Seven new Masters of Wine have been announced by the Institute of Masters of Wine, bringing the 2026 intake to 11, the largest annual cohort since 2021. The latest group also includes the first Masters of Wine based in Portugal and Hungary.
The Institute of Masters of Wine has announced seven new Masters of Wine, completing its 2026 intake and taking the number of active MWs worldwide to 427.
Alice Archer MW and Owain Hughes MW from the UK, Weiran Liu MW from China, Gabriella Macari MW from the US, Tiago Macena MW from Portugal, Jake Skakun MW from Canada and Sue Tolson MW from Hungary have all successfully passed the three stages of the MW examination.
Together with the four new MWs announced in February, the latest additions bring the 2026 total to 11, the largest annual cohort since 2021, when 13 people earned the title.
The group also marks two national firsts, with Macena becoming the first Master of Wine based in Portugal and Tolson the first based in Hungary.
Largest cohort in five years
There are now 427 active Masters of Wine working across 31 countries.
The qualification requires candidates to complete practical and theory examinations before submitting a research paper on a wine-related topic.
The practical element comprises three 12-wine blind tasting papers, with candidates assessing factors including grape variety, origin, winemaking, quality, style and commercial position.
Five theory papers cover viticulture, vinification, wine handling, the business of wine and contemporary issues.
Candidates who progress to stage three must then complete an original research paper before being permitted to use the MW title.
Roderick Smith MW, chair of the IMW, said: “Becoming a Master of Wine is one of the most significant achievements in the world of wine, reflecting not only exceptional knowledge and skill, but also curiosity, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning.
“This year’s cohort represents an inspiring breadth of backgrounds, expertise and perspectives, and we are thrilled to welcome our first Masters of Wine based in Portugal and Hungary. Today marks an extraordinary personal achievement for each of them, and it is with great pride that I extend my congratulations and welcome to them all.”
Champagne, AI and postcolonial wine studies
The research papers submitted by this year’s new MWs cover subjects ranging from artificial intelligence and wine labels to regional identity and viticulture.
Alice Archer MW, whose career has included roles at Cambridge Wine Merchants, Moët Hennessy UK and Harrods, examined the potential for generative AI to help wine businesses write compelling descriptions for labels.
Owain Hughes MW, who now works in finance alongside wine consultancy and judging, explored wine and empire through the work of Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling.
Weiran Liu MW, based in China’s Greater Bay Area and active across fine wine, education and consultancy, analysed the factors influencing exhibitors when choosing wine exhibitions in China.
First Portuguese MW
Tiago Macena MW becomes the first Portuguese Master of Wine.
A partner and winemaker at Código Wines in Dão, Macena also consults for wineries in Alentejo and Pico in the Azores, with a focus on indigenous Portuguese varieties and old vineyards.
His research paper examined Encruzado in the Dão, looking at production and future prospects for the variety.
Gabriella Macari MW, an independent consultant and educator based in New York, investigated US consumers’ awareness and attitudes towards herbicide use in viticulture.
Macari grew up at her family’s vineyard on Long Island’s North Fork and later led strategy, production, distribution, direct-to-consumer sales and marketing at Macari Vineyards.
Hospitality perspective
Canadian Jake Skakun MW brings a restaurant and hospitality background to the latest group.
Based in Toronto, he is a partner in restaurants including Grey Gardens, Le Swan, Bar Vendetta and General Public, and also works with premium importer CGU Fine Wines.
His research paper examined VQA wine on tap through a case study of on-premise wine buyers in the Toronto area.
Sue Tolson MW, meanwhile, becomes the first Master of Wine based in Hungary.
Originally from England, Tolson works as a wine writer, judge, educator, consultant, translator and editor, specialising in Hungary, Central and Eastern Europe and Italy.
Her research explored regional identity in Szekszárd through Kékfrankos, Kadarka, Bikavér and the Szekszárd Bottle.
11 new MWs in 2026
The seven join Karen Hong Liu MW, Cristina Mercuri MW, Kim Oshiro MW and Bryce Wiatrak MW, who were announced in February.
That first group included Mercuri, the first female Master of Wine based in Italy, alongside research topics spanning wine live-streaming in China, methoxypyrazines in red wine, women and Fascism and wine in the operas of Giuseppe Verdi.
Sarah Harrison, executive director of the IMW, said: “To welcome 11 new Masters of Wine over the course of 2026 is a wonderful reflection of the growing strength, diversity and international reach of the MW programme.
“Behind every new MW is a demanding journey of dedication and perseverance and it is my absolute pleasure to offer them all my heartfelt congratulations.”
The IMW currently has 320 students from 46 countries enrolled in its 2025-26 study programme, with the next International Symposium due to take place in Adelaide, South Australia, in April 2027.
Source THE drinks Business
