master of wine research paper

A Complete Guide to the 2022 Master of Wine Exam (MW) from the Institute of Masters of Wine

People often confuse Masters of Wine (MW) from the Institute of Masters of Wine with Master Sommelier (MS) from the Court of Master Sommeliers and vice versa. The primary purpose of the Institute of Masters of Wine and the Master of Wine Exam is to promote excellence, interaction and learning, across all sectors of the global wine community. Its membership encompasses winemakers, buyers, shippers, business owners, retailers, academics, sommeliers, wine educators, writers, and journalists. Whereas, the Master Sommelier designation is more geared towards individuals working in hotel and restaurant beverage service.

This article will focus on the Masters of Wine (MW) credential and give you a thorough understanding of the process to achieve this designation.

The Institute of Masters of Wine is often considered the gold standard in the accreditation of wine knowledge. Since inception more than 65 years ago, the Master of Wine title has been collectively held by a worldwide family of wine professionals. As of October 2022, there are 418 MWs around the world, each contributing to the wine world in their own way.

The journey to becoming an Master of Wine is a challenging one, but there are many resources available to help you achieve success. A Master of Wine will be assigned as your mentor, and you will have numerous opportunities to meet fellow students and other industry leaders during residential seminars and course days.

New Masters of Wine welcomed in 2022

An elegant ceremony was held on March 23, 2022, where The Institute of Masters welcomed 17 new Masters of Wine into their membership.  These students passed the Master of Wine Exam during 2020 and 2021, but this was the first event held since the pandemic.

The six 2020 Masters of Wine inaugurated were, Beans Boughton MW (UAE), Jacqueline Cole Blisson MW (Canada), Heidi Iren Hansen MW (Norway), Annette Lacey MW (Australia), Geoffrey Moss MW (Canada) and Ross Wise MW (Canada).

The 11 Masters of Wine from 2021 were Claire Blackler MW (UK), James Doidge MW (UK), Gabriele Gorelli MW (Italy), Susan Lin MW (US), Moritz Nikolaus Lüeke MW (Germany), Álvaro Ribalta MW (Spain), Tze Sam MW (UK), Melissa Saunders MW (US), Kryss Speegle MW (US), Clare Tooley MW (US) and Siobhan Turner MW (UK). Sophie Parker-Thomson MW and Michael Henley MW , both from New Zealand, were unable to attend the ceremony but will be honored in November 2022.

The Master of Wine exam tests a candidate’s understanding of the art, science, and business of wine from a theoretical as well as practical perspective. Exam standards remain as rigorous as they were in 1953, when only six out of 21 candidates passed.  An external adjudicator guides a panel of Masters of Wine in setting and marking the questions every year.

Three parts make up the Master of Wine exam: theory and practical examinations, and a research paper that is submitted at the end of stage three.

Master of Wine Exam – Stage One: Assessment

All students taking the Master of Wine Exam are required to take the Stage One Assessment at the end of their first year.  Questions include determining the grape variety the wine was made of, the origin of the wine, its quality, age and potential for further ageing, its production method, style and commercial potential.

Master of Wine Exam – Stage Two: Practical Exam

Stage Two Practical Master of Wine Exam consists of three 12-wine blind tastings in which wines must be assessed for variety, origin, commercial appeal, winemaking, quality and style.

Master of Wine Exam – Stage Two: Theory Exam

Five written essays are required for the Stage Two Theory Master of Wine Exam on viticulture, vinification and pre-bottling procedures, the handling of wine, the business of wine and contemporary issues.

Master of Wine Exam – Stage Three: Research Paper

Stage Three requires a Research Paper written on a topic determined by the candidate and expected to be between 6,000 and 10,000 words.

In order to become a member of the Institute of Masters of Wine, one must pass all three elements of the exam. The right to use the title Master of Wine and its abbreviation (MW) after one’s name is conferred by membership in the IMW and compliance with its code of conduct.

2022 Master of Wine (MW) exam questions, along with the list of wines to be tasted during the practical (tasting) portion, have now been published by the Institute of Masters of Wine.

