The Institute of Masters of Wine and Sotheby’s announce fundraising auction of rare wines and exclusive experiences
LONDON, UK, 8 OCTOBER 2025 — The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), in partnership with Sotheby’s, will host an online fundraising auction titled Explore the World of Fine Wine. Curated by Masters of Wine (MWs), lots will include intimate experiences with esteemed wine leaders, insider access to legendary estates and rare wines not available on the open market.
Bidding will take place online on Sothebys.com between 17 November and 1 December, with over 70 lots on offer. All proceeds will support the IMW’s mission to foster excellence, interaction and learning across the global wine community, and to nurture the next generation of wine leaders through its internationally respected study programme.
Nick Pegna, Global Head of Wine and Spirits, Sotheby’s, said: “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. It’s an impactful way for us to support the global MW community and help shape the next generation of Masters of Wine.”
IMW Interim Executive Director, Sarah Harrison, commented: “Wine is one of humanity’s great cultural achievements, which for millennia has connected people and land, tradition and innovation. Our membership and student body are among the world’s most passionate, active and influential communities preserving and enriching this shared global legacy. The proceeds from this auction will provide invaluable financial resources to support the IMW and its community. We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity shown by everyone who has donated lots and given their time, and to Sotheby’s for helping to make this auction happen.”
Details of the available lots will be announced in the coming weeks.
To bid on premium lots, advance registration with Sotheby’s is essential. To register, visit www.sothebys.com/IMWBenefitAuction
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NOTES TO EDITORS
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About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is a membership organisation with a mission to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community.
For over 70 years its members—the Masters of Wine (MWs)—have advanced the art, science and business of wine, mentoring tomorrow’s leaders and preserving wine’s cultural legacy. The IMW is home to the prestigious Master of Wine study programme and the famously challenging MW exam, recognised as the world’s most difficult wine examination.
To become an MW, candidates must demonstrate world-leading knowledge across viticulture, winemaking, wine handling, wine business and contemporary issues affecting the wine world. All MWs commit to a code of conduct that upholds the highest standards of professional integrity and actively promotes the sharing of knowledge. Today there are 418 MWs based in 29 countries and 346 students based in 43 countries, representing the full industry spectrum; from education and journalism, through viticulture and winemaking, to distribution, hospitality and government.
Beyond the industry, the IMW and its members promote a broader understanding and appreciation of wine through events, publications and multimedia communications.
The IMW is supported in its mission by five research and industry associates and 38 supporters, including principal supporters Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group.
For more information, visit: https://www.mastersofwine.org/
About Sotheby’s
Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s leading destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s facilitates access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and immediate purchase channels, including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a state-of-the-art technology platform and a network of specialists covering 40 countries and 70 categories, including contemporary art, modern and Impressionist art, Old Masters, Asian & Oceanic art, jewellery, watches, wines and spirits, design, as well as classic cars and property. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for the most expensive whisky collection ever sold at auction, the most expensive private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction, and the most expensive bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest total amount ever achieved at a charity wine auction.