Austrian Wine Marketing Board signs IMW principal supporter contract for another three years
Austrian Wine has renewed its principal supporter contract with the Institute of Masters of Wine.
One of the first supporters of the IMW, Austrian Wine has enjoyed a partnership with the IMW that spans almost 20 years. Since 2004, they have hosted the stage one MW study programme seminar at the Weinakademie Österreich in Rust. At the IMW’s annual award ceremony, Austrian Wine has sponsored the Outstanding Achievement Award for the best overall student in the MW exam since 2010.
Signing the contract renewal at the Palace Esterházy in Burgenland, Austria was Adrian Garforth MW, executive director of the IMW and Chris Yorke, CEO of Austrian Wine.
Chris Yorke said, “The Institute of Masters of Wine has been a key partner of Austrian Wine for almost 20 years. In turbulent times it is even more important to focus on the relationships that support common goals. We are therefore very much looking forward to extending our cooperation with the IMW and working together for many more years!”
Adrian Garforth MW said, “At a time of immense change within the global wine industry, we are delighted to be renewing our contract with Austrian Wine. This is a long-standing partnership based upon shared values and a common understanding of our pivotal role within the industry. We look forward to working together, hopefully for a further 20 years and beyond.”
The IMW has 32 supporters helping them achieve its mission of promoting excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. The IMW’s five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Constellation Brands, the Madame Bollinger Foundation, and Waitrose and Partners.
Photo credit: Eva Kelety
ENDS
For more information contact:
Belinda Eaton
Marketing and Communications Manager
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9136
beaton@mastersofwine.org
Notes to editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For almost 70 years, its members – the Masters of Wine (MWs) – have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 414 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 307 students from 36 countries in the 2022-23 MW study programme. The IMW works with 36 supporters and two research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Constellation Brands, the Madame Bollinger Foundation, and Waitrose and Partners.