Highly respected wine communicators Tyson Stelzer and Mike Bennie have been named Australia’s top wine communicators, at the Wine Communicators of Australia 2013 Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show Trophy Winners lunch on Friday, February 15.

Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) holds the awards annually at this flagship event.

The awards recognise outstanding contribution to, and excellence in, wine communication across all mediums:

Tyson Stelzer – awarded WCA Wine Communicator of the Year WCA

Chairman Angie Bradbury said “Tyson Stelzer is a great example of this industry’s pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit. In a relatively short time he has become one of the most prolific wine writers and authors contributing to the Australian wine conversation. But his influence and contribution goes beyond words such as his roles with charity events, wine education and social responsibility resources.”

Mike Bennie – awarded WCA Digital Wine Communicator of the Year.

“Mike talks to a new generation of consumers and crosses the divide between winemaker, wine writer, sommelier and most importantly consumers. In his own unique style, Mike has made a major impact on the industry and is a genuine, new voice for wine” said Bradbury.

Adrian Corker – awarded Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE/WCA New Wine Writer.

Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine editor Judy Sarris said “Adrian has taken out this prestigious award with his article Ageing Whine – a sage and humorous look about the rise of the senior drinker and their role in fostering the future health of the wine industry.”

“The way we engage with each other and our consumers and tell our brand stories continues to evolve. I am delighted this year’s winners are at the forefront of these changes and playing such an important role for the Australian wine sector” said Bradbury.

The award recipients were announced to a gathering of more than 380 of their industry peers and luminaries, including Sydney Royal Wine Show Chairman of Judges, Iain Riggs; guest international judge, Chuck Hayward; and WCA Patron Mr James Halliday AM.

The judging panel for the awards consisted of a mix of industry professionals, including WCA national board members and UK wine communicator Jamie Goode. The Gourmet Traveller WINE/WCA Award was judged by editor Judy Sarris, contributing editor Huon Hooke, and WCA Chair, Angie Bradbury.

Check out our WCA Facebook page for photos from the event: http://on.fb.me/Uwo1xX