Monday 21st January saw wine and spirit professionals from around the globe and from all aspects of the industry gather to celebrate the annual Wine & Spirit Education Trust Awards & Graduation Ceremony at London’s Guildhall. 2019 not only marks the WSET’s 50th year but also the largest ever graduating class of Diploma candidates at 532 from over 40 countries.

Paul de Newtown, a cocktail & spirits consultant, received the Delamain Cognac Prize for WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits seen below with Andrew Hawes (MD of Mentzendorff & Co.) along with Honorary President, Steven Spurrier. This prize is awarded to a student from the UK wine & spirit trade who achieved outstanding results and Paul will visit Delamain in Jarnac sometime in the coming year to study the art of Cognac.

Joseph Hallam was the winner of this year’s Vintners’ Cup whilst the Riedel Trophy for the WSET Educator of the Year was awarded to the West London Wine School. This year the WSET also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW in recognition of her contribution to the development and growth of WSET in the United States.