Master of Wine Education now possible at the Austrian Wine Academy
Master of Wine:
AWMB becomes Major Supporter
(Vienna, AWMB/MT) The Master of Wine qualification is internationally recognized as the highest level of educational achievement for the wine industry. Austria is now the fourth country after Great Britain, USA, and Australia to offer this prestigious education programme, thus confirming the Austrian Wine Academy’s (AWA) role as continental Europe’s leader in wine education. The Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB) expects this to enhance domestic branch competence and image.
Beginning this year between 20 and 40 international wine students will visit Austrian wine country annually for the Master of Wine (MW) education programme. The Austrian wine branch enthusiastically welcomes this opportunity made possible by the longstanding collaboration between the AWMB, the AWA and the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) in London. On the 23rd of February Michael Thurner MBA, Director of AWMB and AWA Chairman of the Board, and the Chairman of the IMW, Robin Kinahan signed a sponsoring contract in the presence of numerous journalists. Next to joint events in London and presentations at the VieVinum and other international wine exhibitions, the Master of Wine education programme is a focus of the contract agreement. The domestic wine branch expects this to be a positive catalyst as Michael Thurner explains, “Austria is the first wine country to become a major sponsor of the IMW. This gives us international recognition for outstanding wine competence which will reflect in both image and sales”.
Austria, Great Britain, USA, and Australia only hosts for the MW education programme
Since its establishment in 1953, The Institute of Masters of Wine has awarded 236 wine professional with the highest international branch qualification, the prestigious MW title. The majority of the members of the IMW all hold key positions in international wine companies, are consultants or belong to the most influential circle of wine writers. Austria is now the fourth country after Great Britain, USA, and Australia where Master of Wine Seminars and Examinations are held. IMW Chairman Robin Kinahan travelled from London to Austria to sign the sponsoring contract stating, “The Institute of Masters of Wine views this innovative wine country in the heart of Europe as an ideal place for the Master of Wine education programme. We are pleased to have found in the AWMB a sponsor that shares the quality philosophy of the Institute.”
Austrian Wine Academy now leading Institution for European Wine Education
The Austrian Wine Academy, AWMB subsidiary, has further expanded its
position as the largest wine education institution in central Europe.
Additional trips in Austrian wine country are being organized for international
visitors by the AWMB. “We need to create an emotional bond between
students and Austrian wine country so that future Masters of Wine are
also ambassadors of our wine!” exclaimed Wine Marketing director
Michael Thurner. The administrator of the Austrian Wine Academy and Austria’s
only Master of wine, Dr. Josef Schuller is pleased about the new cooperation, “A
dream comes true! Master of Wine Seminars at the Austrian –Wine
Academy is an invaluable enhancement for the Wine Academy and for Austrian
wine country and its vintners.” The AWA is the largest wine school
in central Europe and with the new MW education programme, the only one
that can offer a complete package from beginner to Master of Wine. Schuller
adds, “Not only can a student now graduate with the Weinakademiker
title (WSET diploma in wines and spirits), but also the reach the ultimate
pinnacle Master of Wine.”
Press Information/February 2004
Ö WM/Michael Thurner, Susanne Staggl
Prinz-Eugen-Str. 34/7, A-1040 Vienna
Phone: +43 (0)1 503 92 67, Fax: +43 (0) 1 503 92 68
s.staggl@winesfromaustria.com
Austrian Wine Academy/Josef Schuller
Hauptstrasse 31, A-7071 Rust
Tel.: +43 (0) 2685 6853, Fax: +43 (0) 2685 6431
josef.schuller@weinakademie.at
www.weinakademie.at
