Jancis Robinson MW OBE, a luminary in the world of wine, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) Lifetime Achievement Award.
The accolade, which celebrates extraordinary contributions to the global wine community, was presented by Julian Gore-Booth, IMW executive director, and Patrick Schmitt MW, editor-in-chief of The Drinks Business, at Vinexposium’s V d’Or.
The IMW Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have significantly influenced the wine industry through vision, determination, and innovation. Recipients are acknowledged not only for their personal achievements but also for their impact on the broader wine world.
A Storied Career in Wine
Jancis Robinson's career, spanning nearly five decades, is a testament to her unparalleled influence in the wine industry. In 1984, she became the first person outside the wine trade to pass the rigorous Master of Wine exam. Her contributions include over 20 published books, essential guides for wine enthusiasts, and her acclaimed website, JancisRobinson.com. In 2003, she was honored with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II and has served as a personal advisor on the royal wine cellar.
On receiving the award, Jancis Robinson expressed her gratitude:
“I can’t tell you how surprised and delighted I am to be honored by my peers and to join such an array of wine stars, many of them old friends. I give sincere thanks to the amazing and supportive team at JancisRobinson.com who work so hard and so brilliantly, as well as my collaborators on all the books and at the Financial Times. And finally this award should of course be shared with my wonderful, long-suffering, growing family, not least my husband Nick Lander who has looked after me so well for 43 years. Here’s to many more women in wine being wholly recognized.”
A Respected Voice in Wine
Patrick Schmitt MW praised Robinson’s broad impact on the wine world:
“Although best known as a tireless and fiercely-independent wine critic, Jancis’s contribution to the world of wine has been so much greater than tasting notes and scores. With her always up-to-date commentary on the drinks industry, she has kept wine lovers and professionals at the forefront of what’s really happening in the trade. And then there’s her vast wealth of published referential material, in particular the incredible books she has authored and edited – from the ultimate study guide that is The Oxford Companion to Wine to the ground-breaking tome called Wine Grapes. In short, I can’t think of anyone who has done more to educate the wine drinker than Jancis."
IMW Chair Cathy van Zyl MW highlighted Robinson’s inspirational role:
“For many wine drinkers and professionals worldwide, Jancis is not only their most trusted source for tasting notes and scores, considered industry commentary and detailed referential material, she is their inspiration. An influencer before marketers coined the phrase, she has always been willing to share her knowledge in a manner that is relevant, engaging, and inspires passion. Many have benefited from Jancis’ insightful comments about their business or the challenges facing them; others will remember how she helped direct their wine journey with a discrete word of encouragement or pragmatic advice. Regardless of who you are or what your relationship with the world of wine is, Jancis will have – in some way or form – influenced that."
A Legacy of Excellence
The IMW Lifetime Achievement Award, last presented in 2019, has a storied history of honoring legends in the wine industry. Previous recipients include renowned figures such as Robert Mondavi, Marchese Piero Antinori, and Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. Jancis Robinson joins the ranks of Olivier Humbrecht MW and Mark Savage MW as the third Master of Wine to receive this honor.
Due to her inability to attend the ceremony in person, Jancis Robinson requested that Jeannie Cho Lee MW accept the award on her behalf. The accolade solidifies Robinson's status as a pioneering and inspirational figure whose contributions continue to shape the wine world.
Source: Masters of Wine