Meet Natasha Hughes MW, one of the wine world’s sharpest palates and clearest voices. After starting her career in food and journalism, she rose to become deputy editor at Decanter before going freelance, and in 2014 she earned the title of Master of Wine—collecting four of the seven prizes awarded that year, including the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award. Since then, she has written for leading publications around the globe, judged major international competitions, consulted for producers and restaurants, and taught aspiring Masters of Wine. Most recently, she published The Wines of Beaujolais (2025), a deep dive into the region and its Gamay grape that reflects her love of discovery and detail.
Natasha also serves on the Council of the Institute of Masters of Wine, where she chairs its Trips Committee and sits on the Education Committee, helping shape the future of wine education. We’re thrilled that she’s now part of the Opimian Tasting Team, a panel distinguished by having more Masters of Wine than any other tasting group in the world.
In this Q&A, Natasha shares how a passion for food led her into wine, why she champions underrated regions and value-driven producers, and why great bottles are as much about company and conversation as what’s in the glass.
1. What attracted you to the world of wine?
To be completely honest, I never thought I would end up in the wine business. My original passion was for food, and I ran a catering business part-time while at university. Now that I’m working in wine, though, I still get to explore the world of flavour and texture, albeit from a different perspective.
2. What excites you most about the current wine world?
What excites me right now about the wine world is what has always excited me about wine. Although spending big is an easy hit, there are always new discoveries to be made, always up-and-coming young producers who are trying hard to make wines that deliver incredible bang for the buck and under-rated wine regions that over-deliver.
3. Is there a region or grape variety you’re especially passionate about?
I’ve just written a book about the wine of Beaujolais, so I’m going to have to say Beaujolais and the Gamay grape, aren’t I?
4. What's your most memorable bottle?
I think the search for the ‘most memorable bottle’ is one of the wine world’s big myths, and the cause of huge disappointment in many cases. The most memorable bottles don’t have to be trophy wines. Instead, they are usually good wines whose enjoyability is enhanced by the fact that they’re drunk in great company, and accompanied by interesting conversation and delicious food.
5. What’s a wine myth you'd love to debunk?
I think I’d love people to realise that the most expensive wine in a producer’s range isn’t always the best wine.
6. What’s your go-to food and wine pairing?
If I’m in the mood for white it’s got to be crab linguine with a generous white Burgundy (or a New World take on the style). Otherwise roast duck and Côte Rôtie, preferably one from Domaine Jamet, does it for me every time.
7. Favourite indulgent meal or snack?
Great sushi, every time…
8. What’s one wine in your cellar you’re saving for a special occasion?
I’ve just cleared out a whole load of special occasion wines from my cellar. I’d been saving several magnums of great Beaujolais for my book launch, and they were all opened – and hugely enjoyed – in October.
9. Favourite film or TV series to relax with a glass of wine?
Can I go back a few years, to 2010-2013, and Tremé? This was a great series about New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and focused on the lives of a cross-section of the city’s inhabitants (beautifully written and acted), as well as New Orleans’ astoundingly diverse food and music culture (great soundtrack too). An absolute feast for the senses.
10. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Those who don’t know me well are surprised to learn that I lived in Australia for the best part of seven years. Those who know me well know that I have no real secrets.