The Institute of Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) exists to promote the highest level of educational achievement for the wine industry, culminating in the internationally recognised qualification of Master of Wine (MW). As a corporate entity it organises all aspects of the Master of Wine examination and education programme, runs tastings and other events programmes, provides membership services to the 277 MWs world-wide, and information and access to specialist advice for the wine industry in general.

If you would like to know more about the Institute and its activities please contact Helen Williams at the Executive Office.

Visions and Aims

The IMW pursues the goal of excellence in the wine industry, and aims to promote:

- the highest standards of quality in wine
- the highest standards of excellence in wine
- the highest standards of conduct within the wine industry

The IMW intends to achieve this by:

- support for individual members as they pursue both professional and personal goals in wine related activities
- encouraging candidates from round the world to sit the examination
- taking a leading role in international events and discussions which affect the wine industry
- obtaining support from all sectors of the wine industry for these aims

History

The first Master of Wine examinations were held in 1953, under the auspices of the 'Worshipful Company of Vintners' and the 'Wine and Spirits Association', and 6 candidates achieved the standard required to become the first Masters of Wine. The Institute was established as an entity in 1955 and there are now 265 Masters of Wine who comprise its membership. For the first 30 years the annual examination was limited to UK 'traders in wine' (defined as importers, merchants and retailers) but in the 1980s the examination was opened to anyone earning their living in wine world-wide and the first non-UK MW succeeded in the examinations in 1987.

Facts and Figures

The Institute now has 277 members of 22 different nationalities, living in 23 countries throughout the world. Education seminars and examinations are held in 3 countries, the UK, the USA and Australia. 92 members live and work outside the UK, almost all of whom have become members in the last 12 years.

If you would like to know more about the Institute and its activities please contact Helen Williams at the Executive Office.