Esteemed wine writer and Decanter columnist Andrew Jefford was honored with the Institute of Masters of Wine Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony held in Paris. The event, hosted just before the annual Wine Paris trade show, saw pop superstar Kylie Minogue present the award.
Minogue praised Jefford, recalling how she sought his advice when launching her own wine range. She expressed her gratitude for his support and insight during their initial conversation, affirming his influence on her journey in the wine industry. During his acceptance speech, Jefford described the moment as surreal, playfully mentioning his wife might not believe he shared the stage with Minogue.
The award signifies a significant contribution to the global wine community, highlighting individuals’ vision, determination, and innovation. Sarah Harrison, the executive director of the Institute of Masters of Wine, noted Jefford’s impactful writings over three decades that have enriched the wine canon, stating that he continues to educate and inspire through his work.
The ceremony also aims to shine a light on new initiatives and solutions addressing various challenges within the wine and spirits sector, including education and climate change. Jefford’s monthly columns can be found in both Decanter and on the Decanter website.