Michael Henley is NZ’s newest Master of Wine

New Zealand wine industry figure Michael Henley is one of three new Masters of Wine announced by the Institute of Masters of Wine this week.

Henley joins Claire Blackler and Siobhan Turner from the UK in passing the Master of Wine exam, which is recognised worldwide for its rigour and high standards. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, academics, educators and more.

Michael Henley MW

There are now 419 MWs globally – 268 men and 151 women living or working in 31 countries. The top countries where MWs are based around the world are the UK (209), the US (57), Australia (28), France (18), New Zealand (16), Canada (10), and Germany (10).

The MW exam consists of three parts: the theory and practical exams taken at the end of stage two and the research paper submitted at the end of stage three. The research paper is an in-depth study on a wine-related topic from any area of the sciences, arts, humanities, or social sciences. Only when an individual passes the third research paper stage of the MW exam do they become a Master of Wine.

Michael Henley wrote his research paper on the impact of future climate changes on the production of Sauvignon Blanc wines in Marlborough.

Henley holds a BSc in zoology as well as diplomas from WSET and in viticulture and oenology. He spent the first years of his career travelling and working vintages in South Africa, California, Marlborough, Oregon, Barossa Valley and Spain.  

Settling in London, he worked at Christie’s Auction House, which exposed him to fine and rare wines. After a transfer to California with Christie’s he moved back to New Zealand and took up a role with the newly opened Craggy Range Winery. During his time with Craggy Range, he returned to London to oversee the European markets.

After that, he returned to New Zealand and held chief executive roles with Trinity Hill Winery and Aotearoa NZ Fine Wine Estates. He is a director of New Zealand Winegrowers, Hawkes Bay Winegrowers and Hawkes Bay Tourism.