Institute of Masters of Wine Master of Wine Exam 2022

Practical blind taste 1, question 1:.

Wines 1 and 2 are from the same producer and the same vintage. For each wine:

• Identify the origin as closely as possible. (2 x 1 0 marks)

With reference to both wines:

• Compare the two wines discussing the quality, maturity, use of oak and market position. (30 marks)

Question 2:

Wines 3-5 are from the same country. For each wine:

• Identify the origin and variety as closely as possible. (3 x 10 marks)
• Comment on the quality and maturity. (3 x 10 marks)
• Comment on the winemaking techniques used. (3 x 5 marks)

Question 3:

Wines 6-8 come from the same country. For each wine:

• Identify the origin and variety /ies as closely as possible. (3 x 15 marks)
• Discuss the wine’s style and quality; consider which markets this wine would be successful in. (3 x 10 marks).

Question 4:

Wines 9-12 are from different countries and are made from different, single grape varieties. For each wine:

• Identify the grape variety and origin as closely as possible. (4 x 15 marks)
• Comment on quality and market position. (4 x 10 marks)
• Meursault Les Chevalieres, Domaine Xavier Monnot , 2019. Burgundy, France. (13.0%)
• Corton Charlemagne, Domaine Xavier Monnot , 2019. Burgundy, France. (13.5%)
• Riesling Springvale, Grosset , 2021. Clare Valley, Australia. (12.9%)
• Chardonnay, Pierro Vineyards , 2019. Margaret River, Australia. (13.5%)
• Marsanne Museum Release, Tahbilk , 2014. Nagambie Lakes, Victoria, Australia. (13.0%)
• Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Giannitessari , 2020. Veneto, Italy. (12.0%)
• Gewurztraminer, Erste+Neue , 2020. Alto Adige, Italy. (14.0%)
• Etna Bianco di Sei, Palmento Costanzo , 2018. Sicily, Italy. (12.0%)
• Torrontes, Colome Estate , 2021. Salta, Argentina. (13.0%)
• Albarino, ‘La Trucha’, Bodegas Notas Frutales , 2020. Rias Baixas, Spain. (13.0%)
• GrUner Veltliner, Loimer , 2020. Kamptal, Austria. (12.0%)
• Roussanne, Domaine de Tunnel , 2020. Saint-Peray, Rhone, France. (14.0%)

Practical Blind Taste 2

Wines 1-3 are from different countries and are each made from a different, single grape variety. Wine 4 is a blend of all three of these varieties. For each wine 1-3:

• Identify the grape variety and the origin as closely as possible. (3 x 15 marks)
• Comment on the style, considering possible reasons for not blending the variety used for this wine. (3 x 1 0 marks)

For wine 4:

• Comment on the purpose of blending these varieties with reference to balance and quality. (15 marks)
• Identify the origin as closely as possible. (10 marks)

Wines 5 and 6 are from the same region but different sub-regions. For each wine:

• Identify the sub-region as closely as possible. (2 x 10 marks)
• Comment on the key winemaking techniques used. (2 x 5 marks)
• Comment on the style and quality. (2 x 10 marks)

Wines 7 and 8 are from the same region but different sub-regions. For each wine:

Wines 9 and 10 are made from the same single grape variety and come from the same region. With reference to both wines:

• Identify the grape variety and the region as closely as possible. (20 marks)
• Compare and contrast style and quality. (20 marks)
• Compare and contrast market potential. (10 marks)

Question 5:

Wines 11 and 12 are made from the same single grape variety or predominant grape variety and come from the same region. With reference to both wines:

