London, December 2003: Markus Del Monego, the first, and still the only German to hold the title of Sommelier World Champion, has now acquired the coveted title of Master of Wine. This makes him, at 37 years old, the first person in the history of these two qualifications to hold both titles at once and highlights his outstanding wine knowledge. Markus, who comes from Baden, heard that he had successfully passed the Master of Wine exam in September this year. This examination is recognised as being the most difficult and the most demanding wine examination in the world.
The examination takes place over several days. In addition to viticulture and vinification – topics which are also studied for a winemaking qualification - in-depth knowledge is required of marketing, sales and finance as well as social aspects such as wine and politics, alcohol consumption issues and the influence of wine on culture and history.
The Institute of Masters of Wine in London is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Over 2000 candidates have sat for the examination since it was first held in London in 1953. 278 have been successful since then, and today there are just 244 Masters of Wine world-wide. The pass rate is just under 50%.
Markus runs a consultancy service, caveCo GmbH, in Essen, Germany. He is delighted that all the effort and time he has invested has finally been worthwhile., "I am pleased, and to be honest, rather relieved that I have now passed this difficult set of exams. At the same time, though, it has been great fun to take on such a challenge again."