The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is the flagship qualification for WSET and is widely considered to be the entry requirement for the world’s toughest wine exams – the Master of Wine. This year’s graduates have studied modules covering viticulture and vinification, fortified wines, sparkling wines and still wines of the world, all with a strong business focus to better prepare graduates for leading roles within the wine industry. Students must complete all exams and assignments before being awarded their Diploma with global pass rates being notoriously low.

Owner of the IWEC, Cathy Marston, says “I can’t tell you how proud I am of these 7 graduates who have put in enormous amount of effort and shown real character and determination in achieving the ultimate WSET qualification.” She continues “I am particularly impressed that most of the new graduates completed their Diploma in under 2 years which is a really amazing achievement given the volume of work and the high standard of the exams. It’s very rare for students to pass everything first time and I know just how hard these 7 have worked in order to reach their goal.”

This year’s batch of graduates include retailers, marketing managers, brand owners and winemakers all of whom will be taking their newfound knowledge and expertise with them into their future careers. The confidence gained from this substantial achievement makes a Diploma graduate feel at home with industry leaders and experts wherever they are around the world, helping them forge links and make connections and ultimately promoting the cause of South Africa and South African wines.

The 2025 WSET Diploma Graduation Ceremony is presented by WCellar and would not be possible without their generous support. WCellar has further invested in WSET wine education for many of their staff as they roll out their exciting, new stand-alone liquor stores with a full offering of wine, spirits and beer.

In addition to WCellar, prizes for the graduation ceremony have been donated by leading import partners Wine Cellar, Great Domaines, Radford Dale, Riedel and Reciprocal Wine Company as well as a collaboration of Benchmark wineries – Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Klein Constantia, Meerlust, Mullineux and Vilafonte – all of whom recognise the importance of WSET in both a local and global context. The top student in each unit will be rewarded for their efforts with the overall winner announced on the night.

Full list of 2025 WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines Graduates via the IWEC.

Domenico Barbieri

Jacqueline Harris

Robin Kenny

Sophie Germanier

Suné de Lange

Thomas Moxon

Tiffany Hurst