Masters of Wine forge links in Bordeaux

Delegates from 31 countries gathered in Bordeaux last month for the Institute of Masters of Wine’s seventh symposium, Forging Links.

The three-day event saw an international selection of experts in various fields share their views through a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions.

These were punctuated by a programme of tastings, lunches and dinners, all designed to create further opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas in line with the theme of the symposium.

In all, with the support of the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), the Institute assembled 300 industry leaders from 17 countries to host the various events, which were co-chaired by Fiona Morrison MW and Jacques Lurton.  

The expertise on hand ranged from Cellartracker founder Eric Levine’s views about wine on the internet, to Indian sommelier and TV presenter Magandeep Singh’s insight into the emerging wine countries discussion.

Alessia Antinori joined Christian Seely on stage as part of a panel to examine the roles of families and corporations in the wine industry; while Michel Rolland and Egon Müller traded views on New World versus Old World inspiration.

There was also input from beyond the immediate confines of the wine trade. Mayor of Bordeaux and former French prime minister Alain Juppé opened proceedings at a riverside dinner on the Thursday night, while international advertising guru Sir John Hegarty delivered a keynote speech urging the trade to “lose the mystery and keep the magic.”

Fiona Morrison MW said: “Our aim was to bring together the best and the brightest from inside, and outside, the international world of wine in a setting where they could share their experiences, opinions and vision.

“We wanted to challenge how we think and communicate about wine and to learn from each other in an atmosphere of openness and trust.

"Our delegates, speakers and sponsors recognised the unique nature of the event and helped to create a truly memorable and enriching experience.”

For a full report on the symposium see the August edition of the drinks business.

Rupert Millar, 07.07.2010