IWSC Emerging Talent Awards: Wine Communicator and Spirits Communicator Shortlists Announced
We are pleased to announce the first two shortlists of six for the IWSC Emerging Talent Awards, which will be revealed throughout this week. With 124 applications across six categories in 2025, the submissions this year were stronger than ever, both in quantity and quality. It's exciting to note that the applications, especially in the wine category, were more international than ever before, showcasing global talent shaping the world of wine and spirits communication.
Emerging Talent in Wine Communications
Sponsored by Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the judges whittled down a strong list of 36 candidates down to just four. The shortlisted Wine Communications candidates are:
- Wine vlogger Cokie Ponikvar who impressed the judges with her storytelling and depth of her educational content. Find her on Instagram @cokiesworldofwine
- Ellie Scott who was recognised for her sharp insights and the fresh perspective in her writing, work for brands and digital content. Find her on Instagram at @amantewine
- Janina Doyle who impressed the judges with her passion and deep knowledge. Her activities include her successful podcast Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. Find her on Instagram at @eatsleep_winerepeat.
- Paige Comrie is photographer and wine influencer. She stood out to the judges for her engaging style and ability to make wine relatable. Find her on Instagram @winewithpaige.
- Sara Underdown whose stood our with an innovative approach to wine education and consumer connection. She is the founder of Vine & Bubble, a leading Australian online champagne publication. Find her on Instagram @saraunderdown
The selection of entrants was strong, and the judges has a hard task to select the final shortlist. This year's shortlist are:
- Georgie Collins a spirits journalist who impressed with her ability to translate complex trade topics into digestible content, bridging the gap between industry and consumers. She is Digital Editor at The Spirits Business. Find her on Instagram @georgie_collins_.
- Heather Storgaard is a unique voice whose captured attention with her multilingual approach and global perspective on spirits communication. She is a marketer and a writer. Find her on Instagram at @storgaard.heather.
- Katie Spain’s approach utilising her journalistic background and personal approach to connecting with spirits producers earned her a spot. Find her on Instagram @katiespainwrites.
- Reece Sims was recognised for her engaging, sensory-driven learning and impressive social media presence. She is founder of Flavour Camp and principal of Sip Spirits Sensory Marketing. Find her on Instagram @reecesims
The Judges
A big thank you goes to our expert judges for their dedication and insight in selecting this year’s shortlist.
Giulia Pussini is a specialist in marketing and communication working with the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. David Kermode is a renowned wine and spirits journalist and broadcaster who works across print, digital and radio. He is the host of Club Oenologique’s podcast The Drinking Hour. who can be found via his website vinosaurus.co.uk. Sophia Longhi is an expert in consumer engagement with an extensive background in wine and spirits communication. She was awardedIWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communications in 2022. She can be found via her website skinandpulp.com. Cassandra Charlick is a journalist and presenter specialising in drinks, travel and food, based in Margaret River, Australia. She was awarded IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication in 2024. She can be found via her website cassandracharlick.com
These shortlists showcase the exciting new talent shaping the future of wine and spirits communication. Stay tuned for announcements of the four remaining shortlists, this week on Wednesday and Friday.
About the shortlisted candidates:
Cokie Ponikvar (Canada) is a Master of Wine student with a wine education platform on Instagram, boasting nearly 500k followers worldwide. She has worked as a sommelier at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, participated in harvests with Element Winery in the Finger Lakes, and Walter Scott in Oregon. Cokie is an advocate for open communication in the wine industry and is currently studying for the Advanced Sommelier exam.
Ellie Scott (United Kingdom) founded Amante Wine in 2021 after transitioning from a long career in finance to pursue her passion for wine. She writes, consults as a brand ambassador, and hosts tastings for private and corporate clients. A certified Sherry Educator and WSET Diploma candidate, Ellie has also placed in the top 5 of Ramón Bilbao’s UK Spanish Wine Master competition in 2023.
Janina Doyle (United Kingdom) began her wine journey as a waitress at Goodman Restaurants before becoming Head Sommelier at Beast Restaurant. She later worked as Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates and Balfour Winery. Janina’s podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, launched in 2020, marks the beginning of her career in wine communication, where she blends storytelling with wine education to make wine more accessible.
Paige Comrie (United States) is a digital marketing and social media expert, growing her audience on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to 37,600+ followers. She specializes in creating engaging content for wineries, implementing growth strategies, and running influencer marketing campaigns. Paige also consults with wineries on social media, website strategies, and SEO, boosting brand visibility and sales.
Sara Underdown (Australia) founded VINE & BUBBLE in 2018, an Australian champagne publication, luxury events company, and travel brand. She works with media outlets, champagne producers, and PR agencies to connect consumers with champagne through writing, education, and events. Sara is a Dame Chevalier of L’Ordre des Côteaux de Champagne and a Star Wine List Ambassador, and she hosts the VINE & BUBBLE Podcast.
Georgie Collins (United Kingdom) is an experienced communications professional with a background in journalism, copywriting, and social media management. She has led digital editorial strategy for The Spirits Business, managing newsletters, social media, and brand partnerships. At BarChick, she created content and campaigns for global drinks brands, developed commercial partnerships, and oversaw performance reporting. Her freelance work spans major publications including TimeOut and Buzzfeed, while her PR and marketing experience includes campaign planning, speechwriting, and SEO-led content creation.
Kate Spain (Australia)is an award-winning journalist and communications specialist with extensive experience in digital and print media. She is National Drinks Writer for Good Food and The Sydney Morning Herald, State Editor at Gourmet Traveller, and a long-standing contributor to WBM. Her work spans editorial direction, digital content creation, social media management, and event hosting. With previous roles at NOVA FM and News Corp, Katie brings a dynamic, multi-platform approach to storytelling and audience engagement across food, wine, and lifestyle sectors.
Heather Storgaard (United Kingdom) is a skilled whisky communicator with a background in marketing, content creation, and cultural heritage. She most recently worked at Whisky Auctioneer, producing bilingual editorial content on distilleries, industry trends, and historic bottles. Previously, she led marketing and travel trade initiatives at VisitScotland, specialising in the DACH region, where her passion for whisky became central to her role. Heather holds a first-class degree with a dissertation on Scotland’s portrayal in the whisky industry, reflecting her deep cultural insight.
Reece Sims (Canada) is a dynamic spirits communicator and founder of Flavor Camp™, known for her flavour-first approach to drinks education. With a decade of experience spanning bartending, sales, consulting, and journalism, she creates impactful, multi-platform content tailored to distillers, bartenders, and enthusiasts. Through SIP Spirits and publications like Distiller and TASTE, she blends data-driven insights with engaging storytelling. Reece also leads interactive masterclasses and speaks at major industry events, making spirits education more accessible, inclusive, and experiential.