The Institute of Masters of Wine has announce three new Masters of Wine, including New Zealander Michael Henley.
A director of New Zealand Winegrowers, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers and Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Henley holds a BSc in Zoology as well as Diplomas from WSET and in viticulture and oenology.
He has held Chief Executive roles with Trinity Hill Winery and Aotearoa NZ Fine Wine Estates and is based in Hawke’s Bay.
Henley joins Claire Blackler MW (UK) and Siobhan Turner MW (UK) as the world’s newest Masters of Wine.
There are now 419 MWs globally – 268 men and 151 women living or working in 31 countries. Since the first exam in 1953, 496 people have become an MW.
Claire, Michael and Siobhan join the 10 new Masters of Wine announced in February to form the 2021 vintage of 13 MWs.
The MWs have proved their understanding of all aspects of wine by passing the Master of Wine exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and high standards.
The MW exam consists of three parts: the theory and practical exams taken at the end of stage two and the research paper submitted at the end of stage three.
The RP is an in-depth study on a wine-related topic from any area of the sciences, arts, humanities, or social sciences.
Only when an individual passes the third RP stage of the MW exam do they become a Master of Wine.
In addition to passing the exam, and before new members have the right to use the title Master of Wine or initials MW, they must sign the IMW’s code of conduct.
By signing the code of conduct, MWs agree to act with honesty, integrity and use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others.
The top countries where MWs are based around the world are Australia (28), Canada (10), France (18), Germany (10), New Zealand (16), the UK (209) and the US (57).
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