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IMW welcomes ten new Masters of Wine
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) this week welcomed ten new MW from six different countries at a ceremony at Vintners’ Hall in London, and recognising seven individuals who excelled in areas of their MW exams.
The ten new MWs who received their certificate and 24carat gold MW pin this week included Neil Bernardi MW from the US, Benjamin Hasko MW from Singapore, Italy’s Pietro Russo MW, Tone Veseth Furuholmen MW from Norway, Wei Xing MW from China, and five from the UK, Emily Brighton MW, Christopher Martin MW, Victoria Mason MW , Robert Mathias MW, and Dror Nativ MW.
IMW chair Roderick Smith MW said it was with “great pride and honour” that the IMW formally welcomed its ten new Masters of Wine, noting that this was the largest intake since 2021.
“Having successfully studied during the difficult pandemic period makes their achievement all the more impressive,” he said. “Congratulations to them all.”
The ceremony also recognised the work done by the new intake, with two new awards debuting, The Vintners’ Company award for the top performance in the business of wine paper – won by Victoria Mason MW, and the VSPT Wine Group award for best performance in the contemporary issues paper, won by Dror Nativ MW. Mason and Nativ were also the recipients of two other awards each, while Emily Brighton MW also took home an award for
The 2024 awards in full were:
Quinta do Noval award for the best research paper by a new MW
Presented by Christian Seely, managing director, AXA Millésimes.
Awarded to Victoria Mason MW for her paper, An investigation into the enablers and barriers to the adoption and practice of regenerative viticulture in Stellenbosch.
Taransaud Tonnellerie award for excellence in the production and handling of the wine paper.
Presented by Henri de Pracomtal, chairman and CEO of Taransaud.
Awarded to Emily Brighton MW.
Vintners’ Company award for the top performance in the business of wine paper.
Presented by Ann Hill, master vintner, the Vintners’ Company.
Awarded to Victoria Mason MW.
VSPT Wine Group award for the best performance in the contemporary issues paper.
Presented on behalf of VSPT Wine Group by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW vice-chair.
Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.
Robert Mondavi Winery Award for the best performance across all the theory papers.
Presented by Sara Fogarty, regional manager UK, Constellation Brands.
Awarded to Victoria Mason MW.
IMW outstanding achievement award, for outstanding achievement across all papers
Sponsored by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB), and presented on behalf of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW vice-vhair.
Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.
Madame Bollinger medal for outstanding tasting ability.
Presented by Justin Liddle, managing director, Mentzendorff & Co Ltd.
Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.
The ceremony honoured four “vintage” MWs who have celebrated their 50th year as MWs. These included John Brown MW, Charles Eve MW, Anthony Foster MW and Bill Gunn MW.
IMW executive director Julian Gore-Booth said he was delighted to welcome the new MWs and recognise the outstanding work of the award winners, as well as to honour the “vintage” members.
“This evening’s event celebrates their remarkable dedication, expertise and contribution to the pursuit of wine excellence. Congratulations to all on your exceptional achievements. We are proud to have you as part of our global community.
All research papers can be accessed at: https://www.mastersofwine.org/research-papers
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