While the newbies were sworn in, the old-hands went to California for what looks like a truly great squad holiday.
Some 50 MWs from 16 countries participated in a tour of California wines in late October, which showcased 600 wines from 60 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) throughout the state and an impressive 300 vintners.
Touring California wine regions for 10 days through the Central Coast and North Coast areas, and tasting wines from across the state, the highly group included sommeliers, wine retailers, restaurateurs, wine writers and other leaders in the global hospitality industry.