How to become a Master of Wine: Gabriele Gorelli MW and Andrea Lonardi MW’s method

Gabriele Gorelli MW and Andrea Lonardi MW were the first wine professionals based in Italy to earn the title of Master of Wine. In the podcast we share today, the two explore the rigorous study methodologies that led them to complete the journey: they delve into the challenges and triumphs of their experiences, providing valuable observations and advice for aspiring future MWs.

MW: an individual path

Gabriele Gorelli MW and Andrea Lonardi MW, two thirds of those who are now defined as the Three Musketeers of Italian wine, immediately clarified what is perhaps the most important characteristic of the Master of Wine course: the lack of a standardized study process with specific study texts and frontal lessons. Instead, it is an individual process, where students themselves must understand how to study, what, and how. Recognizing the need for collaboration, the partnership formed together with Pietro Russo (now also MW, but who at the time had yet to complete the last phase of the program) allowed them to share knowledge and support each other, thus increasing their chances of success.

Some advice for those undertaking the MW journey

• One of the main challenges of the MW program lies in the need to adopt a logical approach to exams. Speakers recommend analyzing each question meticulously, as it often contains crucial information needed to formulate the correct answers.

• Gorelli MW and Lonardi MW developed a system of mind maps, a visual representation of information in which a central idea is surrounded by related concepts. This method can help organize large amounts of data into manageable sections, facilitating better recall and understanding.

• Understanding the importance of focusing only on relevant information, they adhered to the principle: "Eliminate the impossible; whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth" (Sherlock Holmes, from the novels of Arthur Conan Doyle). This approach allowed them to focus on essential details and ignore distractions, assigning the right value to the different elements of the questions.

• In tastings, the ability to stay focused without falling into anxiety or haste has proven to be fundamental to success. The two MWs emphasize the need to taste like a detective, observing meticulously, and write like a lawyer, precisely articulating one's reasoning. Even if the final answer is wrong, this logical process is the basis for continuous improvement.

• The two speakers were keen to highlight how participation in the MW course had a profound impact on their lives and their working methodologies, recalling that each MW is unique, shaped by its own history, path and background. By combining these differences, Gorelli and Lonardi have created something extraordinary, demonstrating how collaboration can enhance individual strengths.

Gabriele Gorelli MW

Gabriele Gorelli MW, born in 1984 in Montalcino, Tuscany, became the first Italian Master of Wine in February 2021. Since 2015 he has been co-founder of KH Wines, providing consultancy on product strategy and communication for high-end brands . Gabriele serves as a Global Faculty Ambassador for the Banfi Foundation and Brand Ambassador for Vinventions.

Andrea Lonardi MW

Andrea Lonardi, born in Valpolicella, graduated in Agriculture from the University of Bologna and obtained a Master's degree in management from the Grande École de Montpellier. He began his career with Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), managing over 1,200 hectares of Italian wine-growing territories. In 2012 he became COO of Bertani Domains (now Angelini Wines & Estates). He is VP of the Consorzio Tutela Vini della Valpolicella and member of the board of directors of Unione Italiana Vini. Andrea Lonardi became Master of Wine in August 2023.