The wine world has a new set of trailblazers. Four individuals have just earned the prestigious Master of Wine title, joining a global cohort of 422 experts. Among them is the first woman based in Italy to achieve the honor, marking a historic shift in the industry. Their research papers, ranging from Fascist-era propaganda to molecular solutions for wine flaws, reveal how the MW program continues to blend tradition with innovation.
Cristina Mercuri MW, based in Italy, is a standout. A former lawyer, she transitioned to wine in 2015, earning her WSET Diploma in 2018. Her research paper, Wine, Women and Fascism, dissected how women were portrayed in Italian propaganda during the 1920s and 1940s. It’s a bold intersection of history and viticulture, proving MWs aren’t just about tasting wine—they’re shaping cultural narratives. Meanwhile, Karen Hong Liu MW, based in Hong Kong, focused on consumer behavior in China’s live-streaming wine market. Her work highlights how digital trends are reshaping global wine consumption, a trend that’s only accelerating.
Kim Oshiro MW, from the U.S., tackled a technical challenge: reducing capsicum aromas in dry reds. Her paper explored silicone and molecularly imprinted polymers as solutions, blending science with sensory analysis. It’s a rare example of MWs applying cutting-edge tech to age-old wine flaws. Bryce Wiatrak MW, a journalist and critic, analyzed Verdi’s operas to uncover wine’s role in 19th-century Italian culture. His paper, “Libiamo,” connects art and viticulture in a way that’s both academic and poetic.
The 2026 class underscores a broader trend: MWs are no longer just tastings experts. They’re strategists, educators, and innovators. Whether it’s navigating Asia’s wine market or decoding Verdi’s librettos, these new MWs are redefining what it means to master wine.
Karen Hong Liu’s research reveals how digital platforms are transforming wine consumption in China.
Key points: The first Italian female MW, Cristina Mercuri, is redefining wine’s cultural role through historical analysis. Karen Hong Liu’s research reveals how digital platforms are transforming wine consumption in China. Kim Oshiro’s technical solutions for capsicum aromas highlight the science behind sensory perfection.
Which of these research topics left you most intrigued? What do you think the next MWs will tackle?
Questions & Answers
Who are the 2026 Masters of Wine?
The 2026 Masters of Wine include 23 new members, selected after rigorous exams. They join the prestigious MW community, recognized for their expertise in wine education and trade.
How many Masters of Wine were inducted in 2026?
23 new Masters of Wine were inducted in 2026. This brings the total number of MWs to over 300, maintaining the title’s high standards and exclusivity.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
