IWSC Wine Communicator 2020 shortlist: Anne Krebiehl MW

Wine Communicator 2020 - sponsored by Vinitaly - recognises someone whose communication skills have made an exceptional contribution towards promoting and increasing public awareness in wine. Here is another chance to see the profiles of four brilliant communicators who have been shortlisted for one of the IWSC's top awards. The winner will be announced at the 2020 IWSC Awards at 6pm GMT on Wednesday 18 November, broadcast on YouTube.

Anne Krebiehl MW grew up in Germany and attended Birbeck College, University of London. This institution specialises in evening courses providing students, like Krebiehl, with an education which can fit around their working lives. This experience of multi-tasking has served her well, she has often had to pursue several projects simultaneously.

Her writing has found a wide audience and she has been published in US Wine Enthusiast, The World of Fine Wine, TheBuyer.net, Decanter and Falstaff. Krebiehl also edits the Austrian section of Hugh Johnson’s Wine Guide and communicates on behalf of the German Wine Institute. Recently she has published her first book “The Wines of Germany.” Kreibehl wrote for many of these publications while also working several vintages and studying towards her Masters of Wine examination.

Looking back at her career she says:  “I managed to get published for the very first time on 4 July 2004 – I will never forget that date: I had a whole page in the FT Weekend on the anniversary of the end of rationing: I am eternally grateful for the Editor, Richard Addis, having the guts to commission an unpublished writer for such a big feature.”

“2018/2019 were particularly turbulent years as I was approached to write a book for Infinite Ideas. The financial implications of that deal meant that I was trying to write a book, visit the 13 wine regions of Germany, while keeping up my other freelance commitments which actually pay the bills.”

“The early years were hard, very hard, because I was insecure, shy, riddled with imposter syndrome and it was so, so hard to make a living. But all that has changed now and I am thrilled to be so active and to be living the dream.”

This year’s winner will be following in the footsteps of the 2019 title holder, Wine Folly's Madeline Puckette.