MARITIME AND MERCANTILE INTERNATIONAL (MMI), FINE WINE CATEGORY MANAGER, BEANS BOUGHTON BECOMES THE UAE’S FIRST RESIDENT MASTER OF WINE (MW)
- Only 409 Masters of Wine in the world
- MW is the highest achievement within the wine industry
- MMI customers and consumers will have access to the in-depth knowledge and expertise of an MW
14 September 2020, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Beans Boughton, MMI Fine Wine Category Manager has become the UAE’s first resident Master of Wine (MW), regarded as the most distinguished wine qualification in the world. Recognised worldwide for its rigour and high standards it is an outstanding achievement to pass what is a notoriously difficult set of examinations. This makes Beans one of only 409 MWs worldwide and among a handful in the Middle East and Africa.
Beans has worked extremely hard, and dedicated the past few years to achieve this respected qualification, in which he proved his understanding of all aspects of wine by passing the multiple blind tasting and theory papers and submitting a research paper on “Examining the impact of market visits by winery principals on brand performance in the premium on-trade channel in Dubai”.
Induction into the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine makes Beans part of a global community of highly experienced wine professionals each of whom have demonstrated the utmost knowledge and ability in the art, science and business of wine. MWs are equipped with a unique range of practical and theoretical knowledge, which enables them to work across all disciplines within the wine industry, from winemakers, oenologists and viticulturists through to shippers, retailers and writers.
As an MW Beans is committed to use every opportunity to share his understanding of wine with others. Additionally, this accolade further enhances MMI’s reputation and credibility as one of the world’s leading fine wine distributors and retailers through the multi award winning Le Clos. MMI’s trade and private customers can benefit from advice and recommendations, confident that the proposals come from the depth of experience and industry awareness required to become an MW.
Beans is a confident communicator, eager to engage with consumers and customers at all stages of their wine journeys. His passion for wine began rummaging around Gloucestershire wine cellars at a young age. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History, his professional engagement with wine started at Oddbins retail. Following a foray into the world of banking, Beans joined the team at Planet of the Grapes, completing the WSET Diploma in 2011 and moving from van driver to running a fine wine shop, bar and restaurant in the city.
He gained experience buying wine in the wholesale distribution sectors before joining MMI as Fine Wine Category Manager. In his role, he is responsible for fine wine category management across the Dubai On-Trade, Le Clos (winner of Airport Drinks Retailer of the Year 2017 & 2018), MMI Retail, airline and travel retail and MMI’s international markets. His role also involves managing the ranges and winery relationships for Burgundy, Rhône, Loire, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
The presence of an MW based in the UAE underpins the high quality offering available in the region, and gravity with which quality assurance is approached by the most reputable players. This fantastic achievement is a milestone for the wine industry in the UAE and Middle East region.