• Identify the primary grape variety and the region as closely as possible. (20 marks)
• Chi non Cuvee Terroir, Charles Joguet , 2019. Loire Valley, France. (13.5%)
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Double Diamond , Schrader Cellars, 2018. Oakville, Napa Valley, USA. (14.5%)
• Merlot, Vino de Eyzaguirre , 2019. Colchagua Valley, Chile. (13.0%)
• Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion , 2018. Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France (14.0%)
• Chianti Classico ‘Brolio’, Barone Ricasoli , 2017. Tuscany, Italy. (13.5%)
• Brunello di Montalcino, Montosoli, Altesino , 2015. Tuscany, Italy. (14.5%)
• Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune, Domaine Frederic Esmonin , 2019. Burgundy, France. (12.5%)
• Clos Vougeot, Domaine Gros Frere & Soeur , 2017. Burgundy, France. (14.0%)
• Malbec ‘Serie A’, Zuccardi , 2020. Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. ( 13.9%)
• Malbec Reserve Old Vine, Altocedro , 2018. Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (14.5%)
• Zinfandel, Mother Clone, Pedroncelli , 2019. Dry Creek Valley, USA. (15.5%)
• Lytton Springs, Ridge Vineyards , 2019. Dry Creek Valley, USA. (14.6%)

Practical Blind Taste 3

Wines 1 – 4 are all sparkling rose wines. Wines 1 and 2 are from one country, and wines 3 and 4 are from another country. For each wine:

• Identify the origin as closely as possible and the grape variety(ies) used. (4 x 10 marks)
• Comment on the key winemaking techniques. (4 x 10 marks)
• Comment on the quality within the context of the origin. (4 x 5 marks)

Wines 5 – 9 are all from different countries of origin and are all made from different predominant grape varieties. For each wine:

• Identify the grape variety/ies and origin as closely as possible. (5 x 10 marks)
• Comment on the key winemaking techniques, with specific reference to the level of residual sugar. (5 x 7 marks)
• Comment on the quality and state of maturity. (5 x 8 marks)

Wines 10 – 12 are from three different countries. For each wine:

• Identify the origin as closely as possible. (3 x 1 0 marks)
• Comment on the key winemaking techniques. (3 x 5 marks)
• Comment on the style, quality, and commercial position. (3 x 10 marks)
• Prosecco Rose Brut, La Gioiosa , 2020. Veneta, Italy. (11.0%)
• Spumante Rosato ‘Cadelvento’, Venturini Baldini , 2020. Lambrusco, Italy (11.5%)
• Rose Brut, Bollinger , NV. Champagne, France. (12.0%)
• Brut Rose, Simonnet-Febvre , NV. Cremant de Bourgogne, France. (12.0%)
• GewUrztraminer, Single Vineyard, Te Whare Ra Wines , 2020. Marlborough, New Zealand. (14.0%)
• Riesling Spatlese, Erbacher Hohenrain , Schloss Reinhartshausen, 2015. Rheingau, Germany. (7.0%)
• T Noble Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, Ken Forrester , 2019. Stellenbosch, South Africa. (11.5%)
• Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos, Sauska , 2017. Tokaj, Hungary. (11.5%)
• Chateau Coutet , 2016. Sauternes – Barsac, France. ( 13.0%)
• Recioto della Valpolicella Classico, Corte Sant’Alda , 2018. Veneta, Italy. (15.0%)
• 10 Year Tawny Port, Quinto do Naval , NV. Douro, Portugal. (19.5%)
• Para 10 Year Grand Tawny, Seppeltsfield , NV. South Australia, Australia. (20. 9%)

Theory Essay 1 (Viticulture)

Three questions to be answered, one from Section A and two from Section B.

• Which diseases of the vine are the greatest threat to vineyards around the world today, and why?
• What effects do vineyard pests have on grape quality, and how do grape growers control them?
• To what extent does the geology of a vineyard affect the way it is managed
• Glyphosate use is coming under increasing scrutiny. Should it be banned in modern viticulture? What are the alternatives?
• As a viticulturist, what factors would influence your approach to growing cover crops in a vineyard?
• What factors affect the timing of pruning in vineyards around the world?

