There’s a new episode of I’ll Drink to That! available. Episode 496 features Sandy Block, who was one of the first Americans to pass the Master of Wine exam.
You are taking a legendarily hard exam, you didn’t have a mentor to help you study, you don’t know anyone who has actually passed, and most of what you have to go off of is old copies of the test. Plus, they want you to identify a blind flight of Bulgarian wines! Maybe not the easiest set of circumstances for achieving your Master of Wine, but Sandy Block succeeded despite the odds. It was such a stressful and all-encompassing experience that Sandy remembered exam questions word for word for over 27 years. What was his method for making it through an exam that even some of the world’s most ardent wine fans never pass? Sandy divulges the mindset and the steps he took to pass, and he also talks about what specific life experiences helped him achieve his MW. But this isn’t just a discussion about passing an exam. This is also a discussion about the history of wine, from its very origins to now. Sandy unexpectedly passed away, and this recording represents one of the last times he spoke publicly about his life and studies. He did so with openness and candor.
Episode 496 is available on many listening platforms, including at these links:
I’ll Drink to That!, one of the world’s top wine podcasts, is hosted by Levi Dalton. Levi has had a long career working as a sommelier in some of the most distinguished and acclaimed dining rooms in America. He has served wine to guests of Restaurant Daniel, Masa, and Alto, all in Manhattan. Levi has also contributed articles on wine themes to publications such as The Art of Eating, Wine & Spirits magazine, Bon Appetit online, and Eater NY. Check out his pictures on Instagram.
