Wine Education Archives

Uncorking Profit: How Reimagining Wine Education Can Boost the Industry

At Wine Paris 2025, Areni Global unveiled its whitepaper Rethinking Wine Education, the result of an 18-month research initiative led by CEO Pauline Vicard. The project addressed a pressing concern in the wine industry: the persistent gap between current educational offerings and the evolving needs of the global wine trade.

Findings: A Misalignment of Passion and Proficiency

The research encompassed roundtables, workshops, and interviews with key stakeholders across the USA, Netherlands, and China, including recruiters and educators. The consensus was clear—while the industry attracts passionate and creative individuals, many lack essential business competencies.

Notably, institutions like the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) reported a 15% rise in Diploma candidates in 2024, demonstrating strong demand for wine-specific education. However, trade leaders consistently highlighted critical deficiencies in broader professional skills—particularly in sales, finance, and strategic planning.

The Ten Core Skill Gaps Identified by Areni Global

Financial literacy and commercial awareness
Project and operations management
Sales strategy and execution
Market and consumer insights
Digital content creation
Data literacy and analysis
Professional resilience and adaptability
Negotiation and conflict resolution
Strategic foresight and entrepreneurial initiative
Communication: editing and writing

This deficit extends beyond technical knowledge. Respondents cited challenges with communication styles, noting that some professionals are unwilling to promote wines they dislike or speak condescendingly to customers.

Conclusion: Towards a Holistic Wine Education Model

The whitepaper argues for a recalibration of wine education—integrating commercial and interpersonal competencies alongside traditional wine studies. Such a shift is essential to develop well-rounded professionals capable of sustaining and scaling profitable wine businesses in a competitive global market.

Source: Areni Global

Liz Palmer’s Exclusive Interview with Trailblazer of Argentine Wine Dr. Laura Catena + Wine Tasting Notes

Dr. Laura Catena is widely regarded as a leading figure in the Argentine wine industry, often described as “the face of Argentine wine.” Her contributions to the field are characterized by a profound commitment to advancing knowledge in viticulture, particularly in the domains of high-altitude cultivation, soil microbiome research, and wine ageability.

As a fourth-generation winemaker, Dr. Catena’s academic accolades are as inspiring as her wine expertise. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1988 and later achieved her medical degree from Stanford University. Joining her father, Nicolás Catena Zapata—an icon in the wine world—at their family winery in 1995, Laura’s involvement sparked a new chapter of innovation. In 1999, she founded Luca Wines, named after her eldest son, with the goal of exploring the potential of old-vine Malbec in Argentina’s Uco Valley.

Dr. Catena’s scientific approach to winemaking materialized with the establishment of the Catena Institute of Wine in 1995, where her team meticulously examined the Adrianna Vineyard. This high-altitude vineyard, identified by her father as a game-changer for wine quality, is often regarded as one of the most scientifically studied vineyards globally.

In addition to her winemaking ventures, Dr. Catena is the author of Vino Argentino: An Insider’s Guide to the Wines and Wine Country of Argentina. Remarkably, she balanced her work as a pediatric emergency doctor until 2019, when she became managing director of Catena Zapata. Today, her compassion extends beyond wine, as she volunteers her medical expertise at a clinic in San Francisco serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

Liz Palmer: Which influential women in the wine industry have inspired you throughout your journey?

Laura Catena: Jancis Robinson was the first woman in the wine industry to inspire me. Jancis is highly principled and understands the power that she has as an influential journalist to actually make the world a better place. She has single handedly taken on the cause of lightweight bottles and has been relentless in pushing producers to lower their wine bottle weights. It’s because of Jancis that Catena joined the SWR – Sustainable Wine Roundtable – and that today we have reduced our overall bottle weight by 41% and that our average bottle weight is 420 grams.

I am influenced daily by the women in my Argentina production and exports teams. They are super hard working and always looking for creative solutions to problems. I’ve worked with many of the women at Catena for over two decades and watched them raise families and have successful careers. I feel that it’s an honor to work with them.

I was once told that it’s important to have older and younger mentors, and I find this to be excellent advice. I like to surround myself with women of all ages, and to non-stop learn from them.

