Australia leads as WSET celebrates global Diploma graduates
WSET has celebrated the achievements of its latest cohort of more than 700 Level 4 Diploma in Wines graduates from 45 countries, with Australian students securing two of the organisation’s most prestigious awards.
A total of 714 new Diploma graduates from the 2024/25 academic year were recognised at WSET’s annual graduation ceremony and prize reception in London. The cohort spans 45 countries across six continents, joining a global network of more than 14,500 Diploma alumni.
The ceremony, held for the first time at the QEII Centre in Westminster, was hosted by WSET chief executive Michelle Brampton, alongside honorary president Dr Laura Catena, managing director of Catena Zapata. The event also marked the first public unveiling of WSET’s refreshed brand identity. Graduates celebrated with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Héritage, courtesy of WSET’s new Gold Partner and headline drinks sponsor.
Among the top performers, Australian graduates stood out. Sebastian Iannuzzi of Sydney Wine Academy was awarded the Vintners’ Cup for the highest overall performance, while fellow Sydney Wine Academy student Anthony Justice received the Penfolds Asia Pacific Scholarship.
Michelle Brampton said: “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate with the class of 2024/25. The WSET Diploma asks a great deal of students, and this year’s graduates have risen to the challenge. Our Diploma alumni are a vibrant global community, shaping the future of the drinks industry in so many ways.
“I’d also like to personally congratulate our scholarship and prize winners, whose exceptional results, together with the stories they’ve shared about the impact WSET has had on their lives and careers, continue to inspire us all.”
Dr Laura Catena added: “Graduation marks an important moment in a lifelong commitment to learning. The intellectual curiosity and discipline shown by this year’s graduates give me great confidence in the future of our industry.”
Top prize winners recognised
The Vintners’ Cup, sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Vintners since 2004, is awarded annually to the graduate achieving the highest aggregate mark across all Diploma units.
This year’s recipient, Sebastian Iannuzzi, is production manager at Mount Eyre Vineyards in Australia. He studied at Sydney Wine Academy and developed his interest in wine through his family’s Hunter Valley vineyard.
Sebastian said: “Winning the Vintners’ Cup is an immense honour. My disbelief led me to reread the email several times. The further I progressed through the Diploma, the more acutely aware I became of how much I still had to learn. Surrounded by industry professionals, knowledgeable educators and exceptionally capable classmates, it’s easy to feel unlearned. The Vintners’ Cup served as a powerful reminder of how much I had achieved.”
Regional scholarship winners
WSET also awarded regional scholarships to the highest-performing Diploma students in each area.
The Vintners’ UK Scholarship went to Madeline O’Riordan, who studied at WSET School London.
Madeline said: “Winning the Vintners’ UK Scholarship has left me genuinely happy and proud and having that effort recognised feels incredibly rewarding. It encourages me to continue exploring wine in new ways, not least through the opportunity to travel to a new wine region.”
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The Decanter Americas Scholarship was awarded to Federico Casassa of Napa Valley Wine Academy in the US.
Federico said: “I feel deeply honoured. Being recognised by such a prestigious award is encouraging. I hope to always stay curious, without taking professional achievements or anything in life for granted. My ultimate goal is to bring critical thinking and a broad, informed, practical and inclusive vision to the world of wine at large.”
Anthony Justice, also of Sydney Wine Academy, received the Penfolds Asia Pacific Scholarship.
Anthony said: “I’m delighted to have been awarded the Penfolds Asia Pacific Scholarship. Previous study trips have been incredibly useful in gaining a much better understanding of various aspects of the industry and I am excited to put this scholarship to good use.”
The IWSC EMEA Scholarship was awarded to Mateusz Papiermik, who studied at Weinakademie Österreich GmbH in Germany.
Mateusz said: “I’m honoured and humbled to have been awarded this prize. The dedication and time spent on pursuing the Diploma with full concentration on the topic paid off.”
Outstanding alumni honoured
The Outstanding Alumni Award, presented in partnership with JancisRobinson.com, recognises contributions to positive change within the global drinks community.
This year’s winner, Cathy Marston DipWSET, is co-owner of the International Wine Education Centre (IWEC) in South Africa. She became WSET’s first Approved Programme Provider in Africa in 2011 and has since taught hundreds of students across seven countries.
Her work includes expanding access to qualifications through the Pinotage Youth Development Academy and helping to break down financial and educational barriers for emerging wine professionals.
Cathy said: “I love teaching WSET and winning this award is fantastic. But I’m even happier about the possible knock-on effects – in Africa, a WSET qualification can literally change your life. Getting a WSET qualification opens up a world of opportunity, enabling students to get jobs on cruise ships, in restaurants and hotels around the world as well as meaningful employment in the South African wine and tourism industries.
“So my hope for winning this award is that the organisations who help make WSET available to as many people as possible – organisations like the Gérard Basset Foundation, the International Wine Challenge, South Africa Wine and WSET themselves – will all share my success, know that we couldn’t do what we do without them and hopefully will carry on helping us do it!”
The full list of prize winners, scholars and graduates is available in the WSET Graduation Yearbook 2026 on the organisation’s website.
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