The Gin Guild is delighted to congratulate longstanding Guild member Ian Harris MBE BA DipWSET on his installation as the 531st Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners.

Ian was installed during the Company’s annual Installation Ceremony at Vintners’ Hall on Wednesday 8 July 2026, beginning a year in office leading one of the City of London’s oldest and most respected Livery Companies.

Ian has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning almost 50 years in the drinks industry. He served as Chief Executive of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) from 2002 until 2022, overseeing a period of significant international growth and helping to expand the organisation’s global reputation for excellence in drinks education. Ian joined the Gin Guild in October 2013 and in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the wine and spirits industries, he was awarded an MBE in 2018.

Ian Harris joining the Gin Guild in October 2013 - welcomed by Grand Rectifier Christopher HaymanCommenting on his appointment, Ian said:

“It is a tremendous honour to serve as Master of the Vintners’ Company and I look forward to representing the Company over the coming year and working with fellow members, our excellent internal team, the City of London Corporation and other partners. I am particularly looking forward to the many wine industry events which will take place during my year.”

The Worshipful Company of Vintners is one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London, with origins dating back to the medieval wine trade and its first Royal Charter granted in 1363.

Today, the Company continues to support the drinks industry through education, scholarships, charitable initiatives and its longstanding relationships with organisations including the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, the Institute of Masters of Wine and The Drinks Trust.

Everyone at The Gin Guild extends their warmest congratulations to Ian on this well-deserved appointment and wishes him every success during his year as Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners.

Photo reproduced by permission of The Vintners’ Company