Liz Palmer: Could you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement in your illustrious career?

Laura Catena: I recently attended a wine and health symposium in Rome as a speaker. I was invited because I am a medical doctor (I practiced Emergency Medicine in San Francisco for 25 years) and I created a web site – www.indefenseofwine.com – to share science-based information about the potential benefits and harms of alcohol in moderation. The speakers at the conference were leading medical doctors in the field of wine and health, longevity and Mediterranean Diet which includes wine. It was such a great honor to attend as a speaker. I don’t think that my Italian great grandfather who emigrated from Italy to Argentina in 1898 and started our Catena family winery in Argentina in 1902 could have imagined me going back to Italy as a speaker.

Liz Palmer: What recent technological innovations have you and your team integrated into your winemaking process?

Laura Catena: We are doing a lot of work on water preservation, identifying ways to use less water by watering less in the early spring. This requires many research trials and measurements, but it is exciting to find ways to reduce water usage by 10-30 % which is very significant because there is less ice in the Andean Glaciers due to climate change. Another innovation is a protocol to study soil before planting. We are planting in new regions to the north of Mendoza, in the provinces of La Rioja Argentina, Salta and Catamarca. Every time we plant, we want to make sure to be using the right plant material in each soil type, following the best sun exposure to get the morning sun on the vines and grapes. We are also working on preserving massale, genetically diverse cuttings of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda – this is very exciting because Argentina is the equivalent of a world heritage site for plant diversity because of our history of ungrafted planting by massale selection.

Liz Palmer: How do you ensure sustainability and uphold environmental responsibility in your vineyard and winery operations?

Laura Catena: In 2010 we created Argentina’s first Sustainability Code and worked with Bodegas de Argentina to make it available to all Argentine producers. Today, we work with other producers to fulfill the code’s objectives, sharing information about best practices in the vineyards, water management and support of the local communities. Our sustainability code is constantly being improved through the communal efforts of its member wineries.

Liz Palmer: What are your perspectives on the No and Low Alcohol Wine Revolution, and how has your wine estate adapted to this burgeoning movement?

Laura Catena: It is not easy for most people who love wine to drink in moderation. This is a situation that we face as a species due to the abundance of endorphin-elevating beverages and food that surround us. It is so easy to eat and drink too much. I do believe that our industry needs to provide solutions for wine drinkers to moderate, and no/low beverages are a good option. The beer industry has produced some excellent no alcohol alternatives. The Catena Institute has worked on no/low wines for the last four years and we are currently launching three kinds of beverages under the brand Domaine EdeM (Domaine Elena de Mendoza) which includes a rose petal-infused dealcoholized sparkling rosé called ROSAE, two botanical infused must and verjus no alcohol sparkling beverages and two 7% alcohol sparkling Chardonnays: Uco Stones and Uco Mineral.

Liz Palmer: How do you and your team stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the wine industry?

Laura Catena: The Catena Institute which I founded in 1995 is in constant collaboration with institutions all over the world (UC Davis, University of Burgundy, University of Bordeaux) – with over 30 publications in peer-reviewed journals, we are the most published winery research institute in the world. The Catena Institute just won the V d’Or Sustainability Award at Vinexposium in Wine Paris. By collaborating with researchers all over the world, we are able to learn about the latest innovations in wine. We also attend conferences and symposiums, such as the Conference on Lifestyle, Mediterranean Diet and Wine that I just attended in Rome or the Sustainability in Drinks – SID conference in London. In 2024 we hosted the 15^th International Terroir Congress in Mendoza, Argentina.

Liz Palmer: What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the wine industry?

