The Austrian Wine Academy - a not for profit organisation - was founded 20 years ago and in that short period of time has acquired the formidable status of being the largest wine educational institution in Continental Europe, with approximately 15,000 wine enthusiasts attending seminars annually. In addition to courses offered all over Austria, there are also course centres in Germany (Campus Geisenheim), Switzerland (Campus Wädenswil) and in Südtirol/Alto Adige.

Dr. Josef Schuller, Austria´s first Master of Wine (MW) and immediate past Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wines, is the founder and managing director of the Academy. His team of international high profile lecturers such as Masters of Wine, professors in the fields of oenology and viticulture, leading international wine merchants and wine marketing experts guarantee a world class level of wine education.

Aside from seminars on Austrian wines the Academy offers prestigious qualifications in the field of international wines and spirits: the Advanced Course - Wines and Spirits International and the WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits, which is the recommended prerequisite to apply for the MW programme.

The Academy is particularly proud to host the European 1st year Master of Wine study course at its campus in Rust. More than 300 MW students from around the globe have studied here during the past eight years for their MW qualification.