Andrew Jefford honoured with Institute of Masters of Wine lifetime award

Andrew Jefford was named the 2026 recipient of the Institute of Masters of Wine Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at Vinexposium's V d'Or ceremony. The IMW cited his decades of writing on terroir and wine culture.

Andrew Jefford has been named the recipient of the 2026 Institute of Masters of Wine Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at Vinexposium's V d'Or ceremony. The honour recognises an individual's substantial contribution to the global wine community, noting vision, determination and innovation. Jefford is an award‑winning journalist, poet and wine writer known for his writing on terroir and wine culture. Key details: - The award was presented at Vinexposium's V d'Or ceremony by Kylie Minogue, Sarah Harrison (IMW executive director), and Patrick Schmitt MW (the drinks business editor‑in‑chief). - On receiving the award, Jefford was quoted describing the IMW as a unique academic institution and saying the honour felt surreal. - Sarah Harrison said Jefford's writings of more than 30 years continue to educate, inform and inspire. - Patrick Schmitt MW and IMW chair Rod Smith MW both praised Jefford's originality and his contribution to understanding wine and its cultural importance. - The Institute of Masters of Wine is a membership organisation that runs the Master of Wine study programme and advances wine knowledge through education and events. Summary: The award recognises Andrew Jefford's long body of work and its influence on the global wine community. Undetermined at this time.