Each year, at our annual graduation ceremony, we celebrate a group of outstanding WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines graduates whose results place them at the very top of their class.
This year, over 800 students from around the world completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines – the highest number in WSET’s history. Among them, a select few earned special recognition for their exceptional results: either for overall performance or for excellence in individual study units.
It was also a year of transition. After sixteen years at the historic Guildhall in the City of London, we bid farewell to the venue that has hosted so many proud moments. From next year, our growing global community will come together at a new home – the QEII Centre in Westminster – a move driven by the success of the Diploma programme and the need for a space that reflects its expanding reach and impact.
Let’s meet the individuals behind this year’s alumni prizes, hear what their achievements mean to them, and discover what’s next on their journey in the world of wine.
Best all-round performers
Jo Kitley
Winner of the Vintners’ Cup for achieving the highest mark across all areas of the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines
UK | Doctor, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Course provider: Enjoy Discovering Wine, UK
Pictured left to right: Laura Catena, WSET Honorary President; Jo Kitley, Vintners’ Cup winner; and Ann Hill, Worshipful Company of Vintners
Prize: The winner is awarded a silver trophy and an engraved decanter. The Worshipful Company of Vintners is one of the City of London’s Great Twelve Livery Companies, with a history rooted in the UK wine trade. They generously took over the sponsorship of this award in 2004. The award has existed since 1946.
Prize sponsor: Worshipful Company of Vintners
“I've sat a lot of exams in my life, but the D3 exam was more challenging than anything I've ever done. I was terrified by the blind tasting and felt like an imposter amongst people who clearly knew what they were doing! Obtaining my diploma and winning this award has given me the confidence to 'talk wine' with just about anybody, allowing me to retain and enjoy all the fascinating things I've learnt.” - Jo Kitley
Rebecca Miles-Steiner
Winner of the Decanter Americas Scholarship for achieving the highest overall mark in the Americas.
USA | Fine Wine Data Manager, UOVO Wine
Course provider: American Wine School, USA
Prize: A study bursary towards further wine studies
Prize sponsor: Decanter
“When I set out on my Diploma journey I did so with the intention to wring out every bit of knowledge I could from the texts and the resources; to dive as deep into the subject matter as possible; and then to bring it all with me to the finish line. Years later, after completing my diploma, in a sense I achieved my goal. But with wine there is always more. More to taste, more to experience, more to study. Thanks to this award, I get to go on a new journey of exploration.” - Rebecca Miles-Steiner
Kwok Yuen Lui
Winner of the Penfolds Asia Pacific Scholarship for achieving the highest overall mark in the Asia-Pacific region
Hong Kong | Sales Representative, Andrew Peller Ltd. (Canada)
Course provider: Asia Wine Service & Education Centre (AWSEC), Hong Kong
Prize: A study bursary towards further wine studies
Prize sponsor: Penfolds
“The biggest shock for me during the study of the diploma is that there are so many beautiful wines across the world, the world of wine is huge and there is still a lot waiting for me to discover. I think the reason for my success is my passion for wines, which makes me enjoy every lesson and tasting practice, and I am willing to spend extra time on my own studies. It will be my pleasure to share my passion with others to bring them into the beauty of wines.” - Kwok Yuen Lui
Mahir Sencan
Winner of the IWSC EMEA Scholarship for achieving the highest overall mark in the EMEA region
France | Commercial, Maison Sichel
Course provider: WiSP, France
Prize: The IWSC Trophy and a bursary towards further wine studies
Prize sponsor: International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
“Wine is more than just a passion for me – it is a lifelong intellectual pursuit. The WSET Diploma’s unique balance of theory and tasting has transformed the way I experience wine. I can no longer enjoy a glass without analysing its structure, balance, and typicity. This qualification is "the" standard in wine education, providing a rigorous, globally recognised foundation that challenges students to think critically.” - Mahir Sencan
Emily (Nga Kit) Chan
Winner of the Vintners’ UK Scholarship for achieving the highest overall mark in the UK
UK | Senior Director, Product Management, Heidrick & Struggles
Course provider: WSET School London, UK
Prize: A bursary to study a wine producing region
Prize sponsor: Worshipful Company of Vintners
“Winning the Vintners' UK Scholarship was an unexpected but proud moment, particularly as a remote learner outside the wine trade. I was driven by my love of learning and curiosity for the world of wine, and while completing the Diploma was a huge milestone, it feels like just the beginning of my learning - as I’m often reminded as a member of the Cambridge University Varsity Blind Wine Tasting Team! I’m excited for the adventures of my Bourse de Voyage, and to see my passion in wine might lead, whether in education, writing, or simply continuing to explore and share great wines.” - Emily (Nga Kit) Chan
Winners of the Derouet Jameson Awards
The Derouet Jameson Memorial Foundation supports up to three students who work in the UK wine and spirit trade with funding for the Masters of Wine study course.