First, take WSET or another wine class. Wine is complex from a taste and historical/geographic standpoint and it’s important to understand the complexities in wine. Try to taste a lot of different wines, it takes about three to four years to develop a wine palate.
If you are more interested in the technical side find a program that provides a lot of hands-on experience.
Take a job doing anything wine related: work at a wine store, wine bar, winery tasting room.
Find a few substacks or people to follow on social media – Instagram is what most wine people use
Visit as many wineries as possible

“Dr. Laura Catena, A heartfelt “Thank You” for sharing your invaluable insights, exceptional expertise, and unwavering dedication. You are a shining example of dedication, vision, and resilience—a pioneer who continues to elevate Argentine wine while making meaningful contributions to her community” Liz Palmer

Tasting Notes

Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard 2021 and
Nicolás Catena Zapata 2021

Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard 2021
This remarkable high-altitude Malbec showcases a stunning deep violet hue, offering a visual prelude to its layered character. The aroma unveils an inviting blend of ripe blackberries, plums, and blueberries, delicately enhanced by herbaceous undertones and a touch of warm spice. On the palate, it displays an intricate interplay of flavours, with juicy blueberries and rich cassis complemented by whispers of vanilla and nuanced spice. The finish lingers gracefully, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and refinement.

95 Points
Liz Palmer

Nicolás Catena Zapata 2021
With its inaugural 1997 vintage, Nicolás Catena Zapata became the first luxury cuvée from Argentina to be exported around the world. The wine recreates the “Original Bordeaux Blend” of the 18th and 19th Centuries, when Malbec dominated over Merlot and was in equal standing to Cabernet Sauvignon in the Médoc.

“The label’s striking design is a manifesto, symbolising the transformative journey of Argentinian wine, and for the first time we are using a wax seal to honour the pre-phylloxera origins of our vines”

Varietal: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc

This wine displays an intense deep purple hue and immediately draws you in with its expressive character. The aromas are dominated by dark fruits—succulent blackberries, luscious cherries, and ripe plums, accented by subtle touches of vanilla, chocolate, with a hint of minerality. On the palate, it boasts incredible depth, revealing herbal and spicy notes characteristic of Bordeaux varieties, including hints of black pepper and exotic spices. The wine’s concentration is remarkable, supported by a bold tannic structure. The finish is long and persistent, offering a clear indication of the wine’s outstanding potential for long-term aging. An Argentine masterpiece!

97 Points
Liz Palmer

The Institute of Masters of Wine Announce the Induction of Four New Members

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has recently announced the induction of four new members into its membership. These newly appointed Masters of Wine (MWs) have successfully completed and surpassed all the rigorous stages of the Master of Wine examination.

Jit Hang Jackie Ang MW (Singapore), Amanda Barnes MW (Argentina), Sarah Benson MW (UK), and Kathleen Van den Berghe MW (Belgium) have now earned the prestigious ‘Master of Wine’ title and are the first cohort of the 2025 vintage of Masters of Wine.

There are now 425 active Masters of Wine based in 30 countries, spanning a wide range of areas in the wine industry and each making their own contribution to it. The Master of Wine credential is the most coveted in the wine industry and comes after proving one’s understanding of all aspects of wine by passing most rigorous examination in the wine world.

The MW exam consists of three parts: the theory and practical exams taken at the end of stage two and the research paper (RP) 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. Completion of the exam seeks to represent an all-encompassing knowledge of the industry, and only when an individual passes the RP do they become a Master of Wine.

All members must sign the IMW’s code of conduct before they have the right to use the title Master of Wine or the initials MW. By signing the code of conduct, MWs agree to act with honesty and integrity and to use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others, echoing the IMW’s mission to foster excellence, interaction and learning.

IMW Chair, Roderick Smith MW, states: “It is with the greatest pleasure and pride that I welcome into our membership these four new Masters of Wine. This is a herculean achievement and marks the most significant milestone on anyone’s career in wine. Our congratulations to all of them on their amazing success.”

IMW Executive Director, Julian Gore-Booth, further added: “We are delighted to welcome these four exceptional individuals to the IMW. Earning the MW title is a remarkable achievement, reflecting an unparalleled depth of knowledge, dedication and passion for wine. We look forward to their contributions to the Institute and to the global wine community as Masters of Wine.”

