MW: the Journey - Departure.

Well, my dear friends, family, and colleagues – I have formally withdrawn as a Master of Wine candidate. This was an incredibly difficult decision, and I am grateful for the time I have spent working towards this goal over the past five years, since I first joined in 2020. But it became clear to me it was time to walk away. And in the spirit of transparency I’ve promoted since re-applying, here are the reasons why.

I have seen incredible, exponential growth in my knowledge about all aspects of wine, from viticulture to vinification, production, and every aspect of the business – and importantly, in my understanding how to succeed with the exam. Passing my recent S1A Theory portion at the Stage 2 level was especially gratifying, with all positive examiner comments (including the often-elusive “displayed critical thinking,” hurrah.) I also appreciated my examiner’s feedback for Practical (tasting) that I had “good answers with logical arguments,” as I have worked very hard on those aspects. However, as I was worried (read HERE), my missed identifications that day let me down, and ultimately I did not score enough points on that portion of the exam to progress to Stage 2. I was instead designated a “re-sit,” invited to repeat Stage 1 for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Although a Stage 1 re-sit can be a valuable part of the process for many candidates, at this point I am already crystal clear on what I need to work on to be successful in Stage 2. I have improved notably each year, and many comments from MWs at my seminar were encouraging and supportive of my progress and potential. However, the way the MW program is structured, I am adjudicated solely by my performance on the S1A. None of the Theory and Practical assignments I completed this year (with high marks, by the way,) my graded Mock exam at Seminar, my outside classes, my interactions with my mentor – none of it – counted toward my “grade.”

I knew I’d done well at Theory – and frankly, if you put in the work which I have, it is generally an easier paper to pass. It turns out I did really well at Theory, which felt great. However, Practical is harder… while I’d obviously figured out how to write solid and logical answers, the nuances of assessing 12 wines can vary day to day. Have a good tasting day – you’re through. Have a worse tasting day – you’re out. I did well enough to remain in the program, but not progress.

Given my prior experience, repeating Stage 1 (again) rather than building toward Stage 2 felt prohibitive. I may not have tasted well enough that day, but I’ve amassed many skills Stage 1 students haven’t yet acquired. I now see that focusing on correct – or closer – identification under time pressure is really my only obstacle. To repeat a whole introductory year for that one hitch takes up a great deal of time without moving me forward. So, despite my confidence that I could eventually succeed, I can no longer justify the demands on my time, money, and energy the program requires.

Deep down in my heart and soul, I know without doubt that I have what it takes to be a superb Master of Wine: not only in eventually demonstrating mastery on the exam and through an excellent Stage 3 Research Paper, but also as a leader in the trade and a generous mentor to students. However, I believe that originally joining the program during the pandemic affected my pace, and at this point, the extended time is too great; I need to devote my efforts and unique talents to other pursuits now.

I am tremendously grateful for the MWs who have gone above and beyond in trying to help candidates be successful; there are many to whom I will reach out personally with thanks and appreciation. I am also indebted to my “study buddies” around the globe. My New York tasting group especially remains a steadfast source of inspiration – I am so thankful for their support and camaraderie over the years, and I will always treasure the friendships, the early morning mock exams, the frustrations, and the “aha” moments we’ve shared. They’ve been a constant inspiration to me, and I’m deeply proud to have been a part of that group. With two members recently passing their Stage 2 exams, I eagerly anticipate many congratulatory glasses of Champagne in the near future.

Being an MW candidate has been a true honor. It was tremendously difficult to make the decision to remove myself from consideration, and I’ve done so with sincere sadness. But I take comfort in knowing it is ultimately the right decision, and that I will carry the lessons of this journey into all that comes next. Of course this isn’t the end of my wine career, just a change in direction. There are so many projects I’m excited to work on now that I’ll have more bandwidth. I desperately want to get back on stage, do more TV, finish my Anthem Quest, publish my book(s), embark on two video series and the podcast I'm creating, grow the family appraisal business, and be able to be more present and helpful with my aging parents. And maybe date again? Heck yeah.

In many ways I’ll miss the pursuit, and I may always have the pang that I stepped away too soon, but I’m thrilled for what comes next. I mean, heck – there are over 400 Masters of Wine, but there’s only ONE Wine Minx, right?

Thank you all for your support and encouragement over the years. If any readers are interested in the MW program, please reach out – I have tons of thoughts and experience to share, and even though I'm leaving, I still believe it is a very worthwhile pursuit. (If any of you are MW candidates, I also have tons of killer examples and flights and notes to share! Ask away.)

Hitting "send" on my withdrawl letter email to the Institute and packing up my armloads of study notes and books was emotional. But, as Louis L'Amour said, “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning.”

Onwards.