Meiburg introduces MW-style mock tasting exams

Due to a huge increase in Masters of Wine students in Hong Kong, Debra Meiburg has established a series of practice tasting classes in the style of an MW exam.

“It is quite astounding how many talented students are currently studying for the MW in Hong Kong and further into China,” said Meiburg.

“Given just eight years ago when I achieved the MW, there were no other MWs and just a few students, so it is so wonderful to see how widely the passion for wine and committed study has come.”

The bi-weekly series of 12-bottle tastings held on Saturdays is presented in the style of Masters of Wine mock exams and prepares students for the rigorous exams they will face as part of the MW studies.

Meiburg’s company, Meiburg Wine Media supplies the wines, exam questions, MW-styled answer sheets, scrap paper, spitoons and a crib sheet with all the wine details and Lucaris’ Riesling glassware, although students can also bring their own.

Meiburg said, “When it comes to the Masters of Wine studies, practice, practice, practice is vital for keeping your palate sharp and prepared for the rigors of the practical component of the exams.

“Of course, most dedicated students know this, but even the most dedicated find it logistically challenging to find such diverse and stimulating tastings (not to mention, served blind!) on a regular basis. Meiburg Wine Media recognized this gap in the market, so we’ve stepped in to offer this opportunity to the talented crop of up-and-coming MW hopefuls in Greater China.”

Lauren’s McPhate, communications and marketing manager for Ginsberg+Chan said: “MWM’s Saturday morning mock MW tasting exams have been incredibly helpful in detailing out how to best spend your time tasting under exam conditions.  Debra has given tons of sage advice on everything from the order of tasting, to how to write a good note, to what not to do.

“She’s obviously gone through it herself but is also still really involved with the IMW, so there isn’t any better advice out there.   It’s also been a huge wake up call to how much more wine I need to drink!”

The classes run from 10am-1pm at MWM’s office in Aberdeen with the next scheduled for 6 February, 20 February, 5 March and 19 March and priced at $750 per session.