Master Classes
Natasha Hughes MW and Cathy van Zyl MW provide a range of bespoke courses and services aimed at helping you to explore the world of wine, whether you’re studying for academic qualifications or just want to get the most out of each glass.
Pathways to knowledge
Thinking of applying for the MW study programme?
Our bridging course is designed to help you explore the differences between the skills needed to pass the WSET Diploma and those required by MW candidates.
Already on the MW study programme?
If you’re already an MW student, our courses can help you work out how to meet the examiners’ exacting requirements.
Just want to learn from an MW?
Cathy and Natasha are both experienced, adaptable presenters who are as much at home leading fun, informal tastings for small groups as they are hosting seminars for large numbers of attendees.
Just want to travel with an MW?
Join us for one of our trips to the world’s most amazing wine regions and enjoy an exciting programme of visits and tastings.
What they say…
Master Classes and the Gérard Basset Foundation
Master Classes proudly assists the Gérard Basset Foundation by supporting its Barca-Velha Golden Vines® MW Scholarship and bursary recipients as they prepare for either for their MW journey or to sit their examinations. This is achieved through the creation and delivery of two bespoke courses, an online mentoring scheme, and preferential rates on its Bridging and Master Classes.
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The Gérard Basset Foundation is the world’s leading charitable foundation dedicated to using the wine, spirits and hospitality industries as a vehicle for change. Gérard Basset (7th March 1957 – 16th January 2019) OBE MS MW MBA OIV MSc ASI World’s Best Sommelier 2010 was without question one of the greatest wine professionals of his era. During his lifetime, Gérard mentored and trained a generation of young sommeliers who sought out his expertise and guidance to launch their own successful careers. Many of those protégés are now connected with the Foundation and remain instrumental in keeping Gerard’s legacy alive and flourishing. The Gérard Basset Foundation was co-founded in 2021 by Gérard’s wife Nina and their son Romané who also serve as trustees alongside Jancis Robinson OBE MW and Ian Harris.
Natasha Hughes MW
Natasha Hughes MW graduated as a Master of Wine in 2014, winning four out of the seven prizes awarded that year, including the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Natasha began her wine trade career as the deputy editor for Decanter’s website but left in 2001 to begin freelancing as a journalist, and has since written for numerous publications, including Decanter, Club Oenologique and Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine. Her online work has been published by The World of Fine Wine, Wine Scholar Guild, jancisrobinson.com and timatkin.com, among others. Natasha has contributed material for a number of books, and her first solo effort, The Wines of Beaujolais, was published in September 2025 as part of the prestigious Wine Library series.
Natasha has taught tasting and theory to Master of Wine students for more than a decade, and leads trips to wine regions for both private clients and members of the wine trade. She served terms on both the Institute of Masters of Wine’s Education Committee as well as that body’s Council, and still chairs its Trips Committee, setting up visits to wine regions around the world for groups of Masters of Wine. She also hosts wine events, seminars and tutored tastings for both consumers and wine trade professionals, consults for restaurants, retailers, private clients, wine producers and generic bodies, and judges at wine competitions around the world.
Cathy van Zyl MW
Cathy became a Master of Wine, the first to do so while resident on the African continent, when she passed the examination in 2005.
She immediately volunteered to assist the Institute of Masters of Wine deliver its candidate support programme and, after organising the Stage 2 seminar in Bordeaux for seven years, was appointed Chair of the Education Committee. Four years later, she was voted onto the IMW’s Council and, after six years as a Council member, was elected as Chair of both Council and the IMW for a two-year term that ended in September 2024.
At the same time as ‘giving back’ to the Institute, Cathy begun presenting wine courses for the Cape Wine Academy in South Africa, and more recently for WSET. She has delivered masterclasses on South African wine in Japan and China, and regularly travels abroad to judge.
Cathy has been a taster for Platter’s SA Wine Guide since 2005, and Associate Editor for close to 15 years. She occasionally contributes to wine journals and websites around the world, is a Director of South Africa’s Old Vine Project, a Member of The Golden Vines Academy, Chair of the Land of Hope Trust, and the ‘on-the-ground MW’ in South Africa for Fine Vintage Tours. In 2019, Cathy was named as the Institute of Cape Wine Masters’ Personality of the Year for her passionate promotion of South African wine.