WELCOME
The Institute of Masters of Wine is the home of exceptional expertise in the wine world. What started more than 65 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognised title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 419 MWs based in 30 countries, each making their own contribution to the world of wine. Becoming an MW means entering a unique wine community; one that brings enriching personal and professional opportunities, as well as lifelong friendships.
ABOUT US
The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. As well as running the MW study programme, our programme of worldwide events offers unparalleled opportunities to taste and learn. These tastings and seminars, including our international symposium, are open for anyone to attend – you don’t have to be a Master of Wine to join in.
FIND AN MW
The IMW’s directory of Masters of Wine allows you to search not just by name, but also by skills and specialisms. MWs are active all over the world and in all fields; MWs are winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. If you are looking for an MW in a particular country, expert comment on a specific style of wine, a speaker for your event, or experienced commercial advice, look no further.
THE MW EXAM
The MW exam tests the breadth and depth of a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and tasting skills in the art, science and business of wine. By passing the MW exam, you become a member of the IMW, gain the title Master of Wine and can use the initials MW after your name. The MW exam is a series of tasting and theory papers, plus an in-depth research project. You can find out about all stages of the exam, as well as downloading past papers, by clicking below.
Latest News
2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines® Master of Wine Scholarship winners announced
Liquid Icons – the fine wine research and content production company founded by the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET – are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines® Master of Wine and Master...
Features
Masters of Wine celebrate retirement of Jean-René Matignon
To celebrate the retirement of Jean-René Matignon, technical director of Château Pichon Baron, the jewel in the crown of principal IMW supporter AXA Millésimes's portfolio, a grand vertical tasting of every vintage he has made, from 1985 to 2021 was followed by a...
MW student Tao Platon awarded the Lallemand bursary
Master of Wine student Tao Platón is the 2022 Lallemand bursary winner. Tao is a stage two MW student and receives £1,500 towards the cost of his studies. Lallemand is a leading producer of wine yeast and bacteria, and their nutrients and a distributor of oenological...
Jean-Louis Chave announced as the 2022 Winemakers’ Winemaker
Jean-Louis Chave has been honoured as the 2022 Winemakers’ Winemaker, at a ceremony during ProWein today (16 May 2022). Given by the Institute of Masters of Wine and the drinks business since 2011, the award recognises outstanding achievement in winemaking. Masters of...
Washington State Wine Commission joins the IMW international supporter community
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to announce Washington State Wine Commission as an IMW major supporter. WA Wine represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State, which amounts to over 1,000 wineries making over 17M cases of...
The Madame Bollinger Foundation awards the 2021 Madame Bollinger Medal to Álvaro Ribalta MW
Last night, Álvaro Ribalta MW was announced as the 2021 winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal, which is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams. Álvaro was announced as the winner by Rebecca Gibb...
Caroline Gilby MW named Wine Celebrity of the Balkans
Caroline Gilby MW was named 'Wine Celebrity of the Balkans' during the official gala dinner following the 11th edition of the Balkans International Wine Competition (BIWC). Caroline's win marks the second year in a row the award has been presented. Galina Niforu,...
Kryss Speegle MW receives four awards at the IMW awards ceremony
Kryss Speegle MW was presented with four IMW awards at the IMW's awards ceremony on 23 March. Kryss, who became a Master of Wine in February 2021, received the IMW Chair's Award for her top performance in the business of wine paper, the Taransaud Tonnellerie Award for...
Curtis Mann MW to speak at event on wine and closures
On 13 July Curtis Mann MW will be speaking at Behind the Scenes Look at Closures, an event that explores the retail side of closure choice. Speaking alongside Curtis in the panel is Carlos de Jesus (director of marketing and communications at Amorim Cork), Eric...
Rosemary George MW awarded l’Ordre de Mérite Agricole
Rosemary George MW has been awarded l’Ordre de Mérite Agricole (The Order of Agricultural Merit) for her contributions to agriculture, which she says is as a result of "writing lots about French wine over the last 40 years". Congratulations, Rosemary!
Latest News
2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines® Master of Wine Scholarship winners announced
Liquid Icons – the fine wine research and content production company founded by the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET – are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines® Master of Wine and Master...
MW student Tao Platon awarded the Lallemand bursary
Master of Wine student Tao Platón is the 2022 Lallemand bursary winner. Tao is a stage two MW student and receives £1,500 towards the cost of his studies. Lallemand is a leading producer of wine yeast and bacteria, and their nutrients and a distributor of oenological...
Washington State Wine Commission joins the IMW international supporter community
The Institute of Masters of Wine is delighted to announce Washington State Wine Commission as an IMW major supporter. WA Wine represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State, which amounts to over 1,000 wineries making over 17M cases of...
Jean-Louis Chave announced as the 2022 Winemakers’ Winemaker
Jean-Louis Chave has been honoured as the 2022 Winemakers’ Winemaker, at a ceremony during ProWein today (16 May 2022). Given by the Institute of Masters of Wine and the drinks business since 2011, the award recognises outstanding achievement in winemaking. Masters of...
Features
Masters of Wine celebrate retirement of Jean-René Matignon
To celebrate the retirement of Jean-René Matignon, technical director of Château Pichon Baron, the jewel in the crown of principal IMW supporter AXA Millésimes's portfolio, a grand vertical tasting of every vintage he has made, from 1985 to 2021 was followed by a...
Caroline Gilby MW named Wine Celebrity of the Balkans
Caroline Gilby MW was named 'Wine Celebrity of the Balkans' during the official gala dinner following the 11th edition of the Balkans International Wine Competition (BIWC). Caroline's win marks the second year in a row the award has been presented. Galina Niforu,...
Curtis Mann MW to speak at event on wine and closures
On 13 July Curtis Mann MW will be speaking at Behind the Scenes Look at Closures, an event that explores the retail side of closure choice. Speaking alongside Curtis in the panel is Carlos de Jesus (director of marketing and communications at Amorim Cork), Eric...
Kryss Speegle MW receives four awards at the IMW awards ceremony
Kryss Speegle MW was presented with four IMW awards at the IMW's awards ceremony on 23 March. Kryss, who became a Master of Wine in February 2021, received the IMW Chair's Award for her top performance in the business of wine paper, the Taransaud Tonnellerie Award for...
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