The wine world has gained a further nine people who are now qualified to advise on the best Chateauneuf du Pape or Chateau Ausone to accompany a special occasion.

Nine new Masters of Wine (MW) have been declared by the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), following the results of its 2010 examinations and bringing the total number of MWs across the world to 289.

Five of the MWs are based in the UK, including Peter Richards of the Winchester Wine School and wine writer Mel Jones, while Norway, Australia, Belgium and the US have also gained new experts.

"The institute is delighted to welcome these nine new Masters of Wine to its membership," commented Dr Josef Schuller MW, chairman of the IMW.

"They have demonstrated a unique set of skills in the art, science and business of wine."

On September 27th, the IMW will hold a tasting session in San Francisco featuring every category of Champagne on the market, including producers such as Bollinger, Krug and Dom Perignon.