Registrations open for the 11th Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium
PARIS, FRANCE, 10 FEBRUARY 2026 — Tickets are now on sale for the 11th Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium, taking place in Adelaide, Australia from 15-18 April 2027, supported by our hosts, the South Australian Government, and major sponsor Wine Australia.
This sell out event is widely acknowledged as a highlight of the global wine calendar, bringing together industry leaders, experts and wine lovers, for four days of tastings, winemaker dinners, thought-provoking presentations and controversial debate.
Tickets can be purchased at www.imwsymposium.com.
Confirmed sessions include an exploration of how the wine industry can rebuild relevance, featuring Matt Deller MW, and a deep dive into the latest evidence-based research into old vines, moderated by Sarah Abbot MW, alongside debate around gene technologies in viticulture and discussion on how winemakers can maintain balance in a changing climate.
Tastings will showcase exceptional wines and provoke debate, including a ‘unicorn’ tasting of some of the world’s most sought after wines, moderated by Andrew Caillard MW, an old vines vs young vines tasting featuring pairs of wines made especially for the Symposium and a masterclass delving into corks vs screwcaps comparing the same wines bottled under each closure.
Symposium favourites will return, including the Master of Wine winemakers tasting, themed lunches, and opportunities to experience the host nation’s hospitality through an opening night BBQ, intimate winery dinners and closing night Gala. Guests can also extend their experience, with nine curated trips to Australia’s renowned wine regions from Great Southern in the west to Hunter Valley in the east.
Dr Martin Cole, Wine Australia CEO, commented: “The 2027 IMW Symposium provides Australia with a fantastic opportunity to put our most dynamic wine producers, wines and world-class regions in front of the global wine community. Welcoming the leading voices of the international wine world to taste hundreds of wines, meet our winemakers and experience our regions firsthand allows us to showcase the innovation, quality and diversity shaping modern Australian wine. This is a significant event that will provide both immediate and long-term impact for the Australian category. We’re confident that guests will come away with a renewed perspective on Australian wine and will share their discoveries around the world.”
Joe Szakacs, South Australian minister for trade and investment, said: “As a Great Wine Capital, Adelaide is the undisputed home of Australian wine and we’re extremely proud to host the 2027 IMW Symposium. South Australia has 18 unique wine regions and more than 700 wineries, making our state the perfect destination for the global wine calendar’s premier event. At next year’s symposium, industry leaders, experts and wine lovers will get a taste of our premium wines across a range of varietals, grown in vast geologic and climatic conditions. We will be welcoming delegates at an exciting time for South Australia, with our economy outperforming the rest of the country. We look forward to raising a glass with the global wine community and showcasing the very best our state has to offer.”
Sarah Harrison, IMW executive director, added: “The Institute is thrilled to be bringing the Symposium to Australia. We are thankful for the support we have received from our hosts, The South Australian Government, and Major Sponsor, Wine Australia. The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community and the Symposium is a prime example of that. Registrations are open to all and we look forward to seeing the greatest minds of the wine community come together to debate, network and learn.”
Images and logos can be downloaded here.
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), Bristol (1992) and Cambridge (1990). Returning for 2027 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.
For more information visit: www.imwsymposium.com
About South Australia
Adelaide, South Australia, is a Great Wine Capital of the World, standing alongside 11 other renowned wine regions such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley. South Australia, the historic heart of Australian wine, is indisputably Australia’s wine state, growing over 50 per cent of the winegrapes that go into Australian wines. South Australian wine also has more than a 50 per cent share of premium Australian wine sales, domestically and abroad. Home to 18 unique and contrasting wine regions and more than 700 wineries, South Australia offers incredible diversity. From famed and iconic classics to the more modern and contemporary, its wines and regions stand among the world’s elite. Welcoming, vibrant, smart and stylish, South Australia’s boutique capital, Adelaide, is frequently voted one of the most liveable cities in the world.
About Wine Australia
Wine Australia empowers the success of the Australian wine sector through Research, Innovation and Adoption to enhance global competitiveness and meet the challenges of tomorrow, today; Market Development to increase the demand and premium paid for Australian wine; and Regulatory Services to safeguard Australian wine’s integrity and uphold the sector’s reputation.
Wine Australia is funded by the sector, for the sector, through grapegrower, winemaker and exporter levies and user-pays charges, with matching funds from the Australian Government for research and innovation. Established under the Wine Australia Act 2013, it is a Commonwealth Government statutory authority.
For more information visit: https://www.wineaustralia.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 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/