This morning, a baker's dozen of new Masters of Wine were told they had been admitted to the Institute. As someone who is celebrating their first anniversary of membership (see Diary of an MW student – the end) I remember well the elation and relief that this creates. Indeed, I remember many of the below names as fellow students, and it is delightful to see them achieve their goal.
The experience of studying for the highest achievement in wine can vary hugely between students, though it is always a gruelling feat of endurance. Even so, every MW is made equal, but this batch is noteworthy for including India's first MW.
To pass this final part of the MW examination, each candidate must submit a research paper, the title of which we have listed below. Huge congratulations to them all!
Richard Ballantyne MW (UK)
Research Paper: Barolo – Is there an economic benefit in producing under a Cru Label Designation? If there is, what are the reasons?
Bree Boskov MW (Australia)
Research Paper: Prospects for Australian luxury wine growth among importers in key US markets.
Barbara Boyle MW (Ireland)
Research Paper: What is the effect of serving temperature on the sensory attributes of Tawny Port and Ruby Port?
Matt Deller MW (USA)
Research Paper: Coravin wine by the glass programs in the US restaurant market: effectiveness, functionality and marketing best practice.
Matthew Forster MW (UK)
Research Paper: The Colheita and Frasqueira classifications: a study of the legal framework and key themes in the production of vintage Madeira
Sonal Holland MW (India)
Research Paper: Awareness, attitude and usage of wine among SEC A urban Indian wine consumers.
Jeremy Lithgow (UK)
Research Paper: To what extent can the white wines of Saint-Aubin compete with the village-level white wines of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet in the London independent wine retail sector?
Mary Margaret McCamic MW (USA)
Research Paper: An investigation into the exceptions for wine in the Volstead Act: What impact did these exceptions have on grape growing and wine production in Napa Valley during US Prohibition?
Iain Munson MW (France)
Research Paper: Investigation into the increased sales of Picpoul de Pinet in the UK on and off trade between 2010-2015.
Mick O’Connell MW (Ireland)
Research Paper: An investigation into the attitudes of UK independent wine merchants towards the wines of Sardinia.
Mark Pygott MW (Taiwan)
Research Paper: Has climate change occurred in the Barossa Valley over the last 50 years and if so, how have vine growers adapted to any changes.
Ana-Emilia Sapungiu MW (UK)
Research Paper: What is the current and future role of wine agencies in the UK multiple off trade?
Fongyee Walker MW (China)
Research Paper: Winter Vine Burial in Ningxia, Shanxi and Hebei: a comparative study of present conditions and future sustainability.