WSET celebrates its most international class of Diploma graduates

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has marked a major milestone with its largest and most internationally diverse class of Level 4 Diploma in Wines graduates.

At a ceremony held on 30 April at London’s Guildhall, 809 graduates from 46 countries across six continents were recognised for completing the rigorous qualification. This is the highest number of Diploma graduates in the organisation’s history, with students having studied through 37 different course providers worldwide.

This year’s graduation was the last to be held at the Guildhall. From 2026, the ceremony will move to the QEII Centre in Westminster to accommodate the Trust’s growing global footprint. 

Voices from the stage

The event was hosted by WSET CEO Michelle Brampton, joined by WSET Honorary President Dr Laura Catena, managing director of Catena Zapata, and wine writer Jancis Robinson OBE MW, described as the Trust’s most distinguished alumna.

“We’re delighted to celebrate such a diverse and international cohort,” said Brampton. “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.”

She added: “This year’s graduates join our growing WSET diploma community - a vibrant global network of 13,800 WSET alumni who continue to shape the future of the drinks industry.”

Dr Catena said she was “honoured” to continue in her role for a third term and highlighted WSET’s commitment to diversity and sustainability. “WSET’s unparalleled global reach and international perspective are what make this role so exciting and meaningful to me.”

Vintners’ Cup awarded to NHS doctor 

This year’s Vintners’ Cup, awarded to the top-performing Diploma graduate globally, went to Jo Kitley, a doctor at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. Kitley completed her studies with Enjoy Discovering Wine in the UK.

“I've sat a lot of exams in my life, but the D3 exam was more challenging than anything I've ever done,” she said. “Obtaining my diploma and winning this award has given me the confidence to 'talk wine' with just about anybody.”

Regional scholarships announced

Several high-achieving graduates were recognised with regional scholarships for outstanding exam results:

• Vintners’ UK Scholarship: Emily (Nga Kit) Chan, WSET School London

• Decanter Americas Scholarship: Rebecca Miles-Steiner, American Wine School

• Penfolds Asia Pacific Scholarship: Kwok Yuen Lui, AWSEC Hong Kong

• IWSC EMEA Scholarship: Mahir Sencan, WiSP France

Chan, a remote learner, described the scholarship as “an unexpected but proud moment”. She added: “Completing the Diploma was a huge milestone, but it feels like just the beginning of my learning.” 

Outstanding alumni recognised

The 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award went to Gus Jian Zhu MW, the first Chinese national to become a Master of Wine. A research scientist at Harv 81 Group, Zhu was recognised for his contribution to sensory science and wine education, including his book Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting.

Zhu credited the WSET Diploma with laying the foundation for his wine career. “It helped me become well-versed in understanding the similarities and differences of wine regions around the world,” he said.

The full list of graduates, scholars and prize sponsors is available in the WSET Graduation Yearbook 2025 on the organisation’s website.