Exclusive masterclass at the Institute of Masters of Wine

More than 50 aspiring Masters of Wine from 23 countries attended the intensive week-long programme. Olivier Vigneron’s masterclass offered students an intimate exploration of Laurent-Perrier’s distinctive winemaking philosophy, focusing particularly on the House’s mastery of blending reserve wines, a technique that has become a hallmark of the Laurent-Perrier style and a cornerstone of its reputation for consistency and complexity.


The tasting showcased the breadth of Laurent-Perrier’s range, featuring the House’s newest release, Héritage, alongside five separate iterations of the prestige cuvée Grand Siècle, presented in both magnum and bottle formats. This comparative tasting provided students with rare insight into how bottle size, vintage selection, and blending decisions influence the final expression.

Laurent-Perrier Cellar Master, Olivier Vigneron, says:


“For Laurent-Perrier, the pursuit of excellence, through a constant search for precision, quality, and deep knowledge of terroirs, is fully aligned with the high level of sensory rigour and wine expertise of the members of the Institute of Masters of Wine. Explaining our savoir-faire in blending reserve wines through the concept of Grand Siècle, as well as non-dosage and maceration, allows us to give these passionate members the keys for understanding without imposing a single vision of wine, and offer a dialogue that enriches both the teacher and the learner.”

Daniel Brennan, UK Brand Director for Laurent-Perrier, comments:


“Presenting to this exceptional group of future Masters of Wine was both an honour and a privilege. These students represent the future of wine education, assessment, and leadership across the global industry. This masterclass reflects Laurent-Perrier’s longstanding commitment to wine education and sharing our savoir-faire with those who will shape the conversation around fine wine for decades to come. We’re investing in people who share our passion for excellence, authenticity, and the transmission of knowledge.”

The masterclass was held during the IMW’s week-long Stage One seminar in Rust, Austria. One of nine intensive residential seminars hosted by the IMW across six countries. MW students are required to participate in a residential seminar annually as they prepare for the Master of Wine examination. The Master of Wine (MW) title is widely regarded as the wine industry’s most rigorous and prestigious credential. The study programme combines blind tasting, theoretical study, and masterclasses from leading figures across the wine world, providing candidates with the rigorous training necessary for their journey towards becoming an MW.

Photo Credit: Florian Mitteregger