The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) and Wine Australia have confirmed that the 10th International IMW Symposium, which was due to take place in Adelaide in 2022, will no longer go ahead.
The event has been deferred, with IMW Executive Director Adrian Garforth MW saying the ongoing uncertainty around international travel made it too difficult to plan the event confidently.
“We will look at the possibility of holding an alternative event elsewhere in 2023, but we need to consider our options carefully in light of the ongoing pandemic,” Garforth said.
Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Andreas Clark said that while it was disappointing that the event, announced at the close of the 2018 Symposium, had to be deferred, Wine Australia understood the challenges of planning for such an event during a pandemic.
“We retain the right to bid for Australia to host the 2026 Symposium, confident that by the time decisions have to be made, we will be much clearer about travel options, and health regulations will be clearer,” Clark said.
Clark also confirmed that Wine Australia would become a Major Supporter of the IMW for a five-year term recognising the IMW’s importance as a key partner within the international wine community.
Garforth welcomed the news, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Wine Australia into the IMW family of supporters. This long-term agreement will build upon the relationship developed over the last two years and should pave the way towards an exceptional event in 2026.”