Joe Wadsack named IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year

Wine consultant, broadcaster and writer Joe Wadsack has been named the recipient of the International Wine and Spirit Competition’s 2016 Wine Communicator of the Year trophy – the second time he has received the accolade.

Joe Wadsack, the IWSC’s 2016 wine communicator

Sponsored by Vinitaly, the annual trophy recognises an individual for their exceptional contribution towards increasing consumer awareness of wine.

The winner is chosen by a panel who judge nominees based on their publishing, journalistic, broadcasting and social media presence, as well as their efforts towards wine consumer education.

This year the award has been bestowed upon broadcaster and wine consultant, Joe Wadsack who, having won the award in 2005, is the first recipient to receive the trophy twice.

“Joe has a talent that is almost beyond genius”, said IWSC panel judge Nicky Forrest. “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 IWSC Judge Xavier Rousset MS added: “Joe makes wine accessible to consumers with his great sense of humour, energy, passion and unstoppable enthusiasm.”

Joe’s 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 – having he co-authored their Richard and Judy Wine Guide. Joe has also acted as a consultant to multiple wine trade companies as well as hosting tastings across the globe.

On receiving the award Joe said: “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.”

Previous winners of the award include author and broadcaster Jane Parkinson, wine critic Jancis Robinson MW and wine writer and presenter Olly Smith.

The award will be presented at this year’s Vinitaly fair which takes place in Verona from 10 to 13 April. To mark the trade fair’s  50th anniversary, Joe will be hosting a food and wine masterclass at the fair on Sunday, 10 April.

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