Theory Essay 2 (Vinification)

• Explain the process of malolactic fermentation in winemaking. How, why and when is it employed?
• Examine the role of yeast lees during wine maturation.
• What are the options available for pre- and post-fermentation maceration in winemaking? What factors determine their use?
• How can a winemaker ensure consistency in a wine’s style over a number of years?
• Stuck fermentation
• Undesirable oxidative characters, including mouse taint
• Early-stage Brettanomyces infection
• Analyse the options available to producers of high-quality Chardonnay for reducing the risk of premature oxidation in bottle.

Theory Essay 3 (Handling of wine)

Answer two of the following four questions.

• What are the main technical issues a wine producer should consider when evaluating a change from bottling still wines at source to shipping them in bulk for bottling in the destination market?
• white wine with 180g/L residual sugar
• Bourgogne Pinot Noir
• ‘Post-maturation wine stabilisation practices should be used only on low-end wines.’ Discuss.
• You are a producer planning to sell your wine to countries in the European Union (EU). What requirements for analysis and labelling must be met to ensure compliance with EU law?

Theory Essay 4 (The business of wine)

• How has the global coronavirus pandemic impacted consumer wine purchasing behaviours? Use examples from at least three significant markets to illustrate your answer.
• What measures determine the strength of a wine brand? How can brand managers most effectively influence their brand’s long-term performance
• Who or what are the most important influencers of consumer behaviour in today’s world of wine?
• Which emerging wine-producing countries or regions have the best chance of establishing themselves as a significant force on the international wine market, and why
• Which are the most attractive markets for premium Italian wines, and why
• You are the production director of a one million-case winery which aspires to become carbon neutral by the end of the decade. What steps would you take to achieve this objective?

Theory Essay 5 (Contemporary issues)

Two questions to be answered, one from Section A and one from Section B.

• ‘Natural wine does not need a legal definition.’ Discuss.
• Assess the main challenges and opportunities for the wine education industry around the globe in the next ten years.
• How is artificial intelligence being used within the wine industry and what might its impact be in the coming decades?
• Are biodynamic practices the key to more sustainable wine production?
• Does anyone still need wine writers?

The best way to learn about wine is… …to drink it. ~ Damon Raque

This article is brought to you by Bottle Bank as part of the Wine Education Series (WES)

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Meet the new Masters of Wine 2020

The Institute of Master of Wine (IMW) said today (28 August) that 16 candidates had passed its notoriously difficult examination process.

They follow seven candidates who became MWs earlier in the year, bringing the global total to 409 – spread across 30 countries.

Prospective MWs must pass through three stages of assessment: theory exams, tasting exams and a final research paper.

They must also sign the IMW code of conduct, agreeing to act with honesty, integrity and use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others.

World first

One of the new MWs announced this week, William Lowe, is the first Master Distiller to also become a Master of Wine.

Lowe is the co-founder of gin brand Cambridge Distillery, and said his intention with studying the MW was to bring a ‘new perspective to my approach in the distillery.’

‘My aim is to use the insight I’ve gained through my MW studies to help others understand how to seek out and identify true quality in both wines and spirits,’ said Lowe.

Coronavirus impact

Earlier this year, the IMW had to cancel closed-book exams and stage one assessments, due to the coronavirus pandemic, as countries entered lockdown.

The final stage, the research paper, was able to continue, although allowances were made for timing issues.

Stage two students were able to defer their place on the study programme to 2021, without needing to repeat any coursework from this year.

The new Masters of Wine and their research papers:

Mike Best MW (UK) – An investigation into the cellar doors of Great Britain’s wine producers. What part might they play in the future growth of the industry?

Nick Bielak MW (UK) – An investigation into the challenges faced by the Prosecco DOC producers since 2010.

Beans Boughton MW (UAE) – Examining the impact of market visits by winery principles on brand performance in the premium on-trade channel in Dubai.

Duane Coates MW (Australia) – Methods of preserving freshness in opened bottles of wine.

Jacqueline Cole Blisson MW (Canada) – A study into Ontario’s quest for global fine wine recognition.

Róisín Curley MW (Ireland) – A scientific study comparing the influence of three different strains of Oenococcus oeni on malolactic fermentation kinetics and chemical properties relating to the colour and flavour of Pinot Noir wine from Burgundy.

