Casella Family Brands, Australia’s largest family-owned wine company, has joined the Institute of Masters of Wine’s (IMW) International Supporter Community. The news, announced yesterday, reflects Casella Family Brands’ ongoing commitment to reinvesting into the industry it represents.
“Casella Family Brands is delighted to join the supporter network of the Institute of Masters of Wine,” said Libby Nutt, General Manager of Marketing & Export Sales at Casella.
“We look forward to collaborating with the IMW to deliver programs that support the Master of Wine community and its students in strengthening their understanding of Australian winemaking excellence and wine brand development.”
The IMW is a membership organisation best known for its educational initiatives, the pinnacle being the revered MW exam.
There are currently 416 Masters of Wine working across 31 countries in positions such as winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, and educators. 367 students from 40 countries are enrolled in the ongoing 2023-2024 study programme, revealing the tremendous difficulty that is passing the exam.
The programme works with 37 supporters and four research and industry associates that help to promote the IMW mission. The five Principal Supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group. Currently, Major Supporter Wine Australia is the only other Australian company that is part of the IMW supporter network, with Casella Family Brands becoming the second Australian, and 37th overall, supporter of the Institute.
“The Institute is delighted to welcome Casella Family Brands as a supporter,” said Julian Gore-Booth, Executive Director of the IMW.
“As we deepen our connections and share knowledge around the globe, we look forward to exploring a range of initiatives with Casella”.
Casella Family Brands, which includes leading Australian wine labels such as Peter Lehmann, Brand’s Laira, Casella Family, Morris of Rutherglen, Baileys of Glenrowan and Atmata, last week turned on the largest solar facility in Australia’s drinks industry, reflecting its dedication to progressing the industry and to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
As a supporter of the IMW, Casella Family Brands hopes it can work alongside the organisation to achieve a greater goal of increasing inclusivity, understanding, and collaboration in the global wine trade.
“We’re excited to work alongside IMW in its mission to promote excellence, interaction and learning to ensure our global wine industry continues to flourish,” said Libby Nutt.
