The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) proudly announces the addition of five new Masters of Wine to its prestigious ranks: Neil Bernardi MW, Tone Veseth Furuholmen MW, Benjamin Hasko MW, Victoria Mason MW, and Wei Xing MW.
These individuals have earned the coveted Master of Wine (MW) title, marking the completion of the 2024 vintage of Masters of Wine. They join a distinguished group of professionals who have passed the rigorous MW examination and demonstrated their comprehensive understanding of the global wine industry.
Earlier this year, Emily Brighton MW, Christopher Martin MW, Robert Mathias MW, Dror Nativ MW, and Pietro Russo MW were also awarded the title, bringing the total number of active Masters of Wine worldwide to 421. These MWs are spread across 30 countries, representing various sectors of the wine industry, each contributing uniquely to the field.
The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Master of Wine
The Master of Wine credential is one of the most respected and challenging achievements in the drinks industry. The journey to earning the MW title is demanding, requiring a deep understanding of all aspects of wine. Candidates must pass one of the most stringent examinations in wine education, which consists of three key components:
Only after successfully passing the research paper are candidates awarded the MW title, signifying a profound mastery of wine.
Upholding the Integrity and Mission of the IMW
Every Master of Wine must sign the IMW’s code of conduct, pledging to act with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to sharing their extensive wine knowledge with others. This commitment aligns with the IMW’s mission to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across the global wine community.
IMW Chair Cathy van Zyl MW expressed her pride in the new inductees: “The announcement of new Masters of Wine is always a happy day for the Institute, but more importantly, it marks a momentous achievement for those receiving the MW title. The journey to becoming a Master of Wine is no small feat, and I share my heartfelt congratulations to Neil, Tone, Benjamin, Victoria, and Wei. Your dedication, sacrifices, and pursuit of knowledge have led you here. Welcome to the IMW.”
She also extended her gratitude to the current MWs who have supported these candidates on their journeys, contributing to their education, examination, and ongoing encouragement.
Meet the New Masters of Wine
Neil Bernardi MW (United States)
Neil Bernardi is the Chief Operating Officer of Colgin Cellars in Napa Valley, with over two decades of leadership experience in the wine industry. He previously held senior roles at The Duckhorn Portfolio, including Vice President and General Manager of several renowned wineries. Neil's educational background includes a B.A. in Italian and a B.S. in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. His journey in wine has been marked by numerous accolades, including being named a "Top 40 Under 40 Tastemaker" by Wine Enthusiast in 2018.
Tone Veseth Furuholmen MW (Norway)
Tone Veseth Furuholmen is a Senior Product Manager at the Norwegian Wine Monopoly, responsible for curating wine selections from Italy, Portugal, Spain, Lebanon, and Greece. Her passion for wine was ignited during her language studies in Italy, leading her to a career that spans trade analysis, product management, and education. Tone holds a Master of Management degree and is actively involved in teaching sommelier courses and the WSET Diploma in Oslo.
Benjamin Hasko MW (Singapore)
Benjamin Hasko has over 15 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific wine industry, currently serving as the beverage director for a leading restaurant group in Singapore. He oversees a team of sommeliers and curates wine lists for award-winning venues. Benjamin is also an importer, focusing on sustainable wines from Northern Italy, Germany, and Central Europe. He is a passionate educator and presenter, dedicated to expanding wine knowledge throughout the region.
Victoria Mason MW (United Kingdom – England)
Victoria Mason began her career in wine after completing her MPhil at Cambridge University and joining the Waitrose graduate scheme. She transitioned from horticulture buying to wine buying, where she developed a deep expertise in South African wines and viticulture. Victoria has since worked for Bordeaux Index and recently joined The Wine Society’s buying team, where she continues to pursue her passion for wine, with a particular interest in soil health and viticulture.
Wei Xing MW (China – Mainland)
Wei Xing’s interest in wine was sparked during his postgraduate studies in France. Upon returning to China, he became a wine educator, working closely with prominent figures in the industry. Wei Xing has made significant contributions to wine education and social media, where he has built a following of approximately 400,000. He continues to teach and judge wines across China, promoting wine culture and education nationwide.
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a globally recognized membership organization, representing the pinnacle of expertise in the wine industry. With a history spanning over 70 years, the IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning within the global wine community. Masters of Wine are known for their comprehensive understanding of wine, having passed the demanding MW exam and committing to uphold the highest standards of conduct in the industry.
Today, there are 421 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries, influencing every sector of the wine industry, from winemaking and buying to journalism and education. The IMW continues to support its members and students through various educational programs and partnerships, ensuring that the pursuit of excellence in wine remains at the forefront of its mission.
The IMW’s principal supporters include Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands, and VSPT Wine Group, who play a crucial role in promoting the IMW’s mission and supporting its global initiatives.
Source: IMW