Tracey Dobbin MW (France) – Dry white wines from Grand Cru Classé Sauternes: Perceptions of négociants, châteaux and key market retailers on the market performance and market potential of these wines.

Heidi Hansen MW (Norway) – Online wine tasting courses in Norway. Examining the quality of corrective feedback through an online platform and the opportunities for development.

Christophe Heynen MW (Belgium) – An analysis of the use of crowdfunding methods as a tool for financing new vineyard and winery projects worldwide from the perspective of wine entrepreneurs.

Annette Lacey MW (Australia) – An investigation into whether the Tasmanian GI should be sub-divided.

Ido Lewinsohn MW (Israel) – Grapevine leafroll virus crisis in Israel. How has the industry been affected and what is it doing to combat the disease?

William Lowe MW (UK) – Does wine tasting education improve performance in qualitative assessment of spirits?

Geoffrey Moss MW (Canada) – A case study: Factors affecting wine club termination for nine California wineries.

Ray O’Connor MW (UK) – An investigation into the chemical and sensory characteristics in the use of specific inactivated yeast in bulk-shipped Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Adam Porter MW (UK) – Can premium wines be marketed in single serve cans in the UK retail market?

Louise Wilson MW (Canada) – An investigation into consumer attitudes toward vegan and vegetarian wine in Canada.

February 28th 2020, written by Richard Woodard. 

Seven new Masters of Wine have been named, expanding the number of MWs around the world to 396, based in 30 countries.

The seven students all passed the Institute of Masters of Wine’s (IMW) notoriously tough three-stage exam process, involving theory exams, tasting exams and a research paper – an in-depth study on a wine-related topic.

The seven new MWs include:

Vanessa Conlin MW (US), a former opera singer based in the Napa Valley, where she is head of wine for ecommerce wine retailer Wine Access. Research paper: Land and winery ownership in Napa Valley from 1998-2018

Elizabeth Kelly MW (UK), involved in buying English wines and product development at retailer Marks & Spencer, having previously worked for Oddbins and the WSET. Research paper: A sustainability scheme for the UK wine production industry.

Pasi Ketolainen MW (Finland), an ex-sommelier who has represented Finland in blind tasting competitions. He joined Viinitie Oy as commercial director in 2019. Research paper: Wine distributors’ views regarding the current and future status of the restaurant supply chain in Finland.

Lin Liu MW (France), based at Château de Chambert in Cahors, who has been involved in trading, winemaking, tasting, judging, writing and wine education. Research paper: Cahors AOC hierarchisation project, a case study from 1999 to 2019.

Curtis Mann MW (US), director of alcohol and beverage at California/Nevada supermarket chain Raley’s since 2013, who began his career in hospitality. Research paper: California consumer understanding and preference for US Chardonnay styles.

Beth Pearce MW (UK), a buyer for Majestic Wine who joined the retailer’s management training scheme after visiting vineyards in New Zealand following university. Research paper: How effective is it to use the reduced carbon footprint of bulk shipping and UK bottling as a marketing message?

Ross Wise MW (Canada), an ex-chef who is now winemaker at Black Hills Estate Winery in the Okanagan Valley, and senior winemaker at Andrew Peller. Research paper: How will climate change be influencing viticulture in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley by the 2050s?

See also: My most memorable wines: Jancis Robinson MW and Hugh Johnson

See also: master of wine vs master sommelier: what’s the difference, latest wine news, pernod ricard to acquire 280-hectare provence estate, researchers identify the cause of rotten egg smell in canned wine, sonoma coast: 2021 vintage report and 2022 preview.

Two new Masters of Wine

24 February 2023

Wojciech Bońkowski MW and Joshua Grainer MW have achieved the title of Masters of Wine.

Announced by the Institute of Masters of Wine today (24 February), the new members of the IMW are based in Poland and USA respectively. Wojciech Bońkowski is the first MW to be based in Poland.

