Andrew Jefford Awarded 2026 IMW Lifetime Achievement Honour
Andrew Jefford has been named the recipient of the 2026 Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the global wine industry. Presented in association with the drinks business, the award celebrates individuals whose work has made a profound and lasting impact on wine culture worldwide.
The honour was formally bestowed during Vinexposium’s V d’Or awards ceremony, a high-profile event that brings together leading figures from across the international wine and spirits sector. The award was presented by Kylie Minogue, alongside Sarah Harrison, Executive Director of the Institute of Masters of Wine, and Patrick Schmitt MW, Editor-in-Chief of the drinks business.
Recognising a Lifetime of Contribution to Wine
The IMW Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional vision, determination, innovation, and influence within the global wine community. It is reserved for figures whose work has not only shaped industry understanding but also elevated the cultural and intellectual discourse surrounding wine.
In recognising Andrew Jefford, the IMW highlighted his decades-long commitment to exploring wine as both an agricultural product and a cultural artefact. His body of work has helped bridge the gap between technical wine knowledge and the human stories behind vineyards, regions, and traditions.
A Distinguished Career in Wine Writing and Journalism
Andrew Jefford is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtful and articulate voices in wine journalism. An award-winning journalist, poet, and wine writer, Jefford is particularly renowned for his insightful exploration of terroir, landscape, and wine culture.
Over the course of more than three decades, his writing has appeared in numerous influential publications and has been praised for its literary depth, originality, and sensitivity. Rather than focusing solely on tasting notes or market trends, Jefford’s work often delves into the philosophical, historical, and emotional dimensions of wine, offering readers a richer understanding of how place, people, and time shape what ends up in the glass.
His distinctive approach has earned him a devoted international readership and cemented his reputation as a writer who treats wine not just as a commodity, but as a living cultural expression.
Jefford Reflects on the Honour
On receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Andrew Jefford expressed both humility and surprise at the recognition, describing the moment as deeply meaningful.
“The IMW is a unique academic institution, independently guarding an 8,000-year cultural tradition and ensuring its relevance in increasingly chaotic and abrasive times,” Jefford said. “Many of those I respect most deeply in the wine world are members; as a journalist, I’ve often admired and cited the research papers written by its successful candidates.”
He went on to reflect on his own relationship with the Institute, noting that while he has long respected the rigorous academic standards of the Masters of Wine qualification, he never imagined himself receiving such an honour.
“In another life, I’d have a go—and almost certainly fail,” he said. “The idea that I’d be nominated for its Lifetime Achievement Award seems surreal; winning it doubly so. I’m thrilled.”
Praise From the Institute of Masters of Wine
Senior figures from the IMW were unanimous in their praise for Jefford’s contribution to the wine world. Sarah Harrison, Executive Director of the Institute, emphasised the enduring relevance of his work.
“For over 30 years Andrew’s writings have contributed to the canon of the wine industry,” Harrison said. “To this day, his writing continues to educate, inform, and inspire. Andrew is a very deserving recipient of this honour.”
Harrison highlighted the way Jefford’s work continues to resonate with both seasoned professionals and newer generations entering the wine sector, underlining his lasting influence on how wine is discussed and understood globally.
Industry Recognition From the drinks business
Patrick Schmitt MW, Editor-in-Chief of the drinks business, also paid tribute to Jefford’s exceptional talent and influence across the wider alcoholic drinks industry.
“The world of alcoholic drinks is fortunate to have a talent like Andrew Jefford to articulate its many qualities with such originality and expressive power,” Schmitt said. “He is one who responds, in a uniquely sensitive way, to the deeper glories of fine drinks—the landscapes that shape them and the people who bring them into being.”
Schmitt’s comments reflected a broader industry sentiment that Jefford’s work has helped elevate wine writing into a form of cultural commentary, blending expertise with artistry.
Celebrating Cultural and Literary Impact
Adding to the praise, Rod Smith MW, Chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine, highlighted the broader cultural significance of Jefford’s contributions.
“Through his rich body of work, Andrew has deepened global understanding of wine and its cultural importance,” Smith said. “His beautiful haikus are also a delight. It is with great pride and pleasure we recognise his outstanding and lasting contribution.”
Smith’s remarks underscored Jefford’s rare ability to combine technical understanding with poetic expression, a quality that sets his work apart within the wine literature landscape.
A Lasting Legacy in the Global Wine Community
Andrew Jefford’s receipt of the 2026 IMW Lifetime Achievement Award marks a fitting recognition of a career dedicated to thoughtful storytelling, cultural insight, and intellectual rigor. His work has influenced how wine professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers alike think about place, tradition, and meaning in wine.
As the global wine industry continues to evolve amid economic, environmental, and cultural challenges, voices like Jefford’s remain essential. His writing serves as a reminder that wine is not only an agricultural or commercial product, but also a reflection of human creativity, heritage, and connection.
The Institute of Masters of Wine’s decision to honour Andrew Jefford reinforces the value of deep, reflective engagement with wine—and celebrates a writer whose legacy will continue to inspire the industry for generations to come. 🍷
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