IWSC Announces Wine Communicator of the Year

Wine news

Wed 16 Mar 2016

The International Wine and Spirit Competition Announces Wine Communicator of the Year 2016 – Joe Wadsack

The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) reveals the winner for its ‘Wine Communicator of the Year 2016’ award, which is sponsored by Italian wine fair, Vinitaly. The annual trophy which recognises an individual for their exceptional contribution towards increasing consumer awareness of wine, is this year awarded to broadcaster and consultant, Joe Wadsack. Having won the award in 2005, Joe is the very first recipient to receive the accolade twice.

The winner of the award is judged on criteria across their publishing, journalistic, broadcasting and social media presence as well as their efforts towards wine consumer education. Judges decided to award the prestigious IWSC title to Joe because of his passion and energy which accompanies his rich and varied career. His experience spans writing for The Sunday Express, Red magazine and appearances on TV Shows such as BBC2’s Food & Drink with Tom Kerridge, Great Food Live, Saturday Kitchen, Ladette to Lady and Richard and Judy - where he co-authored their hugely successful Richard and Judy Wine Guide. Over recent years, Joe has acted as a consultant to multiple wine trade companies as well as hosting tastings across the globe.

Winning the prestigious award twice makes IWSC history and Joe takes his place on the prestigious hall of fame alongside journalist, author and broadcaster Jane Parkinson, wine critic Jancis Robinson MW and wine writer and presenter Olly Smith.

IWSC Panel Judge, Nicky Forrest, says, ‘Joe has a talent that is almost beyond genius. He harnesses an encyclopaedic wine memory together with an unfettered joy and passion. You can’t help but be swept along by him. His communicator skills lie in his electric delivery and total immersion in his subject.’

Fellow judge, Xavier Rousset MS commented, ‘Joe makes wine accessible to consumers with his great sense of humour, energy, passion and unstoppable enthusiasm.’
Joe Wadsack says, ‘I am absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award and to be recognised by the IWSC competition which is highly respected throughout the global drinks industry. I am very much looking forward to taking my place once again on such an esteemed roll of honour and to continue to communicate my passion for wine.’

Sponsored by Vinitaly, the award will be officially presented at this year’s fair which takes place in Verona, from 10th-13th April. This year, Vinitaly will celebrate their 50th anniversary, to celebrate, Joe Wadsack will be hosting a food and wine masterclass on Sunday 10th April at 11;30am at Tasting Express. Book tickets to the tasting here.


Congratulations to the 2016 shortlist:

Cathy Huyghe
Will Lyons
Susy Atkins
Sarah-Jane Evans MW
Joe Wadsack

The Spirit Communicator of the Year sponsored by Chivas Brothers is to be announced later in the year.