The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is delighted to announce that seven new Masters of Wine (MWs) have joined the membership after successfully passing all three stages of the MW exam.
Alice Archer MW (UK), Owain Hughes MW (UK), Weiran Liu MW (China), Gabriella Macari MW (US), Tiago Macena MW (Portugal), Jake Skakun MW (Canada) and Sue Tolson MW (Hungary) are the latest to earn the Master of Wine title. Together with the four new MWs announced in February, they complete the 2026 vintage and bring the total tally to 11, the largest since 2021, which saw 13 new Masters of Wine.
Among the six countries represented by the newest crop, we also celebrate the first Masters of Wine based in Portugal and Hungary.
There are now 427 active Masters of Wine across 31 countries, working at the highest levels of the global wine industry. The Master of Wine title is the wine world’s most coveted credential, awarded only to those who demonstrate an exceptional understanding of every aspect of wine.
The MW examination encompasses three components, split across stages two and three of the MW study programme. At the end of stage two, students sit both a practical and theory closed-book exam. The practical consists of three 12-wine blind tasting papers requiring students to assess variety, origin, winemaking, quality, style and commercial position, while the theory consists of five papers covering viticulture, vinification, wine handling, the business of wine and contemporary issues. In stage three, students submit a research paper (RP): an in-depth, original study on a wine-related topic drawn from the sciences, arts, humanities or social sciences. Only upon successful completion of all three components do they earn the title of Master of Wine.
All members must sign the IMW’s code of conduct before they have the right to use the title Master of Wine or the initials MW, committing them to act with honesty and integrity, and echoing the IMW’s mission to foster excellence, interaction and learning.
IMW chair, Roderick Smith MW, commented: “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.”
IMW executive director, Sarah Harrison, added: “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. I also wish to say thank you to our global network of members and supporters, whose passion and generosity play such a crucial part in nurturing tomorrow’s wine leaders.”
Meet the new Masters of Wine
Alice Archer MW (UK)
Alice Archer MW is recognised for her expertise in Champagne, sensory precision and leadership across the fine wine trade. A graduate of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, her fascination with flavour and texture was inspired by her maternal grandmother, a longstanding food writer. She began her career at Cambridge Wine Merchants, leading en primeur campaigns and developing expertise in vintage assessment, producer relations and the fine wine market. Subsequent senior buying and sales roles have included Moët Hennessy UK and Harrods. Alice is an experienced judge at the IWC and IWSC, a former Chairman of the Champagne Academy, a member of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, and a Liveryman of the Vintners’ Company.
Research paper: Assessing the potential for using generative AI to support wine businesses in writing compelling descriptions for labels.
Owain Hughes MW (UK)
Owain Hughes MW was introduced to wine by his uncle, a former anaesthetist in Bermuda who now makes wine in Paso Robles. While studying music at Bristol University, he developed that interest through the city’s wine merchants and tastings. His formative wine experience came later through work with Viader Vintners in Cardiff and harvests in the Côte de Nuits. He now works in finance, alongside selected consultancy projects and wine judging.
Research paper: Wine and empire in Conrad and Kipling: possibilities and limitations of a postcolonial analysis.
Weiran Liu MW (China)
Born in Shenzhen, China, and educated in the United States, Weiran (Bill) Liu MW holds degrees in international relations and French literature from Emory University. His interest in wine, inspired by his father, deepened during an internship at Château Margaux while studying in France. He went on to build a career in Hong Kong’s fine and rare wine sector, working with leading international auction houses and fine wine membership clubs. Now based in China’s Greater Bay Area, Bill works across wine education, brand representation, consultancy and international wine exhibitions, while championing stronger connections between Chinese wines and the global wine community.
Research paper: Choosing the right wine exhibition: an analysis of factors influencing exhibitor preferences in China.
Gabriella Macari MW (US)
Gabriella Macari MW is an independent consultant and educator based in New York. Raised at her family’s vineyard on the North Fork of Long Island, she developed an early appreciation for wine before earning a BA from Fordham University. She began her career in wine communications and education, working with global brands and regional initiatives including Wines from Spain and Moët Hennessy Wine Estates. Returning to Macari Vineyards, she led strategy, production, distribution, direct-to-consumer sales and marketing, helping establish the winery as one of the leading producers in the eastern United States. She is also co-founder of Cab Franc Forward NY, championing New York Cabernet Franc and regional identity through sustainable winegrowing.
Research paper: Herbicides in viticulture: exploring awareness, perspectives, and attitudes among U.S. wine consumers.
Tiago Macena MW (Portugal)
Tiago Macena MW is the first Portuguese Master of Wine. He holds a degree in agronomic engineering, specialising in viticulture and winemaking, from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia at the University of Lisbon, together with a postgraduate qualification in Wine Business. A partner and winemaker at Código Wines in Dão, he also consults for wineries in Alentejo and Pico, Azores, with a particular focus on native Portuguese grape varieties and the preservation of old vineyards. Tiago is a freelance wine educator, a member of the tasting panel for Revista de Vinhos, and a regular wine columnist.
Research paper: Encruzado in the Dão: production overview and future prospects.
Jake Skakun MW (Canada)
Jake Skakun MW is a restaurateur and wine director based in Toronto, Canada. After an early career in multimedia and design, he entered the world of hospitality. While working in Vancouver’s restaurant scene in the mid-2000s, he discovered a love for wine, sparking a two-decade educational journey. In 2012, he moved to Toronto, eventually partnering with friends to open a number of lauded restaurants: Grey Gardens, Le Swan, Bar Vendetta and General Public. Since 2020, he has run the quarterly Grey Gardens Wine Club and managed high-profile accounts for the premium importing agency CGU Fine Wines. Outside of his professional life, Jake is an avid reader who enjoys hiking and travelling with his wife and daughter.
Research paper: VQA wine on tap: a case study of Toronto area on-premise wine buyers.
Sue Tolson MW (Hungary)
Sue Tolson MW is a freelance wine writer, judge, educator, consultant, translator and editor based in Hungary. Originally from England, she specialises in the wines of Hungary and Central and Eastern Europe, alongside Italy, with a particular interest in indigenous varieties, volcanic wines and old vines. Sue is one of Vinitaly International’s Italian Wine Experts and contributes to publications including Decanter supplements, WineSofa and Wines of Hungary. She regularly judges in Hungary and internationally, including at the International Wine Challenge, Wine Vision at Open Balkan and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. A linguist, Sue studied Italian and French and is fluent in Hungarian and German. She is the first Master of Wine to be based in Hungary.
Research paper: An exploration of regional identity in Szekszárd: the “Szekszárd Trinity” of Kékfrankos, Kadarka and Bikavér and the Szekszárd Bottle.