IMW to forge links in Bordeaux

The Institute of Masters of Wine will bring the global wine community together in Bordeaux this summer for its seventh and largest-ever international symposium. 

Industry leaders will be exploring the links that run throughout the wine world from producers through to consumers. The aim of the symposium is to see how these links can be fully developed to ensure future success for the art, science and business of wine.

The symposium, from 24-27 June, provides an independent platform for wine community leaders to address the opportunities and challenges facing the wine industry through a programme of speeches, debates, panel discussions, network events and tastings.

The Institute anticipates an attendance of 300 people, making this symposium the largest ever. 65% of the delegate places have already been allocated and ticket sales are running ahead of schedule.

This is the first time that the symposium, which takes place every four years, has been held in France. The Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) is the principal supporter of this year’s event.

The last symposium in 2006 was held in Napa, USA, and was attended by more than 200 delegates from around the world.

Dr. Josef “Pepi” Schuller MW, chairman of the Institute, said: “We are delighted with the huge interest that Forging Links has already generated amongst the global wine community and for the generous support of CIVB and our other sponsors which is enabling us to stage the 2010 symposium in Bordeaux.

“The wine trade continues to evolve in the 21st century and Forging Links provides a unique, independent forum to explore the global connections which underpin it.

“With all aspects of the wine community represented in the international delegates and speakers, Forging Links will be thought-provoking and agenda-setting. I am sure that participants will leave inspired to pursue individual excellence and contribute to the shared success of the wine community in the years ahead.”

The line-up of speakers is includes Alain Juppé, former Prime Minister of France and mayor of Bordeaux, who will deliver the opening speech and Alain Vironneau, chairman of the CIVB will give a keynote speech on the theme of Forging Links: Bordeaux Reaches Out to the World.

Sir John Hegarty, chairman and worldwide creative director of global advertising agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty, will deliver another opening address on the external perceptions of the wine business.

Other speakers throughout the event include, Olivier Humbrecht MW, Paul Draper, Michel Rolland, Egon Müller, Jancis Robinson MW, Miguel and Mireia Torres and Jeannie Cho Lee MW.

The Forging Links programme also includes a serious of lunches and dinners including one at Château Pontet Canet and allows delegates to visit the city’s famous Bordeaux Fête le Vin taking place on the same dates.

To find out more go to www.mwsymposium.com

Rupert Millar, 03.02.2010