Meet the Judges of BIWC 2025: Rod Smith MW
In our special BIWC Judges Series, we’re proud to feature Rod Smith MW, one of the longest-standing supporters of the Balkans International Wine Competition. As a Master of Wine and now Director of the Institute of Masters of Wine, Rod has been with BIWC from the very beginning – nearly 14 years ago!
He shares how Balkan wines have grown in quality, precision and global focus – and why this competition matters so much for producers aiming to understand and lead market trends. He also reflects on the future of MWs in the region and encourages more Balkan professionals to pursue the title.
Read his full interview below and find out why he believes the Balkans are on the rise in the world of wine.
You are one of the first Masters of Wine who believed in the Balkans International Wine Competition and have been with it for almost 14 years now. Where are the Balkan wines now? What is the difference compared to the early years of the Competition?
The BIWC continues to go from strength to strength, with many more samples from a much wider geography. It has been fantastic to watch it grow! Wine has come a long way in that time too, and it is obvious that many local wine producers are making wines with more of an eye on export and international style, with greater precision and mastery than ever before.
You are the new Director of the Institute of Masters of Wine. Congratulations on that! So far, only three representatives from Greece and one from Croatia have this title. What would you say to encourage wine experts from the Balkans to pursue this very important title in the world of wine?
We now have MWs in over 30 countries, and definitely some keen students from the Balkans. Once something starts, it grows, and it is a fantastic culture to be part of. We would definitely welcome more people from the Balkan countries to join us.
Why do you think participating in the competition is important for winemakers? What benefits can it bring them?
Winemakers keen to follow—and set—trends for today and the future can easily see the direction that the international market, as well as local markets, are taking by competing against other wines from both their own country and those around them.
