IMW postpones 11th International Symposium, Adelaide, to April 2027
LONDON, UK, 31 JULY 2025 — The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), in partnership with Wine Australia and the Government of South Australia, has taken the difficult decision to postpone the 11th International Symposium, originally scheduled to take place in Adelaide from 12–15 November 2026. The new dates for the symposium will be 15–18 April 2027.
The announcement follows a further delay to the decision over whether COP31, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, will be hosted in Adelaide, with a conclusion now not expected until at least November this year. Should Adelaide be selected as the host city, the venue and dates would be the same as those originally planned for the symposium, forcing the IMW event to be rescheduled or cancelled.
The IMW International Symposium is one of the world’s leading gatherings for wine professionals, attracting Masters of Wine, industry leaders, producers and communicators from across the globe. The postponement will provide the necessary certainty for delegates, partners and the planning committee to ensure that the Adelaide symposium remains a stand-alone, world-class event.
The IMW acknowledges that the new April 2027 dates are likely to coincide with harvest and vintage in some regions, which presents its own set of challenges. Unfortunately, more suitable dates were not available, but the IMW will collaborate closely with its partners to deliver an outstanding and inclusive event despite these challenges.
Interim IMW Executive Director Sarah Harrison stated: “Postponing a flagship event is never an easy decision. However, our priority is to protect the quality and accessibility of the symposium for our global community. We are grateful for the continued support of our Australian partners and look forward to welcoming the world’s wine professionals to Adelaide in 2027 for what promises to be an exceptional event.”
South Australian Government Minister for Trade and Investment, Joe Szakacs, said: “We’ve been working closely with the IMW to ensure the symposium is memorable for all in attendance.
“The new dates provide certainty and allow for proper planning for both organisers and attendees, so that the global wine industry can truly experience one of the best wine-producing states in the world.
“We look forward to welcoming participants to Adelaide, Australia’s Great Wine Capital.”
Further details about the symposium, including the programme, ticket sales and regional trips, will be announced in early 2026.
About the Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium
The IMW International Symposium is regarded as the marquee event in the global wine calendar, attracting 500 people from the top echelons of the wine world. Launched in Oxford in 1982, previous symposia have been held in Wiesbaden (2023), Logroño (2018), Florence (2014), Bordeaux (2010), Napa (2006), Vienna (2002), Perth (1997) and Cambridge (1990). Returning for 2026 to Adelaide, South Australia, the 11th international symposium will run over 4 stimulating days. Attendees can expect world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations and controversial debate. The host of the 2027 event is the South Australian Government. In addition to the full programme, attendees will have the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s 65 wine regions through exclusive trips.
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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/