Four new Masters of Wine (MW) have been officially recognized in February 2025, an announcement that celebrates the latest successful candidates who have completed the rigorous Masters of Wine examination process. This prestigious qualification places them among a select group worldwide, bringing the total number of MWs to 425.
The newly inducted Masters include Amanda Barnes, a prominent authority on South American wines and Regional Chair for Chile at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Joining her are Jit Hang Jackie Ang, based in Singapore; Sarah Benson, located in the UK; and Kathleen Van den Berghe, who hails from Belgium.
Roderick Smith MW, chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), commended their achievement as a significant milestone in their wine careers. Executive Director Julian Gore-Booth expressed optimism regarding their contributions to the wine community as Masters of Wine.
Profiles of the New Masters of Wine
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Amanda Barnes MW: Living in Mendoza since 2009, she writes for Decanter and authored The South America Wine Guide. Her research paper focused on the future of South American Criolla.
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Jit Hang Jackie Ang MW: With a DPhil in Medical Sciences from Oxford, he directs Cherwell Wine and Spirits. His research examined the influence of glassware shape on wine perceptions.
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Sarah Benson MW: Formerly in translation, she has extensive buying experience and currently sources wine for the Co-op. Her paper analyzed wine’s cultural perception through Baroque art.
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Kathleen Van den Berghe MW: Transitioning from construction engineering, she revitalized two Loire Valley estates to produce organic wines. Her research explored methods to reduce haloanisoles in wine.
These achievements reflect both personal dedication and an elevated standard in the global wine community, reinforcing the significance of the Masters of Wine qualification.