A selection of talented South Australian wine aficionados have secured awards at the annual Wine Communicator Awards, which acknowledge excellence in wine communication across various media formats. Judged by a panel of 25 experienced industry professionals, The Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) celebrated their 2024 Wine Communicator Awards with a lavish evening event on the 20th of November.
South Australian journalist, wine writer and author Katie Spain took home the award for Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column for her ‘An Hour With’ column published in Wine Business Magazine. Upon receiving her award, Katie commented on the struggle for media space and the essential role of wine in fostering connections and storytelling. This marks Katie’s third win overall at the Wine Communicator Awards, having won Wine Communicator of the Year in 2021 and winner of the 2022 Best New Wine Book.
Jill Bauer from The University of Adelaide was recognised as the Best Wine Education Provider. With a diverse 25-year career in the wine industry, Jill is an expert on wine science who uses contemporary teaching methods and the use of the latest technology to educate her students. In 2023, she was nominated for the 2023 STEMM Educator of the Year award.
Another winner from The University of Adelaide was Syuzanna Mosikyan, who was awarded Best Wine Student. Originally from Armenia, Syuzanna is a PhD candidate in Wine Business and Sensory Science at the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses the consumer acceptance of Australian Alternative and Gene-edited grape varieties.
This year, the overall 2024 Wine Communicator of the Year was awarded to Andrew Caillard MW, recognised for his contribution with his book, ‘The Australian Ark’, described by judges as a highly significant and historically influential piece of wine literature. Caillard, who has also received various international accolades such as the International Wine & Spirits Competition Wine Communication Trophy, shared his appreciation for the recognition, especially from his home country.
The awards night featured various categories acknowledging the diverse skills required in wine communication. Categories included Best Wine Marketing Communication Campaign which was won by Dan Riccardo’s campaign by Pernod Ricard, and Best Digital Communication, awarded to the Wine for the People YouTube channel by Unico Zelo. Other categories recognised included social communication, won by Viticulture Australia, and Best Innovative Wine Packaging, awarded to Tread Softly Bagnums by Denomination.
Best New Wine Book, was won by ‘The Australian Ark’ authored by Andrew Caillard MW, co-published by Dr Angus Hughson and David Longfield. Furthermore, awards such as the Best Wine-Themed Event, won by Dark Side of Wine by The Winemakers of Rutherglen, emphasised the creative expansion in wine communication.
The award for the Best Winery Website went to Punt Road Wines, and Best Wine Communicator – Cellar Door was awarded to Tracey Whooley of Singlefile Wines.
Angus Barnes, WCA Executive Chair, spoke about the significance and evolution of the awards. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of modern wine communication, extending from traditional journalism to more innovative channels like social media and design. Barnes specifically noted the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of wine communication while maintaining the essential elements of industry respect and consumer engagement.
Wine Communicators of Australia is the pre-eminent national organisation for professionals working in wine or those people who just like to drink and talk about it. Their annual awards not only celebrate individual excellence, but also underscore the collective effort and passion that underpin the vibrant world of wine communication in Australia.
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