The Institute of Masters of Wine was founded in 1955 by the Vintner’s Company, one of the original twelve livery companies (guilds) in the city of London, founded in 1363.  It oversees the rigorous four day examination, which tests the candidate’s knowledge of the production of wine (grape growing, winemaking, and the handling of finished wine), the business of wine and contemporary issues in the wine trade, as well as their ability to identify and evaluate wines in a series of blind tastings.  Membership is granted following successful completion of both portions of the exam, the completion of a research paper, and written consent to the code of conduct.  Today there are 353 Masters of Wine worldwide, including 40 in North America.