Pictured left to right: Grania Gregson, Derouet Jameson Memorial Award; Kiran Curtis; Jonathan Tiffany; and Alexander Hirst (WSET School London, UK)
Alexander Hirst
UK | Trade Sales Manager, BeBeMe
Course provider: WSET School London, UK
“My motivation to undertake the diploma was to receive a globally recognised qualification that will help me achieve my future career ambitions in wine buying at a high level. The strong friendships, shared camaraderie, excellent teaching, deep source materials, and much more were very welcome additions along the way.”
Jonathan Tiffany
UK | Buyer, Majestic Wine
Course provider: WSET School London, UK
“I have worked in wine since 2017 working in retail sales and subsequently buying. Studying for and completing the WSET diploma was a brilliant opportunity to take my knowledge and understand of wine to a next level. I’m thrilled to be receiving this award and very excited about my next steps for study supported by the Derouet Jameson Memorial Foundation!”
Kiran Curtis
UK | Partner, Wander Curtis Wine
Course provider: WSET School London, UK
“I feel really honoured to have been selected for the Derouet Jameson Award. Although the prospect of embarking upon the Master of Wine programme is daunting and exciting in equal parts, the recognition, support and encouragement that the award provides is an enormous help to me in taking on the challenge. As I continue to study and progress my carrier in wine, I hope to contribute to the wider educational aims of the Foundation by sharing my knowledge and experience as a communicator and educator.”
Our Outstanding Alumni Award winner 2025
The Outstanding Alumni Award, presented annually in partnership with JancisRobinson.com, celebrates the achievements of WSET’s global alumni community. This year, alumni were invited to nominate their winner by shining a spotlight on the inspiring work of Diploma graduates around the world. The award recognises an exceptional contribution to creating positive change within the global drinks community.
This year’s winner Gus Jian Zhu MW, DipWSET, achieved a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis and became the first Chinese national Master of Wine in 2019. He’s a research scientist at Harv 81 Group, where he oversees quality control and sensory research on cork and oak products. His book, Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting, has been acclaimed for making wine science accessible and engaging.
Gus Jian Zhu MW
Winner of the Outstanding Alumni Award for an exceptional contribution to creating positive change within the global drinks community.
USA | R&D Scientist, Harv 81 USA
Course provider: WSET School London, UK
Jancis Robinson MW; Gus Jian Zhu MW, Outstanding Alumni winner
“I simply feel honoured and lucky to be recognised. I also feel very thankful to everyone who taught me and inspired me in life. The WSET Diploma is truly the best introduction to every sector of the global wine industry, offering solid depth across each subject. It helped me become well-versed in understanding the similarities and differences of wine regions around the world, which provided an excellent foundation for the Master of Wine programme.” - Gus Jian Zhu MW
Diploma unit prize winners
Alongside the overall awards, a number of Diploma candidates were recognised for their outstanding performance in individual units of study.
The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is structured around six mandatory units covering a broad range of topics including wine production, wine business, and the wines of the world. Congratulations to this year’s unit prize winners!
Wine production (D1)
This unit covers vine requirements, grape anatomy, vineyard factors, and the processes of winemaking and maturation, all of which influence wine style, quality, and price.
M&S Yves Fourcade Prize (UK): Katherine Thomas
A one-week viticulture or vinification course at Plumpton College, sponsored by M&S.
Peter Hampson Memorial EMEA Prize: Mateusz Papiernik
A bursary to study a wine-producing region.
Patrick Sandeman Vintners’ Bursary (APAC): Richard Matthews
A bursary from the Worshipful Company of Vintners to study a wine-producing region.
Global business (D2)
This unit explores the commercial realities of the wine world, including marketing, distribution, and pricing - helping students understand how wine moves from producer to consumer.
Bibendum Prize (UK): Joshua Meyer
A five-day work experience with Bibendum’s buying team, awarded to a UK student looking to start a career in the wine and spirit trade.
Consorzio Franccortia Prize (EMEA): Tarik Goyal
A bursary to put towards a trip to Franciacorta, Italy.
Merendino Global Business Prize (Americas): Mary Regan
A bursary to use towards further studies in wine.
