Four new professionals have earned the prestigious title of Master of Wine (MW), including Amanda Barnes, South American wine correspondent for Drinks Business, and three other wine experts based in Singapore, Belgium, and the UK. The announcement, made on Friday, marks the first group of MWs for 2025, bringing the total number of MWs worldwide to 425, spanning 30 countries.
The new Masters of Wine are Jit Hang Jackie Ang from Singapore, Amanda Barnes from Argentina, Sarah Benson from the UK, and Kathleen Van den Berghe from Belgium. These individuals successfully passed all stages of the rigorous MW examination, which includes theory, practical exams, and a research paper.
Here’s an overview of the new MWs and the subjects of their research papers:
Jit Hang Jackie Ang MW (Singapore)
Jackie Ang, a trained pharmaceutical scientist, wine educator, and Director of Cherwell Wine and Spirits, has an extensive background in both science and wine. Based in Singapore, he holds a DPhil in Medical Sciences from the University of Oxford and an MA in Pharmacology from the University of Cambridge. Ang is passionate about improving wine knowledge and service standards in Asia, bridging the gap between producers and consumers of different cultural backgrounds.
Research Paper: Are Universal Glasses Truly Universal? — This study investigates whether glassware shape affects the perception of red and white wines made from international varieties.
Amanda Barnes MW (Argentina)
Originally from Hampshire, England, Amanda Barnes has lived in South America since 2009. An award-winning wine writer, presenter, and consultant, Barnes is a leading authority on South American wines. She is the author of The South America Wine Guide and contributes to major UK and US wine publications. Barnes also serves as Regional Chair for Chile in the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Research Paper: The Future of South American Criolla — This paper examines whether South American Criolla grape varieties are on the verge of revival or heading toward irreversible decline.
Sarah Benson MW (UK)
Sarah Benson, with a background in languages, transitioned into the wine industry after completing several WSET courses. Her career includes experience in wine buying, marketing, and bottling, with a focus on sustainable practices. Currently, she works as a wine buyer for the Co-op, sourcing wines from various countries, including France, Spain, and South America. Benson is an advocate for sustainability and consumer engagement, while also mentoring future industry professionals.
Research Paper: An Analysis of the Cultural Perception and Interpretation of Wine Through the Work of Four Baroque Artists
Kathleen Van den Berghe MW (Belgium)
Kathleen Van den Berghe, a wine entrepreneur, grew up in a family of wine enthusiasts. After a career in engineering and consulting, she acquired and revitalized two Loire Valley estates, Château de Minière and Château de Suronde, focusing on organic and biodynamic wine production. Van den Berghe also combines her knowledge of wine, engineering, and entrepreneurship to build sustainable wine tourism initiatives.
Research Paper: A Comparative Analysis of Different Techniques to Reduce Haloanisoles in Contaminated Wine
The new MWs represent a diverse group of experts contributing to the advancement of wine knowledge and industry standards across the globe. Their research topics showcase the breadth of their expertise, from cultural perceptions of wine to innovative techniques in viticulture and winemaking.
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