MEET THE NEW MASTERS OF WINE

Jit Hang Jackie Ang MW (Singapore)
Jackie Ang is a trained pharmaceutical scientist and a wine educator. He is born and based in Singapore and holds a DPhil in Medical Sciences from the University of Oxford and a MA in Pharmacology from the University of Cambridge. Jackie is currently the Director of Cherwell Wine and Spirits, a WSET APP based in Singapore and also heads the High Throughput Screening group at the Experimental Drug Development Centre, a national platform for drug discovery in Singapore. He has over 10 years of experience in holding wine events, masterclasses, teaching and wine judging. Jackie is most passionate and interested in uplifting standards in wine knowledge and service in Asia and acting as a bridge between producers and consumers from different cultures and backgrounds.

Research paper: Are Universal Glasses Truly Universal? — An investigation on whether glassware shape affects perceptions of red and white table wines made from international varieties.

Amanda Barnes MW (Argentina)
Amanda is an award-winning wine writer, presenter and consultant. Although born and raised in Hampshire, England, she has been based in South America since 2009 exploring and communicating about the people, wines and regions both on and off the beaten path.

She is considered a leading authority on the wines of the region and is author of The South America Wine Guide: The Definitive Guide to Wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia & Peru. Amanda is also key contributor for major UK and US wine publications and books and Regional Chair for Chile in the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Research paper: The future of South American Criolla — poised for revival, or demise to the point of no return?

Sarah Benson MW (UK – England)
With a background in languages, Sarah transitioned from a career in translation to the wine industry after completing several WSET courses. She began at Accolade and has since built extensive experience in wine buying and marketing across independent and large retail, as well as UK bottling. Her passion has led her to work vintages in multiple countries. Currently, Sarah buys wine for the Co-op, sourcing and blending wines from France, Spain, South America and Greece. She has conducted consumer profiling research with Lallemand and is committed to consumer engagement. A strong advocate for sustainability, she drives the Co-op’s ethical agenda and has supported wineries in obtaining Fair Trade certification. Sarah also judges on prestigious wine panels, mentors future industry professionals and travels extensively to deepen her expertise.

Research paper: An Analysis of the Cultural Perception and Interpretation of Wine Through the Work of Four Baroque Artists

Kathleen Van den Berghe MW (Belgium)
Born into a family of wine enthusiasts, Kathleen grew up with wine tastings and winery visits. After five years as a construction engineer and nine years at McKinsey & Company, she became a wine entrepreneur in 2010. She acquired and revitalized two Loire Valley estates: Château de Minière in Bourgueil (2010) and Château de Suronde in Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru (2016), producing high-quality organic and biodynamic wines. She has also developed wine tourism, an artist residence, and a contemporary art collection.

With studies in viticulture, winemaking, WSET and Master of Wine, she blends wine, engineering and entrepreneurship. Fluent in multiple languages, she lives in Belgium with her husband, children, and extensive library. She is particularly proud of her red sparkling Cabernet Franc.

Research paper: A comparative analysis of different techniques to reduce haloanisoles in contaminated wine.

WHO [Europe] highlights Nordic alcohol monopolies as a comprehensive model for reducing alcohol consumption and harm

The Nordic alcohol monopolies, stores that have the exclusive right to sell most alcoholic beverages in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands, have contributed to relatively low alcohol consumption and reduced alcohol-related harm in the Nordic countries. This is a part of the WHO European Region historically known for harmful drinking patterns and high levels of associated harm.

Alcohol consumption levels in the European Union (EU) have remained largely unchanged for over a decade, making it the subregion with the highest consumption levels globally. The EU is currently not on track to meet the global and regional reduction targets for alcohol consumption.

To address this, the public health community is looking at good practices across EU countries, where alcohol consumption has been decreasing or has been kept at low levels.

The new WHO/Europe report “Nordic alcohol monopolies: understanding their role in a comprehensive alcohol policy and public health significance” highlights a comprehensive model used in the Nordic countries that other EU countries could learn from.

A model for reducing harm

Unlike for-profit alcohol sales models, the Nordic approach (excluding mainland Denmark and Greenland) restricts alcohol availability and minimizes commercial influence by preventing grocery stores and private retailers from selling stronger alcoholic beverages.

State-owned monopolies – ÁTVR in Iceland (with Vínbúðin as the retail store for alcohol), Systembolaget in Sweden, Alko in Finland, Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins in the Faroe Islands, and Vinmonopolet in Norway – operate with a clear mission: to protect public health over profit.