Marcia Waters Vintners’ Bursary (APAC): Aishlinn Scally
A bursary from the Worshipful Company of Vintners to study a wine-producing region.
Wines of the world (D3)
D3 is the most in-depth unit, covering still wines from every major region. Students learn how grape-growing, winemaking, laws, and commercial factors shape the world’s wine landscape – and are assessed on both theory and tasting.
Pictured on left: Laura Catena, WSET Honorary President; and right: Keqian Gao, Peter Hampson Memorial APAC Prize winner (Dragon Phoenix, China)
D3 tasting awards:
Sogrape Wine Academy Prize (UK): Arthur Ng
A study trip to Portugal and an in-depth Douro experience from Sogrape Wine Academy.
Rioja Wine Academy Prize (EMEA): Patricio Zarate
A fully paid participation in Rioja Camp, a new immersive educational experience organised by Rioja Wine Academy.
Gérard Basset Memorial Prize & McNie Tasting Trophy (Americas): Mika Carlin
A trophy and bursary from the Gérard Basset Foundation to study a wine-producing region.
Peter Hampson Memorial APAC Prize: Keqian Gao
A bursary to study a wine-producing region.
Pictured left to right: Christian Oggenfuss, Napa Valley Wine Academy Founder; Eric Haeussler, Coravin Sparkling Prize winner; Laura Catena, WSET Honorary President; and Marcos Iglesias, Merendino Wines of the World Prize winner (Napa Valley Wine Academy, USA)
D3 theory awards:
Wines of Great Britain Prize (UK): Stefano Loise
A Wine GB study bursary, a case of award-winning English and Welsh wines, and a package of wine-related experiences.
Louis Jadot Burgundy Prize (EMEA): Filip Van Utterbeeck
A study trip to Burgundy and a magnum of Louis Jadot wine.
Merendino Wines of the World Prize (Americas): Marcos Iglesias
A bursary to use towards further wine studies.
Royal Tokaji Prize (APAC): Hin Yan Peter Chow
A bursary from Royal Tokaji to support further wine study.
Sparkling wines (D4)
This unit covers global sparkling wine styles and production methods, from traditional to tank, and includes a dedicated tasting exam.
Liberty Wines Prize (UK): Nicholas Maddock
A trip to Veneto to attend the Vinitaly trade show and visit top producers, organised by Liberty Wines.
Moët & Chandon Prize (EMEA): Esther Zaal
A study trip to Champagne as a guest of Moët & Chandon.
Coravin Sparkling Prize (Americas): Eric Haeussler
Awarded a Coravin sparkling device.
John Avery Vintners’ Bursary (APAC): Anthony Justice
A bursary from the Worshipful Company of Vintners to study a wine-producing region.
Fortified wines (D5)
This unit focuses on fortified wines such as Port, Sherry and Madeira, with emphasis on styles, production methods and key regions.
Lustau Sherry Trophy (UK): Elena Miñarro Leyva
A trophy and a study trip to Jerez as a guest of Emilio Lustau SA.
Taylor’s Port Prize (EMEA): Harold Smeenge
A study trip to Taylor’s or a travel/education bursary of equivalent value.
Sandeman Port Prize (Americas): Mariana Barros Peres
A study trip to Portugal, including an in-depth experience of the Douro and Port, courtesy of Sandeman.
Graham’s Port Prize (APAC): Mang Kwan Patrick Tam
A bursary sponsored by Graham's Port to study a wine-producing region.
Independent research assignment (D6)
Students submit an independent research project on a wine-related topic, honing academic research and analysis skills.
Wines from Spain Prize (UK): Roberto Colucci
Access to the Spanish Wine Specialist Certificate online course and a potential follow-up trip to Spain, sponsored by Wines from Spain.
Penfolds EMEA Prize: Ona Rombaut
A Penfolds bursary to study a wine-producing region.
Merendino Independent Research Assignment Prize (Americas): Nicole Muscari
A Merendino bursary to use toward further studies in wine.
Michael Cox Vintners’ Bursary (APAC): Mary Schneier
A bursary from the Worshipful Company of Vintners to study a wine-producing region.
Congratulations to all this year’s prize winners and graduates for their exceptional results.
They join our growing WSET Diploma community - a vibrant global network of 13,800 alumni who are shaping the future of the drinks industry.
The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is a demanding and prestigious qualification that requires dedication, resilience and a deep passion for the world of wine.
Explore where a WSET prize can take you in this blog post, and discover how study groups can elevate your Diploma journey in this article.
