IWSC Emerging Talent Awards: Maisie Turner Named 2026 Wine Communication Winner

IWSC news

Thu 16 Apr 2026

By Zoe Cunliffe

The IWSC is delighted to announce Maisie Turner as the winner of the 2026 Emerging Talent in Wine Communication Award, celebrating one of the most compelling new voices shaping the future of wine communication. 

Selected from a global field of writers, presenters, podcasters and digital creators, Maisie stood out for her clarity of purpose, modern style, and her ability to connect trade and consumer audiences with confidence and ease. 

This year’s judging panel, Rob Buckhaven (drinks writer and broadcaster), Sarah Abbott MW (consultant and educator), Cokie Ponikvar (wine writer and presenter), and Will Morris (Digital Editor of Club Oenologique), praised the diversity of entries, noting Maisie’s distinctive tone and immediate impact. 

A modern communicator with a distinctive voice 

Maisie’s work focuses on wine as part of a modern, balanced lifestyle, blending premiumisation, provenance, and cultural relevance with warmth and accessibility. 

Her Instagram platform, @maisie.wine has grown by over 21% in three months, reaching more than 109,000 accounts. Her 2026 Wine Trends carousel exceeded 12,000 views, while a reel exploring value and enjoyment surpassed 51,000. 

Rather than relying solely on technical detail, Maisie emphasises context, curiosity and confidence, showing audiences how wine fits into real life. 

"Maisie has a gift for communication… properly informed, doing the MW, and using social platforms to explain how the industry works. It’s shaping the future of how we talk about wine." - Sarah Abbott MW 

Bridging trade expertise and cultural relevance 

With a background as a wine buyer at Berkmann Wine Cellars and a current Master of Wine student, Maisie brings both credibility and relatability to her content. 

Judges admired her ability to discuss premiumisation, moderation, and modern wine culture honestly, avoiding both elitism and oversimplification. 

Recent collaborations include: 

  • Manchester-based Beaujolais initiative  

  • Partnership with Consorzio del Moscato d’Asti  

These demonstrate her growing influence and commercial awareness across the industry. 

Maisie was thrilled after being told she had been awarded the trophy: “I am thrilled and incredibly grateful to have won this award, especially having been considered alongside such inspiring women doing phenomenal things in the world of wine. It is hugely encouraging to have my voice recognised by such a respected panel of judges. I am passionate about amplifying wine’s place within a modern lifestyle and showing people why this drink is so special. I hope to continue building my platform, spreading taste in wine and encouraging people to drink both intentionally and joyfully.”

A communicator with momentum 

Maisie represents a new wave of wine communicators: 

  • Confident but approachable  

  • Informed but not didactic  

  • Modern in tone and aesthetic  

  • Unafraid to challenge outdated assumptions about who wine is 'for'  

She also explores themes relevant to her generation, health-conscious drinking, ethical provenance, and quality versus value, positioning her as a communicator with long-term relevance. 

Supporting the next stage of her journey 

As part of her prize, Maisie will receive a £2,500 travel bursary to support professional development. She plans to explore premium wine regions, with a focus on California, and translate these insights into accessible, engaging content while continuing her Master of Wine studies. 

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