New South African Master of Wine

Published: 23 July, 2008

South Africa's Cathy van Zyl has become the third new Master of Wine of 2005 - and the first MW to be resident in South Africa.

Van Zyl is a writer, lecturer and wine judge, as well as a

PR consultant to companies outside the wine trade. Her husband is editor of the John Platter South African Wine Guide.

She commented: Completing the MW programme has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced. It has also given

me so much more than wine knowledge; I have met and made friends with the most interesting people, who have offered all their support and assistance over the years. Many of them are MWs, some MW students, and others friends and members of the wine trade in South Africa. Now that I have the letters behind my name, I know they are just a licence to keep on learning.'

Patrick McGrath MW, chairman of the Institute, said: We are particularly excited to have Cathy as a member in light of our commitment to South Africa via the Chairman's Scholarship, announced in May this year, the inaugural winner of which will be announced in November.'

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