Symington Family Estates renew support for the Institute of Masters of Wine
The Institute of Masters of Wine confirms Symington Family Estates has renewed its contract as a Supporter of the Institute.
Symington Family Estates, a leading producer of premium quality Ports, have supported the Institute in various ways for over 20 years. Penny Richards, Executive Director of the Institute said, “We are delighted Symington Family Estates are continuing their support to the Institute. The family and the whole business has been a great ally to the Institute and its Members, and frequently show their commitment and engagement with the Institute’s mission to promote excellence, interaction and learning in the global wine trade.”
The first Institute Masterclass was hosted by the Symington family in 2012 and they have since hosted an annual student trip to Porto, giving MW students unrivalled access to see and taste the wines of the region. The 2016 Institute’s Supporter Summit was held at Symingtons, enabling a gathering of the Institute’s Council and Supporters to discuss the future direction of the Institute (pictured above at the Supporter Summit are Sarah Jane Evans MW, a former Chairman of the Institute and Paul Symington, Chairman of Symington Family Estates).
The Symington family, with Scottish, English and Portuguese ancestry has been present in the Douro for five generations — since 1882 — and through the current generation’s great grandmother, the family’s links to the wines of the Douro span 14 generations, to the mid-17th century and to the very beginnings of the history of Port. Members of the Symington family continue to play an active role in the business today. From the Douro vineyards through the winemaking, ageing and tasting, a member of the family is directly responsible for every bottle of Port they produce. The combined sales of the family’s Port companies make up over a third of all premium Port sold throughout the world.
Paul Symington, Chairman said, “We have great respect for what the Institute does to encourage excellence in wine, and we have been very impressed by the way they have become truly international in their outlook and in their makeup. So we are very pleased to continue our longstanding support.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Head of Marketing, Communications and Membership
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9131
skirkpatrick@mastersofwine.org