Just in from the MW executive office:
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to announce that the E & J Gallo Winery is to become a Strategic Education Supporter.
Gallo’s support will be directed towards enabling students to take the Theory section of the Master of Wine examination on a laptop computer rather than by hand. The computerisation project was trialled for mock exams in early 2005, and the trials will continue in 2006, extending to the actual examination.
Initially, the computerisation project will be limited to the Institute’s residential seminars and exam venues in Napa, California. However, should the project continue to prove successful, it will be extended to other centres over time.
Patrick McGrath MW, Chairman of the Institute and chair of the Business of Wine paper for the Examination Committee, said, “I am delighted that this project is progressing, and grateful for Gallo’s support. This enables the Institute to make the best use of the most up-to-date technology and support our students as much as possible. Most people now use computers much more than they write by hand, and this will enable those who wish to sit the exam using technology with which they are most familiar. It also reduces the burden on examiners who have to decipher often barely legible handwriting.”
Patrick Dodd, Education Director of E & J Gallo Winery, said, “The Gallo family is passionate in their support for wine education and professional development, and are honoured that the Institute has allowed them to assist in its mission in this way. We are also excited that the Napa residential seminar and exam site has been selected to host this computerised option, and know that MW students around the world who choose to study here will be impressed with the calibre of the programme offered in North America.
As one who has in her time suffered both aching wrists writing MW exam papers and, subsequently, aching eyes trying to read other people's, I’m delighted by this news. I always remember Gina Gallo’s intense and personal curiosity in taking the Master of Wine exam during our first meeting back in 1995. Seems as though it has borne very palpable fruit.
The principal supporters of the Institute of Masters of Wine are
AXA Millésimes and Constellation. Major supporters are the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, the Madame Bollinger Foundation (very useful for receptions), CVBG-Dourthe-Kressmann, FGL Wine Estates [Fosters], San Pellegrino (often vital), Taransaud Tonnellerie, Villa Maria, Viña Errazuriz, The Vintners' Company and Waitrose. Other supporters are the Press Club of New South Wales, Reh Kendermann, Sainsbury's and the Symington Family Port Companies.