The Institute of Masters of Wine joins Drinks United as a founding partner
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is proud to announce our partnership with Drinks United, a UK-wide, industry-led initiative working to embed equity, safety, and inclusion across the drinks sector. Backed by the WSTA, WSET and The Drinks Trust, Drinks United represents a united commitment to addressing systemic challenges and building a better future for all who work in drinks.
As a partner, the IMW is actively supporting four strategic pillars:
Safe: Promoting safeguarding standards and harassment prevention tools.
Supported: Expanding access to DEI resources through a centralised online hub.
Inclusive: Contributing to efforts to improve representation and drive culture change.
United: Engaging leaders across the sector to model and drive DEI commitments.
This partnership reflects our shared belief that the drinks industry must lead with integrity, champion best practice and create spaces where everyone can thrive. Through this collaboration, the IMW aims to help shape a more accountable and equitable sector—one where leadership visibility and practical action go hand in hand.
For more about the programme and how to get involved, visit www.drinksunited.co.uk
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/