Six new Masters of Wine announced

The Institute of Masters of Wine has welcomed six new Masters of Wine into its ranks taking the total number of MWs worldwide to 319, in 24 countries.

This year’s applications for the first year of the Institute’s Study Programme were up by 26% on 2013.

Of the new MWs, two are American, two British, one German and one Swedish, with four women and two men. In the last ten years almost 50% of new Masters of Wine have been women.

Penny Richards, executive director of the Institute, said: “We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding individuals; their diligence and commitment to excellence will be great assets to our community, as will their diversity.

“Results day is always one of the most emotional in the Institute’s calendar, full of triumphs and disappointments. We’d like to offer congratulations to all those who sat the Master of Wine examination in June, whatever their results. We had our greatest-ever number of candidates, and overall results for the theory examination were the best we’ve ever seen.”

Scroll through to see the new MWs.

Natasha Hughes MW (UK)

Natasha is a freelance wine and food writer, consultant and educator. Her career has included writing for magazines and websites, consulting for the on-trade, businesses and private clients and hosting seminars and tastings for members of the trade and the public. Natasha also judges at wine competitions around the world.

Robin Kick MW (US)

Originally from Chicago, Robin entered the wine trade in 1999 following studies at the Université du Vin in Suze-la-Rousse in France. She now works for fine wine broker, ARVI SA, in Lugano, Switzerland. She is grateful to count Christie’s auction house and Burgundy-specialist, Goedhuis & Co. as previous employers who contributed to her education, knowledge and experience.

Anne Krebiehl MW (Germany)

Anne is a freelance wine writer and lecturer, based in London. Her work is published in international trade and consumer publications. She lectures, particularly on German wine, consults for London restaurants and translates wine-related texts. Anne also judges at international wine competitions. She has harvested and helped to make wine in New Zealand, Germany and Italy. Anne becomes the fifth German Master of Wine, and is the second German woman after Caro Maurer MW to achieve the title.

Rob MacCulloch MW (UK)

Robert first worked with wine through Oddbins in 1995, later working for Montana Wines in New Zealand, and then for Hatch Mansfield and Bibendum in the UK. He currently works full time for Burgundy specialist importers Domaine Direct and part time for independent retailer Taurus Wines.

Nicholas Paris MW (US)

Based in Connecticut, Nicholas is the senior manager of education for the E. & J. Gallo Winery in the US. Since joining the wine industry, Nicholas has held a variety of positions on the retail, wholesale, auction and winery sides of the business. During his wine career, Nicholas has been very active in education, wine judging and travel, and speaks several languages proficiently.

Louise Sydbeck MW (Sweden)

Louise, who has lived in France for 20 years, has been involved in the wine trade since the start of her professional career. After working as a sommelier and wine tour guide in Sweden and France she set up her own business with her husband in Antibes supplying wines to luxury yachts along the French Riviera. Louise is the third Swedish Master of Wine joining Ulf Sjödin MW and Madeleine Stenwreth MW.