Only candidate who’s been on the study-go-round for a while, our Master Classes are designed to help you achieve your goals.
Most candidates think that passing the MW exams is all about gathering information. Our course will demonstrate that the key to success lies not just in depth of knowledge – that’s a given – but in how effectively you can communicate that knowledge to the examiners.
Both the theory and practical sessions will show you a path towards the critical thinking techniques and analysis necessary to demonstrate deep understanding, and the best ways to get that understanding across as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Theory sessions cover approaches to the different types of questions posed in the exams, the best ways to structure essays in order to create compelling, confident arguments, and how to gather examples and use them effectively in your essays.
Practical sessions take a different approach from the standard 12-wine paper and debrief format. The focus, instead, is on guided tastings designed to explore different aspects of small flights of wines, helping you to spot key ‘clues’ in the wines, followed by an exploration of the best ways to link those clues to theoretical knowledge to create stronger, more compelling arguments.
There will be plenty of time for participants to ask questions throughout.
At the end of the course, candidates will be invited to submit an essay and/or a series of tasting notes (full details to be set out during the actual course) for specific, personalised feedback.
These courses will be run regularly from winter 2025 onwards, with sessions due to take place in California (December 2025), London (April 2026), and elsewhere on demand. Participants can register either for the full four-day theory and practical course, or for two days of either theory or practical.
California Master Classes
On 1-4 December 2025, we will be running our inaugural California Master Classes at the Napa Valley Wine Academy in Napa. Practical sessions will take place on 1-2 December, and 3-4 December will be dedicated to theory.
Click below for more information about the course and to register for all four days, or for the two-day practical or theory sessions.
London Master Classes
On 7-10 April 2026, we will be running Master Classes in London at Liberty Wines in Clapham, South London. Theory sessions will take place on 7-8 April, and 9-10 April will be dedicated to practical.
Click here for more information about the course and to register for all four days, or for the two-day practical or theory sessions.
Want us to run Master Classes in your part of the world?
Natasha and Cathy are happy to set up Master Classes for groups of MW students anywhere in the world. If you would like to make a suggestion for future course venues, let us know.
If you would just like to be notified about future Master Classes, sign up to our mailing list here.
Contact us with any ideas, questions or comments.