The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has awarded MW status to 11 more people, including four UK residents, bringing the organisation to 300 members for the first time in its history.

Sam Caporn, Andy Howard, Mai Tanaka and Clem Yates are the UK residents who may find themselves called upon to recommend the perfect Chateau Haut Brion or Pichon Lalande, after completing the famously tough theory and practical elements of the annual Master of Wine Examination.

Candidates are also expected to submit a 10,000 word dissertation based on original research.

Lynne Sherriff MW, chairman of the IMW, said: "I warmly and sincerely congratulate them on their amazing achievement and I am sure that each will be an excellent ambassador for wine and contribute to the continuing development of the Institute in the years ahead."

Today (September 8th), the IMW hosted its first ever master class in Moscow, which provided an introduction to the institute's study programme.