Two new Masters of Wine join the 2023 vintage of MWs
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to welcome two new MWs to the membership.
Erin Jolley MW (US) and Andrea Lonardi MW (Italy) are the latest to achieve the title of Master of Wine.
There are now 414 MWs across the world based in 31 countries, each making their own contribution to the world of wine. Andrea becomes the second Master of Wine based in Italy, after Gabrielle Gorelli MW passed in 2021.
Erin and Andrea join Wojciech Bońkowski MW and Joshua Granier MW as the 2023 vintage of 4 MWs, who were announced in February 2023. There are now 502 people who have passed the exam since it first took place in 1953.
This achievement comes after proving their understanding of all aspects of wine by passing the coveted Master of Wine exam, recognised worldwide for its high standards.
The MW exam consists of three parts: the theory and practical exams taken at the end of stage two and the research paper submitted at the end of stage three. The RP is an in-depth study on a wine-related topic from any area of the sciences, arts, humanities, or social sciences. Only when an individual passes the third RP stage of the MW exam do they become a Master of Wine, which Erin and Andrea have done successfully.
Before new members have the right to use the title Master of Wine or initials MW, they must sign the IMW’s code of conduct. By signing the code of conduct, MWs agree to act with honesty, integrity and use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others.
The top countries where MWs are based around the world are Australia (27), Canada (10), France (18), Germany (10), New Zealand (15), the UK (205) and the US (59).
Meet the new Masters of Wine
Erin Jolley MW (US)
Erin’s career in wine began with sales in the city where she was born, Washington, D.C. She soon landed a coveted position in the Barossa Valley, Australia, followed by rewarding years in San Francisco, CA and Denver, CO. In addition to wine sales, she has focused on importation with a specialty of developing new markets. Erin currently resides in Miami, FL where her own company Drink the Rent, an importer of French wines, is based. She also manages key wine portfolios and direct imports for Maverick Beverage Company of Florida. She spends her free time in the water with her husband and 2-year-old daughter, soon to be joined by a son in September 2023. Erin is rarely found without a pen in hand.
Research paper
A study of wine references in the lyrics of two American artists, Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, in songs from the 1960s and 1970s
Andrea Lonardi MW (Italy)
Andrea is a wine manager distinguished by his dynamic and unique product-oriented approach, with widespread experience in different regions and markets. This originates from global education and training, ranging from Italy, to France, to the US, with varied multidisciplinary positions within the wine industry. Andrea started his career in marketing and sales for the largest Italian wine group (GIV), expanding indigenous southern Italian grape varieties to the US market. Andrea was promoted to viticulture director, responsible for over 1000 hectares and 13 estates, from the Alps to Sicily. Through his leadership, Andrea displayed impressive innovation, pioneering many projects: developing stress indices for indigenous Italian grapes, engineering the first harvest-machine with satellite control, and modelling management indices. Since 2012, Andrea has been COO within Angelini Wines and Estates (AW&E). In this role, Andrea oversees the business, impacting on marketing and sales, whilst leading incentives to innovate production and distribution: orchestrating a relaunch for the historic brand Bertani, reinstating a strong stylistic identity to Amarone and Valpolicella; zoning Montalcino through distinctive vineyard selection; and connecting with key international fine wine distributors. Andrea will continue to cultivate his innovative reputation through stylistic improvements for key Italian appellations and fine wine distribution.
Research paper
Pergola and VSP in Valpolicella: how labour demand and current challenges impact training system choices
ENDS
For more information contact:
Gurpreet Raulia
Marketing and Communications Officer
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9139
graulia@mastersofwine.org
Notes to editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For 70 years, its members – the Masters of Wine (MWs) – have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 414 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 349 students from 40 countries in the 2022-23 MW study programme. The IMW works with 36 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The four principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger and Constellation Brands.