FICOFI becomes Major Supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine
LONDON, UK, 25 MARCH 2025 — The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is proud to announce that FICOFI – whose Le Club FICOFI® is a world leading community bringing together producers of the finest wines with the finest consumers – has joined its international supporter community as a major supporter.
The agreement provides for significant contributions by FICOFI towards the Master of Wine (MW) study programme, and incorporates provisions to enhance support for international accessibility. Initiatives will include scholarships for students based in Asia, travel grants and funding towards translation costs.
To commence the collaboration, FICOFI will provide two scholarships worth £5,000 each, both available to students based in Asia. One scholarship will be available to a successful applicant to the MW study programme this year who can demonstrate financial need, and one will be available to a stage two student who can show their exceptional potential. In addition to the financial support, these students will benefit from FICOFI’s access and support.
IMW Executive Director Julian Gore-Booth shared his delight in welcoming FICOFI as a major supporter: “Operating one of the world’s foremost wine communities, FICOFI’s value system of sharing passion, striving for excellence and acting for the future aligns perfectly with the IMW’s mission to foster excellence, interaction and learning. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Philippe Capdouze, founder and chairman of FICOFI, explains how “At FICOFI, we believe that knowledge and transmission through meaningful experiences are at the heart of great wine appreciation”, adding that “Supporting the IMW reflects our dedication to fostering expertise, and ensuring that the next generation of Masters of Wine can thrive.”
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/