Page 5 - IWSCReport2017

Susy Atkins presenting a masterclass at the 2017 London Wine Fair
YOUR 2018 IWSC entry
Every year the IWSC travels the world in search of the best wines and spirits that producers have to offer. This year has been no exception.
London to promote a record number of entrants from around the globe. In March, the team travelled to Düsseldorf to attend ProWein – the world’s biggest wine and spirits trade fair, attended by thousands of wine and spirits buyers, exhibitors and journalists. Here, the IWSC hosted a dinner, presided over by this year’s IWSC president Chris Blandy, CEO of the Madeira Wine Company. Attended by representatives from Wines of Australia, Wines of New Zealand and Wines of Portugal, the event was a chance for key figures to exchange ideas.
Then it was on to Italy, where the IWSC awarded Joe Fattorini this year’s Wine Communicator of the Year Trophy at the 2017 Vinitaly trade show. Fattorini was picked as the outstanding candidate from a prestigious shortlist for his work on TV programme The Wine Show, with which he is now wowing audiences worldwide following the show’s phenomenal success since hitting screens last spring. (See a Q&A with Joe on page six)
In May, the IWSC pitched up at London’s biggest trade fair, showcasing current IWSC award and medal winners at the 37th London Wine Fair. Its participation saw the IWSC host a packed schedule of masterclasses that included an educational seminar on English fizz with Susy Atkins, an entertaining session on Japanese food and wine led by last year’s Wine Communicator of the Year, Joe Wadsack, and a masterclass on Australian Riesling hosted by winemaker Neil McGuigan.
NOT EVERY wine and spirits competition can boast the international links and global appeal held by the IWSC.
Now in its 48th year, the IWSC is a truly world-class competition and as relevant today as it was when Anton Massel founded the organisation in 1969.
FRESH APPEAL
Once again, the competition has expanded and adapted its award line-up this year to reflect the changing face of the wine and spirits industries, increasing the breadth and scale of its operation and raising the bar on the competition for quality among producers. A new Chinese Wine Producer of the Year Trophy was introduced, along with a Chinese Wine Trophy, to reflect the growing importance of this country on the international wine stage. A number of new
cocktail-mixer categories were also introduced, following the success of the Gin & Tonic and Vodka & Tonic categories last year. Whisky & Ginger, Rum & Cola and Rum & Ginger were added to the line- up, rewarding spirits producers crafting a perfect serve. A new organic wine trophy was also added, with the IWSC recognising the growing importance of this category. Backing up this commitment, the IWSC once again took a stand at Millésime Bio 2017 in Marseille, the “ultimate event for the organic wine trade”, attended by more than 900 organic wine producers.
GLOBETROTTING
As part of of its work to seek out, highlight and reward the world’s best wines and spirits, 2017 saw the IWSC travel from Germany to Hong Kong via Italy and
4 winners’ guide 2017