IWSC rejoins the Institute of Masters of Wine supporter community
LONDON, UK, 20 JULY 2026 — The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is delighted to welcome long-term collaborator, IWSC (International Wine and Spirit Competition), back as an official supporter.
The relationship between the two organisations started in 2018, when IWSC began providing scholarships to Master of Wine (MW) students, before initially becoming a supporter in 2021. After a brief hiatus, during which the collaboration shifted its focus entirely onto the IWSC’s MW student scholarship programme, the two organisations have now renewed their official supporter relationship. To date, IWSC has supported 39 MW students through scholarships.
William Drew, managing director of IWSC’s parent company, a21 UK, said: “We are delighted to reaffirm our support for the Institute of Masters of Wine and the vital work it does for the drinks sector across the world. IWSC is more than just a competition, it is also about building community, furthering drinks education and nurturing true excellence—traits which it shares with IMW. It is therefore only natural that our organisations should work together to support the development of the next generation of Masters of Wine across the globe.”
IMW executive director, Sarah Harrison, commented: “It is with great pride that we welcome IWSC once more into our supporter family. For years their generous contributions to the Institute and its students have been instrumental in developing some of tomorrow’s brightest and most passionate wine leaders. We look forward to working together ever more closely in the shared spirit of fostering excellence and community in the wine world.”
Logos and .docx press release available here
About IWSC
Competition. Connection. Community. Since 1969.
Since 1969, IWSC has been setting the global benchmark for quality wine, spirits, and other drinks categories. Regarded as one of the drinks industry’s most prestigious competitions, IWSC evaluates over 12,000 entries annually from 90+ countries. Its judges are key industry decision-makers, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers and Senior Buyers.
IWSC stands out for its expert judges who shape market trends, capped daily assessments that ensure consistent attention, and comprehensive categories that cover a wide spectrum of beverages. Through its global reach and industry recognition, the IWSC provides post-competition support and promotion for entrants and fosters connections between experts, producers, and consumers.
For producers, IWSC offers benchmarking against the best, invaluable industry recognition, and meaningful business connections. For consumers, an IWSC medal is a trusted guide to excellence in drinks.
For more information, visit https://www.iwsc.net/
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 427 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/