IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year shortlist revealed

The IWSC, in partnership with our Vinitaly, is proud to announce the shortlist for the IWSC Wine Communicator Trophy 2026.

This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose passion, creativity, and expertise have made a remarkable contribution to the global conversation around wine. Open to writers, broadcasters, educators, and digital innovators, the trophy recognises those who inspire both trade and consumer audiences with useful insights and knowledge.

The winner will be announced at the IWSC Awards Celebration on 12 November 2025, live on stage at the Battersea Arts Centre during our brand new format. 

The shortlist

• Emilie Steckenborn
• Helen McGinn
• Helena Nickin 
• Natalie MacLean
• Marisol da la Fuente

Meet the candidates

Based in Hong Kong, Emilie has dedicated nearly 15 years to transforming how wine is understood across Asia. She is the founder of Bottled in China, a pioneering podcast launched in 2016 that now counts over 1.2 million downloads and nearly 200 episodes. Her work has extended into airline partnerships with Cathay Pacific and China Eastern, as well as leading education at Treasury Wine Estates Asia, through training and events. Emilie’s achievements, including being named among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Global Wine, highlight her role as a respected advocate and mentor.

Helen McGinn

Author, wine writer, presenter and drinks judge, Helen spent a decade as a supermarket wine buyer before creating The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club, which began as a blog and became a bestselling book. She contributes to publications such as Waitrose Food Magazine and is a regular wine expert on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and ITV’s This Morning. With a strong social following, Helen uses her platform to encourage wine lovers to stay curious, while also writing five novels alongside her wine work.

Helena Nicklin

Helena is a writer, broadcaster, and educator with almost 25 years’ experience in wine and spirits. She has co-produced and co-presented three award-winning Amazon Prime travelogue series, and writes widely for publications including The Sun, Club Oenologique and BA High Life. In 2025, she launched HelenaSips, a new digital academy and magazine site, and continues to engage audiences through masterclasses, radio, podcasts, and social media. A mentor and advocate for inclusivity, Helena is also a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, supporting the next generation of drinks professionals.

Marisol da la Fuente

Marisol is an Argentinian sommelier and communicator with over 25 years of experience. She is the author of Te cuento el vino, published by Penguin Random House, and co-hosts the podcast Vinimos. Through her educational platform El vino, sin vueltas, she has reached thousands of students, while also teaching at top universities in Buenos Aires. Marisol contributes to TV, radio, and digital platforms, and advises Argentina’s national wine body, COVIAR, on communication strategy. Her work champions accessibility, emerging regions, and new audiences.

Natalie MacLean

Natalie is a Canadian wine writer, podcaster, and bestselling author. Her Unreserved Wine Talk podcast has reached 2.8 million listens and was recognised by the New York Times and Apple as one of the best drinks podcasts. She has published three bestselling books, writes for international media, and regularly appears on Canadian television. Her website attracts millions of visitors annually, while her apps and newsletter engage large consumer and trade audiences. In 2024, she was named Canadian Wine Industry Champion, reflecting her role in promoting Canadian wine at home and abroad.

Be the first to find out the winner

Book your ticket to the IWSC 2025 Awards Ceremony to be in the room when the winners of our Wine and Spirits Communicators are announced at the Battersea Arts Centre. Stay tuned to our socials and blog to find out who made the shortlist for our Spirits Communicator award.