There are now 416 MWs globally – 267 men and 149 women living or working in 31 countries. 2023 marks the 70 th anniversary of the first Master of Wine examination, held in 1953. Since the first exam, 500 people have become an MW.

Wojciech and Joshua are the first of the 2023 MW vintage. They have proved their understanding of all aspects of wine by passing the Master of Wine exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and high standards.

The MW exam consists of the theory and practical exams taken at the end of stage two and the research paper submitted at the end of stage three. The RP is an in-depth study on a wine-related topic from any area of the sciences, arts, humanities, or social sciences. Only when an individual passes the third stage of the MW exam do they become a Master of Wine.

In addition to passing the exam, and before new members have the right to use the title Master of Wine or initials MW, they must sign the IMW’s code of conduct.

The top countries where MWs are based around the world are Australia (27), Canada (10), France (18), Germany (10), New Zealand (15), the UK (207) and the US (58).

Meet the new Masters of Wine

Wojciech Bońkowski MW (Poland)

Research paper

Towards a Tokaj classification. Applying the Austrian Erste Lagen approach to Hungary

Joshua Grainer MW (USA)

Evaluating Phenology Shifts of Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Merlot in Virginia by the Mid-21st Century

PHOTOS AVAILABLE HERE

For more information contact: Belinda Eaton Marketing and Communications Manager Institute of Masters of Wine +44 (0)207 383 9136 [email protected]

Notes to editors:

About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)

The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For 70 years, its members – the Masters of Wine (MWs) – have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 416 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 349 students from 40 countries in the 2022-23 MW study programme. The IMW works with 35 supporters and two research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Constellation Brands, the Madame Bollinger Foundation, and Waitrose and Partners.

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2022 Master of Wine exam questions + wines revealed

The Institute of Masters of Wine has recently revealed the questions from the 2022 MW exam, as well as the wines used in the practical or tasting assessment.

The practical tasting and theory questions form the second part of MW study, with those who successfully pass this stage moving on to the final aspect of the MW programme: the research paper.

One hundred and three students sat the theory and practical exams July 26-29 in London, Napa and Adelaide. These students have already passed Stage 1 of the program; a one-day assessment comprising a 12-wine blind tasting exam in the morning and a theory exam in the afternoon.

Here is the list of wines that were used in the 2022 Masters of Wine practical examination:

Chinon Cuvée Terroir, Charles Joguet, 2019. Loire Valley, France. Cabernet Sauvignon, Double Diamond, Schrader Cellars, 2018. Oakville, Napa Valley, USA. Merlot, Vino de Eyzaguirre, 2019. Colchagua Valley, Chile. Château Larrivet Haut-Brion, 2018. Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France. Chianti Classico ‘Brolio’, Barone Ricasoli, 2017. Tuscany, Italy. Brunello di Montalcino, Montosoli, Altesino, 2015. Tuscany, Italy. Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Domaine Frédéric Esmonin, 2019. Burgundy, France. Clos Vougeot, Domaine Gros Frère & Soeur, 2017. Burgundy, France. Malbec ‘Serie A’, Zuccardi, 2020. Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Malbec Reserve Old Vine, Altocedro, 2018. Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Zinfandel, Mother Clone Pedroncelli, 2019. Dry Creek Valley, USA. Lytton Springs, Ridge Vineyards, 2019. Dry Creek Valley, USA.

The corresponding questions for the practical paper, and the theory papers can be found here: https://www.mastersofwine.org/news/2022-mw-exam-questions-and-wines-revealed

Since the first exam in 1953, 498 people have become a Master of Wine, and the IMW actively seeks new candidates around the world.

#masterofwine #winenews #wineeducation #wine #winetasting #winelovers #winelover #winetime #sommelier #winelife #wset #winegeek #wineexperience #finewine #wineknowledge #winestudy #winestudent

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Five new Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine has today welcomed five new MWs to their ranks.

