Slate.com has dredged up the issue of the MW: is it worth doing it? As he points out, there are plenty of people who have done quite nicely without those two letters after their name but to say that it isn’t worth the money, time and effort is like saying it’s not worth climbing Everest – after all, you only get a nice view and a bit of altitude sickness for your efforts.
Having just endured the marathon that is the MW exam for the past 3 1/2 days, I’m obviously biased and think the thing is worth having. Yes, my bank balance is looking rather miserable and my partner, Ben, has suffered having a book worm for a fiancee for the past six months. However, the past three years have made me a much improved member of the wine industry and, if I don’t pass, it has been worth it. My knowledge is much deeper, it encourages you to have an enquiring mind, widen your drinking range and meet some of the industry’s most interesting and ambitious people. It also opens doors and engenders a minimum level of respect from others who appreciate the mountain you are attempting to climb.
I probably ought to be going out and celebrating but all I feel like doing is putting my slippers on and having a nana nap.
Next week, I’ll be posting the questions we faced. See if you fancy a crack too!
