The IMW’s annual awards ceremony celebrates the inauguration of the new MW vintage and recognises individual excellence in areas of the MW exam. Friends, family and Masters of Wine from around the world assembled in London for the occasion.
Tonight, the IMW was proud to formally welcome new members Alice Archer MW (UK), Owain Hughes MW (UK), Karen Hong Liu MW (Hong Kong), Weiran (Bill) Liu MW (China), Gabriella Macari MW (US), Tiago Macena MW (Portugal), Cristina Mercuri MW (Italy), Kim Oshiro MW (US), Jake Skakun MW (Canada), Sue Tolson MW (Hungary) and Bryce Wiatrak MW (US). The 11 new members represent the largest intake since 2021, including the first MWs based in Hungary and Portugal as well as the first female Master of Wine to be based in Italy.
Each received a framed calligraphic certificate and a 24K gold Master of Wine pin engraved with their unique membership number.
Following the inauguration, the individual awards, introduced into the ceremony in 1979 and sponsored by IMW supporters, were presented. Bryce Wiatrak MW took home three awards, while Tiago Macena MW, Kim Oshiro MW, Gabriella Macari MW and Jake Skakun MW each received an award. The 2026 awards and winners in full are:
Quinta do Noval award
For the best research paper, as chosen by Christian Seely.
Presented by Marine Castel, communications and digital marketing director, AXA Millésimes.
Awarded to Tiago Macena MW for his paper, Encruzado in the Dão: Production Overview and Future Prospects
All research papers can be accessed here.
Taransaud Tonnelier award
For excellence in the production and handling of wine paper.
Presented by Henri de Pracomtal, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Chêne & Cie.
Awarded to Kim Oshiro MW.
Vintners’ Company award
For the top performance in the business of wine paper.
Presented by Ian Harris MBE BA DipWSET, Master Vintner, the Vintners’ Company.
Awarded to Gabriella Macari MW.
VSPT Wine Group award
For best performance in the contemporary issues paper.
Presented by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW Chair on behalf of VSPT.
Awarded to Bryce Wiatrak MW.
Robert Mondavi Winery award
For the best performance across all the theory papers.
Presented by Jessica Bell, Trade Marketing Manager EMEA, Constellation Brands.
Awarded to Bryce Wiatrak MW.
IMW outstanding achievement award
Sponsored by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB).
For outstanding achievement across all papers.
Presented by Chris Yorke, CEO, Austrian Wine.
Awarded to Bryce Wiatrak MW.
Madame Bollinger medal
For excellence in tasting.
Presented by Justin Liddle, Managing Director, Mentzendorff.
Awarded to Jake Skakun MW.
In addition to celebrating the new Masters of Wine, the ceremony honoured Anthony Hanson MW and Serena Sutcliffe MW (UK), who became Masters of Wine in 1976 and celebrate their 50th year as a Master of Wine.
IMW Executive Director Sarah Harrison commented: “Tonight is a celebration of exceptional achievement, dedication and perseverance. Becoming a Master of Wine demands an extraordinary commitment to learning and to the pursuit of excellence, and it is a privilege to welcome 11 new MWs into our international community. My congratulations go to all our new members and to the award winners, whose achievements we are delighted to recognise.”
IMW Chair Caroline Hermann MW added: “Becoming a Master of Wine is an extraordinary personal achievement, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter as part of a very special community. One of the greatest privileges of being an MW is the opportunity to learn from one another, share our experiences and build friendships with people around the world who share our passion for wine. To our 11 new MWs, welcome to the family and congratulations to you all.”