Thanks to Pernod Ricard Winemakers, guests were treated to the spectacular views of Sydney Harbor from the 43rd floor of the new Barangaroo Towers last night.  Master of Ceremonies, Nathan Earl provided an entertaining and heartfelt delivery of the awards, supported by Awards Partners, Calibria Family Wines, Drinks Association, Ehrenberb Bass Institute, Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Treasury Wine Estates, Wine-Searcher and event sponsor Riedel.

The annual Wine Communicator of the Year Awards recognises outstanding contributions to, and excellence in, wine communications in all its forms.

Last night saw Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) announce the winners of its eighth annual Wine Communicator Awards , including the coveted Wine Communicator of the Year.

Fourteen experienced and respected wine industry professionals were selected to judge a record number of entries. The New Wine Writer of the Year Award is judged independently.

The awards  attracting a mix of reputable talent across print, digital and online media.

The nine category award winners are:

  • Best Wine Public Relations Campaign (Individual or Team) – St Hugo Cellar Door, Pernod Ricard Brand Communications team
  • Best Wine Publication of the Year (Technical and Trade) – Grapegrower & Winemaker Magazine
  • Best Wine Publication (Consumer) – Gourmet Traveller WINE
  • Best Wine Book (Consumer) – Australian Wine (styles and tastes, people and places), written by Patrick Illand, Peter Gago, Andrew Caillard and Peter Dry
  • Best Wine Website / Wine App – Henshcke Wines
  • Best Digital Wine Communicator – Ali Laslett, Wine Federation of Australia
  • Best Featured Article or Wine Column – Morgan Dunn
  • Best Wine Educator – Gill Gordon-Smith
  • Best New Wine Writer – Pippa Merrett

WCA Chair Angus Barnes said, “Last night was a fantastic culmination of this year’s highly successful Awards and we wish to say a special thank you to our Awards Night partner Riedel and to Pernod Ricard Winemakers for offering their stunning offices for the celebration.”

“This has become the most important event on the annual WCA calendar – certainly in terms of who WCA are, what we stand for and our aspirations for the future.”

In 2017 WCA is delighted that Gourmet Traveller WINE is being recognised as the Best Wine Publication (Consumer) off the back of their two category wins and overall Wine Communicator of the Year Awards last year.

The overall Wine Communicator of the Year is chosen by the WCA Board from the category of winners.  Previous winners have included Gourmet Traveller WINE, Tyson Stelzer, Jeni Port, Huon Hooke, Jane Ferrari, James Halliday and Campbell Mattinson.

This year, the 2017 Wine Communicator of the Year was awarded to Gill Gordon-Smith.  This is the first time Gill has entered the awards.  Gill’s extensive experience and reputation in delivering tailored wine education across the industry is remarkable.  Her foundation of technical qualifications is underpinned by a continual interest and drive to stay abreast of new and emerging trends and developments in wine.  Particularly admirable is her ‘growth mindset’ – working on the premise that there are no failures, and openly sharing failures and successes with students.

“Last night’s award winners are all extremely worthy of their honour, and are a true reflection of the current success of the wine industry in Australia,” said WCA Chair Angus Barnes.

“I am particularly excited to see Gill Gordon-Smith be selected as the overall Wine Communicator of the Year.  Education is the key to success in our wine industry and it is a delight to know we have such great and talented wine educators in Australia.”

 

Full Press Release HERE