Alvier Almeida, Stage 2 MW Student, UK
Richard has been an invaluable source of guidance throughout my Master of Wine studies. His feedback on my essays has consistently been insightful and constructive. Time and again, his comments have highlighted exactly where I could strengthen my analysis and improve my writing, helping me develop both my technical understanding and my approach to tackling MW questions. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for thoughtful, high-quality feedback on the MW journey.
Matthew Hayes, Stage 2 MW Student, France
Richard was my second mentor in Stage 1 and marked himself apart by the tireless, focused and pertinent feedback on both theory and practical exercises allowing me to cruise into Stage 2. Richard’s personal investment in me as a candidate continues to develop and hone my techniques for the MW exams. Richard regarded me as a “personal project,” and in a programme that can often be a brutal lonesome road, Richard has helped keep me on track, instilling confidence and helped me preserve momentum and motivation.
Pepe Rodriguez de Vera — Stage 2 MW Student, Spain
As both a teacher and a friend, Richard has been a cornerstone of my preparation for the Master of Wine exams. His structured, insightful feedback completely changed how I approach and develop my essays, giving me a much clearer understanding of how the essay system works. Working with him led to a major breakthrough in my ability to critically analyze exam topics. I cannot recommend him highly enough to any MW candidate looking for a teacher who genuinely invests in their success.
James Hilferty — Stage 1 MW Student, USA
Proud to be accepted by the prestigious IMW program, I was soon on trips and learning about examples in the vineyards and wine facilities. But, like a beginner’s quest for love, I soon was looking for teachers in ‘all the wrong places’. That is until someone doing their S3 research paper referred me to Richard. That person swore they only made it to S3 because of Richard Ballantyne’s help. With Ballantyne’s precision and deeply insightful guidance, I began improving my essays and tastings immediately and substantially. There was no picking up other students’ bad habits or robotic feedback. Just honest critique from a down to earth wine guru. Now, I’m back on the path to success.
Valerie Aigron – Stage 1 MW Student, France
I only had the chance to work with Richard a few months and I wish I had know him earlier. His feedbacks on my practical and therory notes have been tremendously helpful and have pushed me in the right direction. Despite a busy schedule he always came back to me fast with with precise feedbacks giving me the opportunity to work on my weakness and improve. I wish I had crossed his path earlier in my MW journey.
Aga Hilferty — Stage 2 MW Student, USA
There are many MWs that offer various student classes. One can learn from each and every one of them. But with such an array of choices, only some truly provide the right combination of cost to value, also factoring in time spent on participation. Richard has provided his feedback both on theory and practical notes to me — it has never been generic. Always custom. Richard was able to spot my strengths and weaknesses with ease, and instead of wasting time on what I know, he focused on my blind spots to build upon. His guidance has always been gentle, yet straightforward, quickly allowing me to close the gaps and improve. Having a demanding full-time job, Richard’s no-nonsense, no-time-wasting approach was extremely valuable to me, and my progress is clear. Having known Richard for years, I can call him one of the most influential teachers to push me to S2, and a friend for life.
Nick Poletto – Stage 2 MW Student, USA
There are two important parts to being a successful educator. First is having the knowledge. Secondly, it is having the ability to convey that knowledge. The second part is much harder and quite rare; however, Richard has them both. Richard’s great depth and passion for wine and ability to clearly and concisely communicate his knowledge with students make him an incredible teacher and mentor. The MW journey is long and difficult, but has been made more enjoyable and successful with Richard’s guidance.