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News
Bollinger steps up IMW support
The Madame Bollinger Foundation has become a Principal Supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine.
Bollinger’s Etienne Bizot with Jean-Michel Valette MW
Already involved in the Institute’s activities as a Major Supporter, this elevation sets the Foundation alongside AXA Millésimes, the Austrian Wine Marketing Board and Waitrose as one of the major partners in its international work.
The Madame Bollinger Foundation was founded by Lily Bollinger’s nephew Christian Bizot in 1987 with the aim to “promote excellence in oenology and to foster quality, education, professional qualification and ethics in all matters relating to wine at an international level.”
The Foundation has supported the IMW since 1988, while Bizot was appointed as one of just four Honorary Masters of Wine, alongside Harry Waugh, Chris Hancock and Robert Mondavi.
Commenting on this strengthening of the IMW partnership, Madame Bollinger Foundation chairman Etienne Bizot, son of Christian, said: “I am delighted that our Foundation is celebrating 25 years of support for the Institute of Masters of Wine by becoming a Principal Supporter.
“This reaffirms the commitment of the Bollinger family to the great cause of excellence in wine education, and strengthens our long term support to the important work the institute carries out the world over.”
IMW chairman Jean-Michel Valette MW said: “The Madame Bollinger Foundation has always recognised the relevance of the Master of Wine qualification to the global wine trade. Twenty-five years ago, when the Institute had ambitions to internationalise the Study Programme, the support and encouragement of the Madame Bollinger Foundation was instrumental in achieving that goal.
“We thank them for making this new commitment as a Principal Supporter, and also for their continuing friendship and the interest they take in the Institute. Our partnership has been a long and fruitful one, and we value it greatly.”
As part of its support for the IMW, each year the Madame Bollinger Foundation awards The Bollinger Medal for the individual who demonstrates “excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement” in the practical section of the Master of Wine examinations. Last year’s recipient was Anne McHale MW.
the drinks business will be reporting from the IMW Symposium, its largest ever, which is currently taking place in Florence.