Emily Brighton MW, Christopher Martin MW, Robert Mathias MW and Dror Nativ MW, who are based in the UK, and Pietro Russo MW, based in Italy, have today been welcomed to the membership of the IMW. There are now 417 active Masters of Wine based in 31 countries. The top countries where MWs are based around the world are Australia (26), Canada (10), France (18), Germany (10), New Zealand (15), the UK (208) and the US (58). 

The first MWs of the 2024 vintage of Masters of Wine are introduced below.

Emily Brighton (UK – England)

Emily Brighton is head of technical at North South Wines, the first UK wine importer and distributor to achieve B Corp accreditation – the subject of Emily’s research paper. Emily’s passion for wine began while reading law at Bristol University, where she joined the wine society and discovered blind tasting. Emily embarked on the MW programme having won the Derouet Jameson scholarship for her WSET Diploma results in 2018. She also received the Lallemand Prize 2021, and the Vintners’ Company Davies Langton Award 2017. Most recently, Emily was shortlisted for the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Award 2024. Emily becomes the current youngest female MW, and, with dual-citizenship, the first Latvian MW.

Research paper:  Sustainable accreditation for UK wine distributors – investigating the impact of B Corp certification on wine distributors: a case study of North South Wines.

Christopher Martin (UK – England)

Chris has a background in education, with over 18 years of teaching a range of students from primary school to graduate-level courses. His love of wines flourished while he was living in Austria for several years. Finally, in 2013 he started to formalise his interest, taking the WSET Level 3 course. This followed quickly with the Diploma finishing in 2016. Chris later developed a multi-part wine course at the university he was working for, which led to him joining the WSET in the business development team, where he spent time teaching and growing WSET in the Asia Pacific region. In 2018, he became head of educator development, leading the team responsible for training future WSET educators. Chris is also a wine judge, hosts masterclasses at trade shows and teaches regularly.

Research paper:  Developing effective wine educators: integrating the theory of pedagogical content knowledge into wine educator train-the-trainer programmes.

Robert Mathias (UK – England)

Robert is a wine buyer with a particular specialism in the wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône. His journey into wine began at the University of Cambridge, where he studied an MA in musicology and social theory. It was at this time that he started studying WSET courses and working at Cambridge Wine Merchants alongside his degree. Finding a number of transferrable skills between the worlds of music and sociology and wine, he started working at Bibendum. It was here, through travelling widely and working alongside many wine-trade greats, that he quickly became a fine-wine buyer, and later took a role across the group buying all French wine. In 2023, Robert joined the buying team at Bordeaux Index. Based in London, he continues to travel, taste, and explore the growing world of wine.

Research paper:  Sparkling assets? An analysis of the contributing factors behind the growth in value of the secondary market for investment level champagne from the 2002, 2008 & 2012 vintages.

Dror Nativ (UK – England)

Dror is a wine buyer at Marks & Spencer, responsible for champagne and sparkling wine, England, Bordeaux, Burgundy and South America. Dror ’ s career in the world of drinks started in the hospitality industry, opening and running the first Irish pub in Tel Aviv. His love of wine developed when he worked for a fine-wine importer in London, and his retail wine-buying career in the UK spans SPAR, Sainsbury ’ s and M&S. Dror has a passion for the growing English wine industry. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and three children.

Research paper:  An investigation into the development of English tank method sparkling wines.

Pietro Russo (Italy)

Pietro is an Italian winemaker who grew up in Sicily, surrounded by the aroma of Marsala ageing in his grandparents’ garages. His first degree was in viticulture and oenology in Conegliano, followed by a Master’s in Montpellier and Bordeaux. He accumulated hands-on experience by working harvests in France, Spain, New Zealand, Piedmont and Sicily. From 2010 Pietro has held the role of the senior winemaker at Donnafugata, a successful and dynamic Italian wine brand. He crafts unique wines from the most compelling viticultural areas of Sicily: Etna, Pantelleria, Vittoria and Contessa Entellina. Technical expertise, a market- and consumer-led approach and a profound commitment to preserve typicality informs his career in the wine industry. He speaks Italian, French, English and Spanish, and regularly judges at international wine competitions. Pietro lives in Marsala with his family and, when not travelling, he loves gardening, spearfishing and taking care of his two children.

