The MW exams are renowned for their intensity, and this year’s papers are no exception. Candidates tackled everything from climate-resilient rootstocks to cancer warnings on wine labels.

The Institute of Masters of Wine has published the full list of wines and theory questions from the 2025 MW examinations, offering a glimpse into the rigours faced by candidates pursuing one of the wine world’s most prestigious qualifications. The Stage One Assessment was held on 2 June, with Stage Two exam taking place between 3 and 6 June. The exams are currently being marked, with results expected in September.

Wines for Stage One Assessment (S1A) 2025

1. Domaine de Chevalière Blanc Pessac Leognan 202. Bordeaux, France (10.5%)
2. Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay, NV. USA. (13.5%)
3. Shaw and Smith M3 Chardonnay, 2022. Adelaide Hills, Australia. (13%)
4. Corte Sant’Alda Valpolicella Amarone, 2016. Veneto, Italy. (15.5%)
5. Allegrini Valpolicella, 2022. Veneto, Italy. (13%)
6. Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir, 2022. Central Otago, New Zealand. (14%)
7. Maison Roisin Curley, Bourgogne Rouge, 2022. Burgundy, France. (13%)
8. Sandhi Santa Rita Hills, 2022. California, USA. (13%)
9. Disznókő Tokaji 5 Puttonyos, 2013. Tokaj, Hungary. (12%)
10. Henriques & Henriques Malvasia 10 years old, NV. Madeira, Portugal. (20%)
11. Klein Constantia, Vin de Constance, 2019. Constantia, South Africa. (14%)
12. Gonzalez Byass Leonor Palo Cortado, 12 years old. Jerez, Spain. (20%)

Theory questions for stage one assessment (S1A)

What effects do vineyard pests have on grape quality, and how do grape growers control them?

Outline the most important quality control checks during bottling and why each is necessary.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of private-label wines for wineries, distributors and retailers?

Wines for Master of Wine exam 2025 Practical Papers

Paper 1 wines:

1.Château de Fieuzal Blanc, 2021. Pessac-Léognan, France. (12.5%)
2. Sauvignon Semillon Circa 77, Xanadu, 2023. Margaret River, Australia.(13%)
3. Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Lechet, Domaine Defaix, 2010.Burgundy, France. (13%)
4. Chardonnay, Old Stage, 2019. Monterey, California, USA. (14%)
5. Chardonnay, Iona, 2022. Elgin Highlands, South Africa. (12.5%)
6. Chardonnay, Moss Wood, 2023. Margaret River, Australia. (14%)
7.Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Monnières Saint-Fiacre l’Ancestrale, Vignobles Günther-Chéreau, 2018. Loire, France. (12%)
8.Riesling Silberberg de Rorschwihr, Rolly Gassmann, 2021. Alsace, France. (13.5%)
9. Vouvray Côte de Bourg Demi-Sec, Domaine Huet, 2022.Loire, France. (13%)
10. Riesling Flussterrassen, Grans-Fassian, 2022. Mosel, Germany. (11.5%)
11.Rioja Blanco Gran Reserva, López de Haro, 2014.Rioja, Spain. (12.5%)
12.Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina, Selvapiana, 2015. Tuscany, Italy.(13%)

Paper 2 wines:

1. Chinon Les Barnabés, Olga Raffault, 2021. Loire Valley, France. (12.5%)
2. Cabernet Franc, El Enemigo, 2021. Mendoza, Argentina. (13.5%)
3. Toscana IGT “Aranum”, Tenuta di Arceno, 2018. Tuscany, Italy. (14.5%)
4. Gigondas, Chateau de Saint Cosme, 2022. Rhone Valley, France. (14.5%)
5. Crozes-Hermitage “Papillon”, Gilles Robin, 2023. Rhone Valley, France. (13%)
6. Cornas Granit 30, Vincent Paris, 2022. Rhone Valley, France. (13%)
7. Côtes du Rhône Réserve, Famille Perrin, 2022. Rhone Valley France. (14%)
8. Touriga Nacional, Quinta do Vallado, 2019. Douro, Portugal. (14%)
9. Zwiegelt, Bergh, 2021. Niederösterreich, Austria. (12.5%)
10. Barbera d’Alba Trevie, Vietti, 2022. Piedmont, Italy. (14.5%)
11. Beaujolais Villages “Le Perreon”, Domaine de la Madone, 2023. Beaujolais, France. (13%)
12. Xinomavro “Hedgehog”, Alpha Estate, 2022. Amyndeon, Greece. (14%)

Paper 3 wines:

1. Riesling Sekt Extra Dry, Dr. Loosen, NV. Mosel, Germany. (11.5%)
2. Riesling, Framingham, 2023. Marlborough, New Zealand. (12%)
3. Riesling Beerenauslese,Dr. Loosen, 2018. Mosel, Germany. (7.5%)
4.Cava Brut Reserva “Essential Púrpura, Juvé y Camps, 2021. Penedès, Spain. (12%)
5.La Bruja, Comando G, 2022. Valle del Tiétar, Sierra de Gredos ,Spain. (14%)
6. Oloroso VORS 30 Years, Bodegas Tradición, NV. Jerez, Spain. (20%)
7.Côte de Provence Cru Classé, Chateau Galoupet, 2023. Provence, France (14%)
8.Pinot Gris Spiegel Grand Cru, Schlumberger, 2022. Alsace, France. (13.5%)
9.Tokaj I Édes Szamorodni ,István Szepsy,2017.Tokaji, Hungary. (12%)
10. Sercial 10 Years Old, Henriques & Henriques ,NV. Madeira, Portugal (20%)
11. Fine Ruby Port, Cockburns, NV. Douro, Portugal. (19%)
12. 40 Year Tawny Port, Kopke, NV. Douro, Portugal. (20%)

Theory papers questions:

Paper 1 (viticulture)

Section A

How effectively can vineyard pests and diseases be controlled without using agrochemicals?

“Bacterial and phytoplasma diseases are the greatest threats to vine health today.” Discuss.

Section B

How can artificial intelligence (‘AI’) be used in viticulture to improve the quality of wine grapes?

To what extent does soil management affect the quality of wine grapes?

How do changing rainfall and wind patterns affect viticulture?

To what extent can rootstocks be used to mitigate the effects of climate change?

Paper 2 (vinification)

Section A

Critically assess the key techniques a winemaker can use to enhance complexity and texture in bottle-fermented sparkling wines.

Evaluate the different winemaking techniques that can enhance a wine’s potential for extended bottle ageing

Section B

Examine the roles of bacteria in winemaking. How can bacteria be managed to achieve desired outcomes?

Evaluate prevention and correction strategies for each of the following Issues:

a. 0.9g/L volatile acidity in a Chablis wine (pH3.2, 12.5% ABV) intended for lees ageing;

Source: The Drinks Business