Masters of Wine curate their ultimate wish list for Institute of Masters of Wine benefit auction
The Institute of Masters of Wine and Sotheby’s will offer bidders insider access to ultra-rare wines and money-can’t-buy experiences chosen by the world’s leading wine experts.
LONDON, UK, 1 DECEMBER 2025 — The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) and Sotheby’s today unveiled the catalogue for Explore the World of Fine Wine, a benefit auction offering privileged access to people, places and wines from across the global fine wine landscape. Curated by Masters of Wine (MWs)—the world’s most respected wine professionals—the auction includes once-in-a-lifetime invitations to legendary estates, limited edition bottles not available on the open market, and private encounters with some of wine’s leading figures.
Bidding takes place online 1–15 December at www.sothebys.com/IMWBenefitAuction. Prospective bidders are advised to register in advance.
Highlights include:
- Three Magnums of Screaming Eagle The Flight, direct from the estate, with lunch hosted by Mary Margaret McCamic MW (4 guests).
- An Imperial of Château Angelus Hommage à Élisabeth Bouchet 2018, with private visit, tasting and dining at the Château hosted by Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal (4 guests).
- A private wine dinner for six with Jancis Robinson OBE MW, one of the world’s most influential wine voices.
Nick Pegna, Global Head of Wine & Spirits, Sotheby’s, commented: “Our collaboration with the Institute of Masters of Wine represents a shared commitment to excellence, education and the future of fine wine. The auction promises an extraordinary range of wines and experiences – each lot personalised, truly singular and deeply connected to the people and places that define the wine world”
Sarah Harrison, IMW Executive Director, added: “Wine is a cultural treasure that connects people, place and heritage. Funds raised through this auction will help the IMW continue its mission to advance wine knowledge, nurture the next generation of leading wine professionals and preserve this shared global legacy.”
Full catalogue, registration and bidding: www.sothebys.com/IMWBenefitAuction
Pictured: Château Angelus © Deepix
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/