IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Business Award 2026 Shortlist Announced

The IWSC is pleased to reveal the shortlist for the 2026 Emerging Talent in Wine Business Award, celebrating individuals who are redefining what modern wine entrepreneurship looks like. This award recognises rising professionals who are driving meaningful change, from commercial innovation and education to community building and market development. 

This year’s judging panel includes Director of Swirl Wine Group, Sarah Abbott MW, drinks presenter, writer and broadcaster, David Kermode, Founder and CEO of Mouse & Grape, Jessica Summer, and drinks and retail consultant, Cat Lomax. 

Reflecting on the strength of the field, Sarah Abbott MW commented, ‘It’s incredible to see the passion and the impact these candidates are already having.’ Cat Lomax added, ‘So many of them have spotted a real commercial problem and simply decided to fix it.’ 

Take a look at the 2026 shortlist for the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Business Award below. 

2026 Shortlist 

Michelle Knight: Founder, English Wine Pro (UK) 

Michelle’s entry stood out for its clarity, commercial insight and strategic focus. Through her consultancy, English Wine Pro, she supports producers across the English wine sector with business planning, financial modelling and long-term commercial strategy. Having transitioned from a career from outside the industry, she brings a fresh, analytical perspective to one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: building financially sustainable winery businesses. 

Her work helps producers understand their true cost of production, develop sustainable pricing models, and create operational structures that allow for long term investment in both people and infrastructure. Judges praised her ability to apply external commercial expertise to a young and fast-growing industry, with Cat Lomax noting that ‘she’s put her finger on the heart of a massive structural problem and is tackling it head on.’ 

Folakemi Alli-Balogun: Founder, The Wine Club Lagos (Nigeria) 

Over the past decade, Folakemi has built one of West Africa’s most influential wine communities. What began as a small gathering of friends has grown into a 500 member tasting club, more than 60 themed events, and a thriving supply arm distributing over 7,000 bottles in the past five years. 

Her innovative project, A Symphony of Wine and Sound pairs live orchestral performances with guided tastings and particularly impressed the judges. Sarah Abbott MW highlighted her entrepreneurial drive, noting her ‘strong passion, community building, and the ability to grow something from scratch.’ 

Wanjiru Mureithi: Founder, Winenjiru Exclusives & President, Sommelier Association of Kenya (Kenya) 

With 12 years in the industry, Wanjiru has played a central role in building Kenya’s modern wine ecosystem. She launched the country’s first WSET courses, has educated more than 400 students across East Africa, and has hosted the region’s largest wine events in partnership with Wines of South Africa. 

In 2025, she founded the nonprofit Sommelier Association of Kenya, now 100 members strong. Judges were struck by the scale of her impact, with Cat Lomax noting that her application ‘contains a huge amount of measurable reach, she’s influenced so many people.’ 

Ines Deroche: Co-founder, Delância (Portugal) 

Ines entered the wine world through an unconventional route, leaving a corporate career to travel across South America before returning to her family’s vineyard in Alentejo. Faced with the possibility of the vines being uprooted, she reimagined the business entirely, creating Delância: a new category of botanical sparkling wines. 

Her innovation has already been recognised, with Delância shortlisted for Vinexposium d’Or’s Best Innovation in Wine award. Judges admired her creativity and consumer focused approach, with Sarah Abbott MW highlighting the importance of “pioneers who rethink what wine can be for a new generation.” 

Ines brings a fresh, lifestyle driven perspective to wine business, blending tradition with modern drinking culture. 

Kirsty Woodgate: Founder, First Glass Wine Events & Weekend Wine Life (UK) 

In just four years, Kirsty has built two complementary wine businesses. First Glass Wine Events uses a proprietary palate matching system to pair guests based on taste preferences - a data led approach that has already attracted more than 300 attendees with strong repeat engagement. 

Her second venture, Weekend Wine Life, provides practical, accessible travel itineraries for consumers exploring European wine regions independently. Judges praised her diligence and commercial clarity. 

What Happens Next 

The winner of the Emerging Talent in Wine Business Award will be announced on 16 April 2026. Keep an eye on our socials to stay up to date.