LONDON – The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is pleased to announce Swiss Wine has become a Supporter of the Institute.

Jane Masters MW, Chairman of the IMW said, “I am delighted that Swiss Wine has joined our global family of Supporters. We have more students than ever before in the MW Study Programme – from 40 countries around the world and from all aspects of the wine trade – so as the Institute continues to grow it is exciting to welcome a Supporter from a new geography.”

Swiss Wine is the official body representing and promoting the reputation of Swiss wines worldwide. Switzerland has a proud heritage of viticulture and wine making – the first grapes were grown during the Roman Empire, and the country is now home to nearly 240 grape varieties. Indigenous grape varieties that enrich and contribute to the identity of the Swiss vineyards represent one third of the crop. Those include the Chasselas and other interesting alpine varieties such as Arvine, Amigne, Cornalin and Humagne.

The President of Swiss Wine, Gilles Besse said: “The world of wine and education is constantly evolving and we are excited about supporting the activities of the Institute of Masters of Wine”.

At the IMW Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception on 9 November 2016 the Institute welcomes two new Swiss Masters of Wine to the Membership, Ivan Barbic MW and Jan Schwarzenbach MW(they join Robin Kick MW, Paul Liversedge MW and Philipp Schwander MW). To celebrate this, Swiss Wine has selected three wines from indigenous Swiss grapes to be served; Chasselas Chemin de Fer by Luc Massy from Lavaux, Petite Arvine Maître de Chais Réserve by Provins and Cornalin by Jean-René Germanier both from Valais.

About The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)

The IMW is a professional body with an unsurpassed international reputation. The Masters of Wine (MWs) hold the most respected title in the world of wine. The IMW promotes excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs have proved their understanding of all aspects of wine by passing the MW Examination, recognised worldwide for its rigour and high standards. In addition to passing the Examination, MWs are required to sign the Code of Conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. The Code of Conduct requires MWs to act with honesty and integrity, and use every opportunity to share their understanding of wine with others. There are currently 354 Masters of Wine today, working in 28 countries. The Membership encompasses winemakers, buyers, journalists, shippers, business owners, consultants, academics, and wine educators.