IWSC Foundation becomes an IMW supporter
The Institute of Masters of Wine has the pleasure of announcing IWSC Foundation has joined its international supporter community.
IWSC Foundation is a non-profit organisation and the charitable arm of the IWSC. Established in October 2018, the Foundation aims to advance causes key to the growth and long-term health of the global wine and spirit industry. It also awards grants to individuals and organisations that support and promote the Foundations’ core objectives.
The Foundation has worked closely with the IMW over recent years, which has included a scholarship opportunity for students on the MW study programme.
Since 2018, the Foundation has awarded 10 scholarships of £5,000 to MW students, and in 2021 a new scholarship initiative will be announced, which will provide five students from stage one, and five students from stage two, a grant of £5,000 each (totalling £50,000).
In addition, a special grant will be awarded to students most in need following the Covid-19 crisis.
Christelle Guibert, CEO of the IWSC said “IWSC Foundation is committed to supporting the wine industry, promoting education and championing future talents. The Institute of Master of Wine is a globally recognised establishment that has been providing a world-class education for more than 65 years; we couldn’t think of a better organisation to collaborate with. We already work very closely with many members of the IMW, and we are delighted to strengthen our relationship and support the programme and many students.”
Neil Hadley MW, IMW chair, added, “We are delighted that IWSC Foundation is now part of our global supporter family. They have been incredibly supportive of the IMW and our study programme and epitomise their core values by offering generous financial support to MW students. The addition of the special Covid-19 grants to be announced later this year shows their continued commitment to wine education at a time when support is needed more than ever.”
The IMW now has 31 supporters worldwide, all sharing the IMW’s mission to promote excellence, interaction, and learning.
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.