WSET and IWSC announce Future 50 Awards list

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) have announced the final Future 50 Awards list at the IWSC’s Annual Awards Banquet. The Future 50 is a new initiative, created by WSET and IWSC in celebration of their joint 50^th birthdays, to select 50 future influencers of the global drinks industry.

The final list is an exciting collection of the brightest talent from around the globe covering 14 countries, with roles as diverse as distiller, viticulturalist, historian, bartender and food and beverage activist. You can find a full list of winners at www.wsetglobal.com.

The Future 50 have been identified as the wine, spirit and sake industry’s up-and-coming talent from all areas of the trade who have made a significant contribution to the industry in the last three years. Choosing the winners was an exhaustive two-stage vetting process using the knowledge and authority of an illustrious panel of expert judges from around the world. These include Stephanie Macleod (Master Blender, Dewar’s), Richard Paterson (Master Blender, Whyte & MacKay), Xavier Rousset MS (restaurateur), Joe Fattorini (The Wine Show), Ian Harris (WSET) and Allen Gibbons (IWSC), supported by a global regional advisory panel covering 17 countries.

There were more than 600 nominations for the first round, a longlist of professionals working as winemakers and distillers, in product development, design and distribution, marketing, journalism, hospitality and everything in between. This longlist was whittled down to 200 in the second round, then to a final shortlist of 82 names. 

WSET Chief Executive, Ian Harris, says, “We are delighted with the final Future 50 list.  It offers a real showcase of the young talent that we have in the wine, spirit and sake industries globally. Each of the winners should be very proud of this acknowledgement of their contribution to the industry. We are looking forward to seeing them making their mark and shaping the future of our industry.”

IWSC Chief Executive in Fine Wines and Spirits, Christelle Guibert, says, "Narrowing down the 600+ nominations we received from around the world was a rigorous and lengthy process, with each candidate showing a wealth of talent and expertise. We are confident that the final 50 showcases the brightest sparks of the wine, spirits and sake industries, and look forward to seeing their careers develop over the coming years.” 

Visit www.wsetglobal.com to view details of the Future 50 winners.