Research paper:  Comparative analysis of different tartaric stabilization techniques, including the impact of new ingredient labelling rules, for Grillo and Nero d'Avola wines from Sicily.

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The Drinks Business

New masters of wine from italy and the us announced today.

Having passed the final stage of the notoriously difficult Master of Wine exam, two new MWs have been announced today, with one of them a specialist in pergola vine training and the other an expert on wine references in songs by the Grateful Dead.

The latest people to achieve the title of Master of Wine are US-born-and-based Erin Jolley and Italy’s Andrea Lonardi, who join Wojciech Bońkowski MW and Joshua Granier MW as the 2023 vintage of MWs, with the latter two announced in February.

There are now 502 people who have passed the exam since it first took place in 1953, with the total number of living MWs worldwide now amounting to 414, based in 31 countries.

Notably, Andrea becomes the second MW based in Italy, after Gabrielle Gorelli MW, who gained the title in 2021 .

The top countries where MWs are based around the world are the UK (205), the US (59), Australia (27), France (18), New Zealand (15), Canada (10), and Germany (10).

News of their success makes for a welcome piece of positive news from the IMW after the recent loss of two of its prominent figures, with the death of the first female MW, Sarah Morphew Stephen in June – whose remarkable life you can read about here – and the tragic loss of Philip Tuck MW in a cycling accident last month.

Read on to find out more about the new Masters of Wine, including their specialisms following their in-depth studies for their pass-quality research papers – and many congratulations to Erin and Andrea.

Erin Jolley MW (US)

Erin’s career in wine began with sales in the city where she was born, Washington, D.C. She soon landed a position in the Barossa Valley, Australia, followed by rewarding years in San Francisco, CA and Denver, CO. In addition to wine sales, she has focused on importation with a specialty of developing new markets.

Erin currently resides in Miami, FL where her own company Drink the Rent, an importer of French wines, is based. She also manages key wine portfolios and direct imports for Maverick Beverage Company of Florida. She spends her free time in the water with her husband and 2-year-old daughter, soon to be joined by a son in September 2023.

Research paper: A study of wine references in the lyrics of two American artists, Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, in songs from the 1960s and 1970s

Andrea Lonardi MW (Italy)

Andrea is a wine manager distinguished by his product-oriented approach, with experience in different regions and markets. This originates from global education and training, ranging from Italy, to France, to the US, with varied positions within the wine industry. Andrea started his career in marketing and sales for the largest Italian wine group (GIV), expanding sales of indigenous southern Italian grape varieties in the US market.

Andrea was promoted to viticulture director, responsible for over 1,000 hectares and 13 estates, from the Alps to Sicily. Through his leadership, Andrea pioneered many projects: developing stress indices for indigenous Italian grapes, engineering the first harvest-machine with satellite control, and modelling management indices.

Since 2012, Andrea has been COO within Angelini Wines and Estates (AW&E). In this role, Andrea oversees the business, impacting on marketing and sales, whilst leading incentives to innovate production and distribution: orchestrating a relaunch for the historic brand Bertani, reinstating a strong stylistic identity to Amarone and Valpolicella; zoning Montalcino through distinctive vineyard selection; and connecting with key international fine wine distributors.

Research paper: Pergola and VSP in Valpolicella: how labour demand and current challenges impact training system choices

About the MW exam and the IMW

The MW exam consists of three parts: the theory and practical exams taken at the end of stage two and the research paper submitted at the end of stage three. The RP is an in-depth study on a wine-related topic from any area of the sciences, arts, humanities, or social sciences. Only when an individual passes the third RP stage of the MW exam do they become a Master of Wine, which Erin and Andrea have done successfully.

Before new members have the right to use the title Master of Wine or initials MW, they must sign the Institute of Masters of Wine’s code of conduct. By signing this, MWs agree to act with honesty, integrity and use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others.

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