On Tuesday 1^st November, Alan Montague-Dennis attended the annual IMW awards ceremony held at Vinters’ Hall in London, at which he presented Justin Martindale MW with the Madame Bollinger Medal. The Medal is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams, and Justin Martindale MW is the 34^th person to have been presented this award since its inauguration in 1988.

Étienne Bizot, the Chairman of the Madame Bollinger Foundation and also President of Groupe Bollinger, has shared his thoughts on the importance of this recognition of achievement for Justin Martindale MW; “The ‘Madame Bollinger Foundation’ was launched by my Father, Christian Bizot, at Vintners Hall in 1988 aiming to foster quality, education and ethics in all matters relating to wine at an international level. The Institute of Masters of Wine is without question the global reference in the pursuit of wine excellence in education and I am therefore delighted to award the 2022 Madame Bollinger Medal to Justin for this great achievement.”

Justin’s commitment to the wine industry and its education is commendable. He is an educator, consultant and wine judge who established the Lothian Wine School in Edinburgh, at which he now works as the head tutor teaching WSET courses, masterclasses and bespoke private events. He also runs a consultancy business and judges at various wine competitions.

We share our congratulations to Justin for winning this prestigious award- it is an impressive achievement that can only be earned through hard work and dedication, which he has fully demonstrated. A big congratulations also goes to our team member Alan for presenting the award on behalf of Étienne Bizot. What a fantastic privilege to have earned!