Master Classes

‘As an MW candidate, I have taken several bootcamps to help me prepare for the exam. The in-person study course run by Natasha and Cathy in Napa was the most valuable programme I attended. They are both very hands-on, clear and specific in their feedback. They give practical advice that will measurably improve your studies. They are also very supportive and make themselves available to students after the course for any questions. I highly recommend this programme.’

Dina Given, MW candidate · Napa course attendee

‘I’m delighted to have finally passed Stage 2 of the MW Study Programme, and I am sure that Natasha Hughes MW and Cathy van Zyl MW have played a pivotal role in this achievement. I would warmly recommend Master Classes to anyone looking for experienced, insightful and highly supportive guidance for their MW studies. Natasha and Cathy had the great ability to challenge my thinking so that I could develop a much more analytical approach to my essays. Their technique of deconstructing the question helped me structure and articulate my arguments with more clarity, precision and critical thinking.’

Julia Scavo, Passed Stage 2 of the MW Study Programme

‘I started studying with Natasha Hughes MW right after I learned that I had proceeded to Stage 2 of the MW Study Programme. Her classes were groundbreaking for me, as my knowledge was sufficient in most papers but poorly structured. Working with Natasha helped me improve my structures and critical thinking; I also learned to prioritise information to make my essays more logical and persuasive. For the Tasting part, Natasha’s classes helped me to improve my English vocabulary for quality and style. I believe that it was crucial for me as a non-native speaker, and it helped me to pass the Tasting exam on the first attempt.’

Valeria Tenison, Stage 3 MW candidate

‘Entering the MW Study Programme has been a goal of mine for over three years now, and it is safe to say that the Bridging Course presented by Cathy van Zyl MW and Natasha Hughes MW provided me with invaluable insight into the programme. It helped me grasp what it would take to do the MW, while getting me one step further. Thank you for the excellent preparation! This wouldn’t have been possible without your help.'

Jack Davis, Bridging Course attendee · Passed the MW entrance exam

‘Moving from Diploma to the MW is a huge step and, with the MW being self-studied, there is no really clear guidance as to how to approach the Tasting and theory entrance exams. Natasha and Cathy gave great insight into how to approach questions methodically and also gave great context as to how to identify sources and go about studying for the MW. The course was insightful and engaging, with great care spent by both to give feedback and advice, and was a crucial step in helping me pass the entrance exam, whilst also helping to set me up for the MW Study Programme itself.'

Matthew Bottrill, Passed the MW entrance exam

‘Thank you so much for the excellent preparation for my MW Entry Exam! Studying with you really helped me to find a clear structure and a way of approaching the exam. You taught me to think more critically, to question my assumptions and, most importantly, to understand how to build and support my arguments. Your questions and feedback challenged me in the best possible way and gave me much more confidence in my own thinking. I’m very grateful for all your support and guidance – this really wouldn’t have been possible without your help!’

Gisela Schneider, Stage One MW student

'I've been fortunate enough to visit Tuscany, Piedmont and Burgundy with Natasha. Each trip was planned meticulously and thoughtfully, with just the perfect amount of structure and room for spontaneity – which is just as well, as Natasha opens all kinds of doors (and people open special bottles for Natasha). It is a privilege to travel to any wine region with her.'
David, Private Client

'Cathy van Zyl MW has been an invaluable part of my MW journey. Her patient expertise and good humour during our tasting sessions has helped hone my tasting skills and my approach to practical paper answers.'
Andrew, Stage 2 MW Candidate

'Natasha has been of enormous help to me in terms of improving my tasting abilities and writing better tasting notes. Her experience as a member of the IMW's Education Committee has led to her creating an extremely useful coaching programme that would benefit any student wanting to pass their MW exams.'
Helen, Stage 2 MW Candidate

'It was a great experience to benefit from Natasha and Cathy's complementary strengths as educators. Their different perspectives converged towards the same goal, offering twice the guidance and support. Their course combines kindness with tough love (when needed), but they are always fair. I came away feeling more confident and better prepared for the MW journey, which is why I would recommend it wholeheartedly!'
Laury, Stage 2 MW Candidate

'Cathy's teaching and feedback has been absolutely invaluable to me in my MW journey. She combines a razor-sharp eye for detail with excellent communication skills, enabling her to refine and polish essays and tasting notes to a high degree. She has always gone the extra mile for me, and her support and encouragement have helped me maintain my enthusiasm and desire to become an MW. If and when I do pass, it will be largely down to her.'
Cathy, Practical-Only MW Candidate

'Natasha created a bespoke wine tasting event for us that exceeded our expectations. She was knowledgeable and engaging, and – most importantly – the event was great fun.'
Shaunn, Corporate Client

'The MW Bridging Course run by Natasha Hughes MW and Cathy van Zyl MW was an essential part of my MW entrance exam preparation.'
Emma, Stage 1 MW Candidate