Institute announces 13 new MWs

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 06 September, 2016

Thirteen new members have been inducted into the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) - including four from the UK.

The new Masters of Wine (MWs) live in eight countries - Australia, China, France, India, Ireland, Taiwan, the UK and the USA, bringing the total of MWs worldwide up to 354 across 28 countries.

The new MWs from the UK include Richard Ballantyne, UK accounts manager for Italian importer Vinexus and Matthew Forster, the recently appointed director of awards at the WSET.

Jeremy Lithgow managed the Harrods Wine Department before moving to Burgundy specialist Charles Taylor Wines where he is currently sales director.

Originally from Romania, Ana-Emilia Sapungiu been responsible for reshaping and redefining the Oddbins wine range in her role as wine buyer for the group.

She also appeared recently as one of the judges at the International Wine Challenge.

A notable mention goes to wine broadcaster, entrepreneur and consultant, Sonal Holland, who has earned the title of India's first MW.

In November, a record-breaking 24 new members earned the MW title.

The previous record for new MWs was 19, set in 1993.

In the most recent round of examinations, seven men and six women from eight countries earned their MW initials.

The Masters of Wine Examination consists of three stages, including theory and practical exams, and culminates in a final research paper - an in-depth study on a wine related topic from any area of the sciences, arts, humanities, or social sciences.

In addition to passing the examination, new MWs are required to sign the Code of Conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW.

The Code of Conduct requires MWs to act with honesty and integrity, and use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others.

The IMW is a professional body is known for its rigorous vetting process.

The 354 members include winemakers, buyers, journalists, shippers, business owners, consultants, academics, and wine educators.

The new Masters of Wine:

Richard Ballantyne (UK)

Bree Boskov (Australia)

Barbara Boyle (Ireland)

Matt Deller MW (USA)

Matthew Forster (UK)

Sonal Holland (India)

Jeremy Lithgow (UK)