November 12-15, 2026
09:00 - 16:00 ACDT
The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. As well as running the MW study programme, our programme of worldwide events offers unparalleled opportunities to taste and learn.
These tastings and seminars, including our international symposium, are open for anyone to attend – you don’t have to be a Master of Wine to join in.
As the IMW’s flagship event, the symposium programme seeks to take a critical look at the world of wine and its future. There will be world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations and controversial debate, as well as exciting themed lunches and dinners organised by our sponsors and hosts.
Open to anyone to attend, the symposium offers outstanding networking opportunities and will run over four stimulating days from 12 to 15 November 2026.
The first day of the symposium is packed with invigorating talks, debates and tastings – including an exciting walkaround tasting where MW winemakers show the wines they are most proud of, and closes with a unique dinner hosted by Henkell Freixenet.
Day two takes a look at very diverse topics including the future of grape varieties and what should be done about the “elephant in the wine cellar”. Lunch will be provided by Moet-Hennessy Wines Division and the evening promises a unique dining experience sponsored by the VDP.Prädikatsweingüter.
The next frontiers in wine yeast research, a cool future for Pinot Noir, and a special interview led by Susie Barrie MW and Peter Richards MW with one of Hollywood and Broadway’s esteemed actors. With lunch provided by Austrian Wine, the day closes off with a special gala evening on the banks of the River Rhine.
Steve Charters MW reveals the findings of original consumer research and Harry Eyres moderates a prestigious tasting over important decades of wine history. The closing keynote is by the 2022 Woman of the Year (Drinks Business), Dr Laura Catena, fourth generation Argentinian winemaker.
In addition to the official programme there will be opportunities for delegates to join visits organised by a symposium host sponsor. These visits are subject to availability.
The first day of the symposium is packed with invigorating talks, debates and tastings – including an exciting walkaround tasting where MW winemakers show the wines they are most proud of, and closes with a unique dinner hosted by Henkell Freixenet.
The first day of the symposium is packed with invigorating talks, debates and tastings – including an exciting walkaround tasting where MW winemakers show the wines they are most proud of, and closes with a unique dinner hosted by Henkell Freixenet.
The first day of the symposium is packed with invigorating talks, debates and tastings – including an exciting walkaround tasting where MW winemakers show the wines they are most proud of, and closes with a unique dinner hosted by Henkell Freixenet.
The symposium is organised by the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW). The majority of the IMW team is based in at the IMW HQ in London. You can find out more about the IMW by visiting www.mastersofwine.org
+44 (0) 207 383 9130
+44 (0) 203 985 6810
