Ep. 2774 Mastering Wine Exams: Preparation, Pressure & the MW Journey with Chris Martin MW | TEXSOM 2026

Welcome to Episode 2774 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Chris Martin MW at TEXSOM 2026.

Chris is Director of Education at the Wine Scholar Guild. He judges regularly in international wine competitions, hosts masterclasses at trade shows and teaches regularly. In this episode, Jessica and Chris discuss his MW journey, the realities of preparing for demanding wine exams, and how to manage pressure and tension on exam day. They also reflect on the role of TEXSOM in wine education and professional development.

The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America.

Join us at TEXSOM 2026 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry.

More about today’s guest:

Chris has over 18 years of experience in education and combines his teaching background with extensive wine expertise. After completing the WSET Diploma in 2016, he joined WSET’s business development team, later becoming Head of Educator Development in 2018.

Since 2024, Chris has been Director of Education at Wine Scholar Guild, overseeing educational programs focused on Italy, France, Spain, and Germany. He is also an international wine judge, educator, and frequent masterclass presenter.

Connect:

Website: https://texsom.com/people/james-tidwell-ms-cwe/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmartin_mw/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmartinmw/

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