Master of Wine student awarded Vinitaly International Academy scholarship
Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) has awarded Master of Wine (MW) student Claudia Chamberlain of Arlington, Virginia a scholarship to attend the 33rd edition of the prestigious Italian Wine Ambassador certification course.
Claudia received the award for demonstrating a talent, drive and commitment to wine that exemplifies the IMW’s high standards of excellence and expertise.
The course will take place 5-6 October 2025 at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier and coincides with the highly anticipated Vinitaly.USA and Wine2Wine Vinitaly Business Forum—Chicago Edition. This high-level certification equips wine professionals with essential knowledge on Italian wine, its rich history and global influence.
The scholarship reflects a shared commitment between the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) and VIA to fostering professional growth in the global wine community and serves as a powerful step for Claudia in her pursuit of knowledge and mastery in the wine industry.
Stevie Kim, Vinitaly Managing Partner, remarked: “At VIA, we’re not just building wine knowledge, we’re building bridges. Thanks to the Institute of Masters of Wine, we’re thrilled to welcome Claudia to our 33rd edition in Chicago, right on the iconic Navy Pier. These scholarships reflect a shared commitment to empowering new voices and ensuring the future of Italian wine education is as inclusive, global and dynamic as the world we live in.”
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/