<P> Before enrolling in the MW study programme, prospective students must hold an advanced wine qualification, at least Diploma level from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, or an appropriately high level sommelier certificate, such as Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers . Also, prospective students need to have a minimum of three years' professional work experience in the global wine community . Applicants must submit a basic essay, a tasting paper, a brief statement explaining their interest in becoming a Master of Wine, and a reference to support their application, from a Master of Wine or another senior wine trade professional . </P> <P> The study programme is made up of three stages . Stage 1 is the foundation year and gives students the opportunity to meet Masters of Wine and fellow students in both professional and social settings . Stage 1 assessment includes six pieces of work throughout the year, culminating in an exam that takes place in early June . The exam involves one tasting paper and two essays . Stage 2 is a crucial time for students - it can be very intense but immensely rewarding . Students must provide three pieces of work for assessment throughout the Stage 2 year, and must pass both the Theory and Practical parts of the June MW Examination in order to progress to the Research Paper in Stage 3 . The Research paper is an individual paper of between 6,000 and 10,000 words in length, on a topic of the student's choice . The whole qualification takes at least three years to complete in full . </P> <P> Until 1983, the examination was limited to United Kingdom wine importers, merchants and retailers . The first non-UK Master of Wine was awarded in 1988 . As of October 2017, there are 369 MWs in the world, living in 29 countries . The MWs are spread across 5 continents, wherein UK has 208 MWs, USA has 45 MWs, Australia has 24 MWs and France only has 16 MWs . There are 9 countries with 1 MW each on the list . </P> <P> Today, members hold a range of occupations including winemakers, viticulturists, winemaking consultants, wine writers and journalists, wine educators, and wine service, restaurant and hotel management . In addition, many are involved in the purchasing, importing, distribution, sales and marketing of wine . Typically, sommeliers choose to become Master Sommelier, but only a handful of individuals have achieved both qualifications . </P>

How many masters of wine are there in the world