Adelaide set to host the prestigious 11th International Symposium of The Institute of Masters of Wine in 2026

In a revelation that is sure to thrill oenophiles worldwide, The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has named Adelaide, South Australia, as the next host city for its 11th international symposium, to be held in 2026. The announcement came as the culmination of the 10th international symposium, a much-anticipated event that unfolded across four days in Wiesbaden, Germany.

The IMW's international symposium, a prestigious and much-awaited event on the global wine calendar, has gained an illustrious reputation since its inception in Oxford in 1982. The 10th symposium, themed 'A Taste for the Future', attracted over 500 attendees from the world of wine, encompassing seasoned professionals and discerning enthusiasts.

Running from Thursday 29th June to Sunday 2nd July in 2023, the symposium delivered a rich array of tastings, engaging debates and insights from some of the brightest minds in the industry. Discussions and presentations ran the gamut from Prof. Hans R. Schultz's panel on the next frontiers in wine research, to Jasper Morris MW's analysis of a cool future for Pinot Noir. In a surprise diversion from viticulture, Susie Barrie MW and Peter Richards MW even hosted an interview with John Malkovich, the acclaimed actor known for his work in Hollywood and Broadway.

Speaking about the recent event, Julian Gore-Booth, IMW executive director, commended Caro Maurer MW, Alison Flemming MW and the entire team for organising a compelling series of tastings and seminars. He also expressed his delight at the overwhelmingly positive feedback and highlighted the symposium's status as the flagship event in the world of wine.

Gore-Booth expressed his excitement about the choice of Adelaide for the upcoming symposium, noting Australia's standing at the forefront of innovation in the wine world. "Australia, and Adelaide in particular, is at the forefront of so much innovation in the wine world so it is a natural destination for the next symposium," said Gore-Booth. "This will be an event you won't want to miss."

With the successful completion of the 10th symposium, the IMW now shifts its focus to Adelaide. Plans are already underway to organise the programme of activities for the 11th international symposium.

Dr Martin Cole, CEO of Wine Australia, expressed his delight at the prospect of hosting the symposium. "We're thrilled that IMW symposium is coming to Adelaide in 2026 and look forward to showcasing Australia's world-class wines and wine regions," he said. "It's such a fantastic opportunity to bring leaders in wine together and share our passion for Australia's diverse and exciting wine scene."

Originally, Adelaide was set to host the conference in 2022, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2026, the South Australia Government will support the event alongside Wine Australia, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, Australian Grape and Wine, the Australian Wine Research Institute, the University of Adelaide, and the Adelaide Convention Bureau. The future of the symposium seems as luscious and full-bodied as the world's finest vintages. Adelaide, and indeed the world, awaits in anticipation.