With limits on outlet numbers and sale hours and days, strict enforcement of age controls, and no marketing or discount pricing, these monopolies emphasize managing alcohol as a product with inherent risks, rather than treating it as an ordinary consumer product.

“This public health-first approach in the management of alcohol retail sales in Nordic countries is a great demonstration of alcohol policies that work,” says Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges, Regional Adviser for Alcohol, Illicit Drugs and Prison Health at WHO/Europe.

“Countries with state-owned monopolies have lower per capita alcohol consumption compared to the EU average, and generally have lower rates of alcohol-attributable harms, which span from liver disease, cancers and cardiovascular conditions to injuries and drownings.”

Challenging pressures and threats

Despite the monopolies’ strong public support and proven health benefits, recent legislative initiatives in several Nordic countries signal a potential shift toward privatization of retail alcohol sales, which could undo decades of public health gains.

In Finland, for example, recent policy changes have allowed the sale of a large proportion of alcoholic beverages outside monopoly stores, and there is ongoing consultation on permitting home delivery of alcohol. Similarly, in Sweden, a new court case challenges the monopoly’s exclusive rights to online sales, while proposed laws would permit farm sales of alcoholic beverages.

“There is consistent evidence that the structure of the retail alcohol distribution system – in other words, how, when and where alcohol is sold – significantly affects alcohol sales,” adds Dr Ferreira-Borges. “Government monopolies on off-premises retail sales have been shown to reduce alcohol consumption while privatizing alcohol sales tends to increase consumption.”

Two significant real-world privatization events illustrate how allowing alcohol sales in grocery stores in the 1960s has historically resulted in increased consumption and associated problems in Finland and Sweden. These findings suggest that the Nordic monopolies’ strict regulation of alcohol availability and elimination of promotion and marketing at sales outlets, including online stores, are key features that contribute to reduced alcohol consumption at the population level in their respective countries.

“WHO/Europe emphasizes that expanding alcohol availability could reverse the positive public health indicators that Nordic countries have achieved over decades of controlled alcohol sales,” Dr Ferreira-Borges concludes.

A global best-practice model at risk

Nordic alcohol monopolies serve as models worldwide, showcasing the benefits of recognizing alcohol as a harmful product with considerable social, economic and health impacts that requires specific approaches to management.

They align closely with WHO’s 3 recommended best buys (affordable, feasible and cost-effective intervention strategies) for alcohol control: increasing taxes/raising prices, restricting availability and restricting advertising. These have consistently shown to be the most effective means of reducing alcohol-related harm on a broad scale.

Source: World Health Organization

Old Vine Registry Surpasses 4,000 Entries: Vineyards Planted in 1990 Now Eligible

The Old Vine Registry, recognized as the foremost global database dedicated to documenting old vine vineyards, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 4,000 entries. This accomplishment underscores the registry’s ongoing commitment to cataloging historic vineyards, with entries now encompassing 39 countries. In addition, vineyards established in 1990 are now eligible for inclusion. The registry aims to expand its database to 10,000 vineyards by 2027, reflecting its dedication to preserving viticultural heritage.

With the changing of the year, vineyards planted in 1990 are now 35 years old and are eligible for inclusion in the registry. Producers are encouraged to submit their vineyards at https://www.oldvineregistry.org/.

The OIV’s recently passed Resolution OIV-VITI 703-2024 “OIV definition and recommendations about old grapevines and old vineyards in the vitivinicultural sector” made the explicit recommendation to all wine regions around the world to “promote and encourage the cataloguing of old vineyards and old grapevines.”

The Old Vine Registry was conceived expressly for that purpose, with the idea that to study, preserve, or support old vines around the world, you first need to know where they all are. The registry launched in June of 2023 with 2183 entries and has grown steadily over the last year and a half.

“The recent OIV Resolution really validated what we’re doing,” says wine writer Alder Yarrow, who serves as the day-to-day manager of the registry. “I hope it will encourage both individual producers and whole regions to publish information about their old vines.”