Passion for wine

My passion for wine paved the way to become an award winning Master of Wine and a freelance consultant dedicated to improve the understanding of wine in all its many facets: evolve relations, evaluate and refine the winemaking processes, quality and style development and blending strategies. I work on a global basis with several high profile producers and importers, often coaching product managers with a hands-on, very personal and honest style, and conducting seminars on a wide range of topics.

 


INSTAGRAM @MADSMW

Latest harvest

Achievement

Master of Wine

In 2008, I became one of only two a Masters of Wine in Sweden. There are just 370 in the world with this qualification; the pinnacle of achievements in the wine industry. My dissertation on “The effect of altitude on Malbec in Mendoza”, received the Quinta do Noval Award.

My Story

Background

The journey started aiming to become one of the first Swedish sommeliers and after winning ”The most Promising Sommelier in Scandinavia” contest, I received several scholarships and travels throughout the world’s vineyards followed. Driven by my eagerness to further expand my wine horizons I moved to South Africa in 1997. While studying at the Cape Wine Academy I also managed a restaurant and sommelier department at a five-star Relais & Château hotel in the heart of the winelands. Back in Sweden I completed my WSET Diploma with Honors (which I now hold lectures in), set up my wine consultancy and established and managed the Swedish branch of Wines of South Africa (WOSA).
From 2004 to 2007 I worked as wine buyer for the Swedish alcohol retail monopoly, Systembolaget. Thereafter I became Quality and Product Development Manager at a major nordic importer, working with winemakers and producers all over the world.

SERVICES

A unique diversity

Having worked as a sommelier, F & B manager, wine buyer, importer and producer, I offer a unique diversity from which my clients can only benefit. And while diversity defines my work, integrity defines my approach.

Naturally understated and diplomatic, I know how to handle the intricacies of liaisons and negotiations, and am appreciated for my devoted and straight-forward demeanor. I make myself exclusively available to specific projects – wherever in the world they may take me – and am entrusted by many clients to deliver hands-on, honest consultancy that can really make a difference. Being very results-oriented I appreciate short time to decisions.

Regardless if you are wine producer or importer, or which project scope you choose to hire me for, my rich experience and professional, impartial approach will help to improve your product, advance your communication and strengthen your success.

Judging

A comprehensive knowledge and vast experience give me the pleasure of being invited as a judge on a regular basis to the most important and prestigious wine competitions around the world. I currently serve as panel chair for the International Wine Challenge (IWC). Previous experiences include the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, and judging in Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Russia.

Seminars and public speaking

I am triggered by challenges and aim to be broad in my lecture repertoire. I teach on all levels on a wide range of topics, incl. sommelier students, WSET Diploma, MW students, wine organisations and The Institute of Masters of Wine. I take pride in decoding how to meet and communicate with your audience in their own arena, regardless of their background. No topic is too small for my interest and no topic is too big for me to take on.

Consulting

I make myself exclusively available to specific projects – wherever in the world they may take me – and am entrusted by many clients to deliver hands-on, honest consultancy that can really make a difference. Regardless if you are wine producer or importer, project scope you choose to hire me for, my rich experience and professional, impartial approach will help to improve your product, advance your communication and strengthen your success.

Judging

A comprehensive knowledge and vast experience give me the pleasure of being invited as a judge on a regular basis to the most important and prestigious wine competitions around the world. I currently serve as panel chair for the International Wine Challenge (IWC). Previous experiences include the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, and judging in Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Russia.

Seminars and public speaking

I am triggered by challenges and aim to be broad in my lecture repertoire. I teach on all levels on a wide range of topics, incl. sommelier students, WSET Diploma, MW students, wine organisations and The Institute of Masters of Wine. I take pride in decoding how to meet and communicate with your audience in their own arena, regardless of their background. No topic is too small for my interest and no topic is too big for me to take on.

Consulting

I make myself exclusively available to specific projects – wherever in the world they may take me – and am entrusted by many clients to deliver hands-on, honest consultancy that can really make a difference. Regardless if you are wine producer or importer, project scope you choose to hire me for, my rich experience and professional, impartial approach will help to improve your product, advance your communication and strengthen your success.

Testimonials

“A master taster, unmatched work ethic, uplifting disposition and one of the wine world’s most knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate professionals. Madeleine is genius.”

– Paul Hobbs (Paul Hobbs Wines, California, Viña Cobos, Mendoza)

“Madeleine the BIG inspirator! Working with her on a new project is a long road towards perfection.”

– Kristin T Fredriksen, Managing Director Best Cellars AS Norway

“Her combination of skills between the nature of the product and the commercial circumstances on the Swedish market, has helped us reach our stretched goals over time.”

– Ulf Spendrup, Chairman, Spring Wine & Sprits AB, a subsidiary of Spendrups Bryggeri AB

“A confident and precise taster who articulates her views with openness, clarity and good humour”

– Brian Walsh, Chairman of Judges, Royal Adelaide Wine Show, Australia

“A remarkable commitment to quality and detail”

– Juan Pelizzatti, Chakana Wines, Mendoza, Argentina

“Excellent insights and knowledge of Swedish wine consumers”

– António Soares Franco, Vice-President, José Maria da Fonseca, Portugal

“Madeleine’s valuable input has left a lasting impression on our organisation”

– Jonas Hillergren, MD Treasury Wine Estates Nordics

“A knowledgeable, perceptive and experienced taster”

– Tim Atkin MW, UK, Co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge, Chairman of Top 100 South Africa

“One of the finest palate I have ever worked with”

– Alberto Antonini, Global Winemaking Consultant, Italy

“A highly qualified person and important contributor to quality”

– Ann Burgaz, former Purchasing Manager at the Swedish retailing monopoly, owner of The Wineagency and partner in Vingruppen, one of Sweden’s´ biggest importers of quality wines

“The most suitable wine consultant for a winery eager to be successful on the Scandinavian markets”

– Ilaria Ippoliti, Export Manager, Società Agricola San Felice S.p.A., Toscana, Italy (Previously Export Manager for Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine S.p.A, Italy and for Marchesi Antinori S.r.l, Italy)

“Madeleine Stenwreth MW is one of the most professional people in the wine business. ”

– Åsa W Karlsson, Lecturer & Freelance Wine Writer

“Madeleine is a highly regarded wine judge for many reasons.”

– Sue Hodder, Winemaker at Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Chair of Judges at The Royal Adelaide Wine Show in Australia.

“Fantastic understanding of what it takes to deliver that ‘magic’ blend”

– Erica Obermeyer, Cellarmaster Graham Beck Wines, Stellenbosch, South Africa

“An extremely hard-working, knowledgeable and professional woman”

– Maxime Cavey, Export Director – Sacred Hill Vineyards Ltd, New Zealand

“She helps us better understand wine tasting and winemaking”

– Gabriel Bloise, Winemaker Chakana, Mendoza Argentina

Contact

Feel free to get in touch …
Preferably by this form, as I’m often travelling in and out of different time zones.

Kind regards, Madeleine Stenwreth MW
+46 70-881 5814

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