The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has announced seven new Masters of Wine (MWs), after the candidates passed all three stages of the MW exam. 

Among them is Alice Archer from the UK, who began her career at Cambridge Wine Merchants and is recognised for her expertise in Champagne across the fine wine trade. 

Also from the UK, Owain Hughes joins the latest MW cohort, with a research paper on wine and empire. 

Further afield, Weiran Liu from China becomes an MW, with a focus on growing the connections between Chinese wine and the global wine community. 

Meanwhile, Gabriella Macari becomes an MW in the US, with a special interest in sustainable winegrowing. 

The first-ever Portuguese Master of Wine, Tiago Macena, has also been named an MW. He is a partner and winemaker at Código Wines in Dão. 

Hailing from Canada, Jake Skakum is a restaurateur and wine director who becomes an MW with an interest in the on-premise. 

And finally, from England but based in Hungary, Sue Tolson gains MW status with her research paper exploring regional identity in Szekszárd. 

Joining the four new MWs announced in February, the IMW said that the 2026 class is now the largest since 2021. 

It continued that there are now 427 active MWs across 31 countries, working at the highest levels of the global wine industry. 

IMW chair, Roderick Smith MW, said: “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.” 

At the same time, 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.”