IWSC unveils Outstanding Achievement shortlist

The International Wine & Spirit Competition has announced the shortlist for its 2013 Julian Brind Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Wine Industry.

Established last year and sponsored by Waitrose, whose wine buying team used the late Julian Brind used to head, the award is designed to reward an individual who not only demonstrates a dedication to the industry but also a passion for wine.

The candidates on the 2013 shortlist are: Julia Harding MW, part of Jancis Robinson MW’s Purple Pages team; Catherine Monahan, who founded the Winestars World competition last year; Julia Stafford, director of English wine specialist shop Wine Pantry in London; and Xavier Rousset MS, co-owner of both Michelin-starred restaurant Texture and the expanding 28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen group.

According to the IWSC’s criteria, the eventual winner of this award “will have established an early track record in their field, be seen to be ‘going places’, and will already be taking part in the wider aspects of the wine trade, showing commitment and determination in everything they do.”

The winner will be announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet, which will take place at the Guildhall in London on 13 November.

Last year’s inaugural winner of the award was Sam Harrop MW, who was recognised for his winemaking consultancy work, especially within the Loire, in addition to his roles in international wine competitions and as co-chair of the UK-based Sparkling Wine Symposium.

For the latest IWSC news and results, visit the Competition website: www.iwsc.net