James Davis MW is one of the most respected wine professionals in the world. He is one of fewer than 500 people worldwide who holds the notoriously tricky-to-pass Master of Wine qualification.
Below sharing released press riport from the Public Relations and Communications Agency Hungary
“What Does a Master of Wine Truly Know?
“The profession of Master of Wine (MW) is wrapped in layers of myth. These so-called Jedi
Knights of wine are said to possess the power to launch a bottle’s market value into the
stratosphere — and to reach their ranks, one must endure a grueling journey few dare to take.
But perhaps the truest definition of being a Master of Wine is that this is the most intimate
connection one can have with wine and through wine, with life itself. It is a vocation that
blends philosophy, art, and science … who better to guide us through this world than
internationally recognized MW James Davis?
“Wine – as one of the most authentic beverages of humankind – is naturally linked to the
discovery of cultural values, to travel, and to the building of human connections. And for
someone who loves all of these, there could hardly be a more ideal profession than being a
Master of Wine.” This is exactly how James Davis, a British wine expert who earned the MW
title in 2013, found himself drawn into the field. As he explains, beyond his deep love of
wine, what drove him most was the challenge — the idea that through persistent effort, he
could attain a title reserved for only the few.
“The knowledge related to wine is far richer and more complex than one might initially think,
as it encompasses a deep understanding of the wine-producing regions, the people who live
there, and even the very soil that nourishes the wines. Of course the true Master of Wine also
understands how wine interacts with culture, how it influences language … and how language,
in turn, influences wine,” the expert emphasizes.
“In this sense, the doctors of the wine world can rightfully be seen as sorcerers or wine
whisperers – yet the truth is that their expertise is grounded in objective knowledge. At the
Institute of Masters of Wine, students receive not only cultural and philosophical education,
but also acquire extensive knowledge in economics, trade, wine technology, and other
relevant fields. Many of them later go on to apply their expertise not only in supporting
wineries and retail chains, but also as educators in prestigious higher education institutions,
teaching students interested in winemaking or wine marketing.
James, for example, teaches at the globally renowned Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
and at the Institute of Masters of Wine itself. He also occasionally lectures at Dijon Business
School. Yet for him, the true beauty of his role lies in sharing this complex, nuanced
knowledge with others, helping people discover the true value of wine, and more
importantly, what makes it such an extraordinary drink.
In today’s rapidly changing and often uncertain world, James Davis believes it’s more
important than ever to highlight what is authentic and enduring. His craft gives him the
unique opportunity to do just that, working every day with one of humanity’s most original
and flavorful creations: wine.” End of riport.
By-the-way furthermore to the a/m riport … The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has released the list of wines and accompanying questions from the 2025 Master of Wine (MW) exam, which was completed by students in centres around the world last week in London.
In a nutshell about “The Institute of Masters of Wine” (IMW). The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For more than 70 years, its members – the Masters of Wine (MWs) – have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 422 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 346 students from 43 countries in the 2024-25 MW study programme. The IMW works with 38 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group.”
Summarized by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 