FICOFI awards scholarship to new Master of Wine student
LONDON, UK, 20 OCTOBER 2025 — Major supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), FICOFI, has awarded a scholarship to new stage one Master of Wine (MW) student, Yue Chow, based in Singapore.
Debuting this year, the scholarship has been set up to support new MW candidates based in Asia. Yue was awarded after displaying exceptional potential through her application to the MW study programme and during an interview process with FICOFI. As a FICOFI scholar, Yue will receive funding towards her studies worth £5,000 GBP, valuable access to FICOFI’s knowledge and resources, and support from its world-leading network of wine experts.
Head of Le Club FICOFI, Marie Capdouze, said: “Just as we connect the finest producers with discerning wine lovers, we are proud to connect talented students like Yue with the resources to achieve their potential”
IMW Interim Executive Director Sarah Harrison added: “This scholarship provides a fantastic opportunity for Yue as she begins her MW journey. We are immensely grateful to FICOFI for their support of our students across Asia.”
Yue began her wine career in a wine investment firm, where she worked closely with private collectors, learning their preferences, organising bespoke events and promoting wine awareness through masterclasses and newsletters. To become a well-rounded wine professional, she transitioned into hospitality and education. She now works as a sommelier while also facilitating WSET courses in Singapore. Beyond that, she contributes to the industry as a judge and has spoken on international stages such as the Wine2Wine Business Forum.
On receiving the scholarship, Yue commented: “I am grateful to receive the FICOFI Scholarship. As a wine student, one of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been meeting and learning from humble and generous people in the field. In pursuing my MW studies, I will continue to approach wine holistically, be better, and support my peers as others have supported me.”
Images and logos can be downloaded here.
About FICOFI
FICOFI was founded in 1990 to connect the finest producers with the most discerning wine lovers who share a passion for Grands Crus and great terroirs. FICOFI has been rooted in exceptional relationships with the owners and representatives of the best Châteaux & Domaines and share this unique access exclusively with 300 Members of Le Club FICOFI® who are based all around the world. FICOFI crafts unique experiences through winemaker dinners, annual flagship events, estate visits in France, Italy, Napa, Spain etc. and many other services like storage with a dedicated and personal cellaring & insurance service.
FICOFI performs all these activities with an unwavering faith in and commitment to values affirmed more than 30 years ago: FICOFI stands for, in Latin, FIdelitas (loyalty), COncordia (harmony, sharing, uniting), FIducia (trust). These values are also expressed into our social and environmental commitments through support to different initiatives and worthy causes related to the world of wine.
Today, it is a great pleasure and honour to support IMW in its mission of transmission of wine knowledge, appreciation and culture.
For more information visit: www.ficofi.com
ENDS
For more information contact:
Laura Coles
Head of Marketing and Engagement
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9136
lcoles@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 more than 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 foster 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 426 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 320 students from 46 countries in the 2025-26 MW study programme. The IMW works with 38 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group. The IMW’s International Symposium is a highlight of the global wine calendar, bringing together leading figures from across the industry. The 11th International Symposium will take place in Adelaide, South Australia, in April 2027, offering four days of world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations, debate and opportunities to explore Australia’s diverse wine regions. Find out more here: https://imwsymposium.com/