IWSC announces the shortlist for 2025 Wine Communicator Trophy

We are delighted to reveal the shortlist for our 2025 Wine Communicator Trophy. This year, we received almost 20 applications from talented communicators from around the world. Our experienced judging panel included 2024 Wine Communicator Trophy winner Anne Krebiehl MW, Journalist & Broadcaster David Kermode, Wine Writer Sarah Heller MW, Editorial Director of Club Oenologique Laura Richards, as well as Monica Scappini from Vinitaly, the sponsor of this award.

The winner of the 2025 IWSC Wine Communicator Trophy will be announced on 12 November at the IWSC Awards Celebration at the Roundhouse, London.

The shortlisted entrants for 2025 IWSC Wine Communicator Trophy are:

Andrew Caillard MW

Andrew Caillard MW is a distinguished figure in wine communication, renowned for his contribution to the industry over three decades. As a co-founder of Langton's Fine Wine Auctions, he pioneered Langton's Classification of Australian Wine, elevating its status both nationally and internationally. His recent work, “The Australian Ark”, represents a monumental history of Australian wine, earning accolades for its depth and insightfulness. "Andrew is such a major figure in wine communication, especially with his seminal book, “The Australian Ark”, which is such a tour de force. He’s a specialist on the specific subject of Australian wine, but with such a huge international reach that has to be recognised," said our judges.

Caillard’s achievements include multiple published works and documentary production, solidifying his reputation as a leader in Australian wine advocacy. Having transitioned to independent consultancy in 2023, Andrew continues to influence the fine wine landscape, making him an exceptional candidate for the 2025 IWSC Wine Communicator Award. 

Marisol De La Fuente

Marisol de la Fuente, known as SolSommelier, is a distinguished international sommelier and wine communicator based in Argentina. With a rich background in journalism and marketing, she is dedicated to making wine accessible to a diverse audience. Her recent book, "Te Cuento el Vino," published by Penguin Random House, has captivated readers and sold out within three months, showcasing her engaging approach to wine education.

Marisol's dynamic presence on television and her podcast "Vinimos," co-hosted with Ariel Torres, provide insightful wine discussions that resonate with enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Our judges noted: "Marisol's work on TV is really engaging with such a nice tone. She’s across multiple platforms with her work on social media, her podcast and a newspaper all about wine. It’s also worth mentioning her educational work too. She really just demonstrates a 360 approach to wine which is exactly what we’re looking for."

With over 25 years of experience in communication and PR, Marisol’s passion for demystifying wine shines through, making her a brilliant candidate for the 2025 IWSC Wine Communicator Award.

Natalie Maclean

As a pioneering voice in the Canadian wine industry, Natalie Maclean has captivated audiences for over two decades with her engaging storytelling and educational initiatives. Winner of the 2024 Canadian Wine Industry Champion Award, she excels in promoting Canadian wines and advocating for diversity and inclusion within the sector.

Recognised for her extensive reach, her podcast, "Unreserved Wine Talk," has amassed over 2.2 million listens, making her a trusted source in wine education. "Natalie is very widely recognised and very accomplished, particularly in the world of Canadian wine. Her work on diversity and inclusion is commendable, and we were impressed with the depth of her work on both TV and her newsletter. Her body of work really speaks for itself," said our judges.

With a passion for introducing wine to a broader audience, Natalie continues to inspire enthusiasts through her books, media appearances, and innovative digital platforms. We are delighted to have Natalie shortlisted for this prestigious award.

Tom Surgey

Dynamic and engaging, Tom Surgey is a prominent figure in wine communication, celebrated for his lively presentation style. As a regular expert on ITV's "Love Your Weekend," he captivates audiences with his enthusiasm for British wines. His debut book, "How to Drink Wine," published in August 2024, aims to educate and inspire a wide consumer audience.

Judges commend Tom for a standout year, noting: "He demonstrates sheer hard work combined with enthusiasm and broad engagement across audiences. We resonated strongly with his communication style, explaining often complex topics in a simple, easily understood manner." A co-founder of live events like "Battle of the Bottles," Tom also hosts numerous sessions at UK food festivals, connecting with wine lovers in creative and innovative ways.

Tom’s commitment extends beyond wine, as he actively supports food education through his charity, Table Talk Sussex. With a wealth of experience in media and hospitality, Tom Surgey continues to make significant strides in promoting wine culture.

Vince Anter

Vince Anter stands out as a dynamic force in wine communication, blending education, entertainment, and travel through his acclaimed show, “V is for Vino”. A certified sommelier, Vince has dedicated his career to educating a wide audience, demonstrated by the show’s mission to provide free, engaging content. His innovative approach combines visual storytelling with interactive experiences, capturing the essence of various wine regions. As noted by the judges, "Vince has continued to improve year-on-year, building his audience, pushing his production values and access points for his show which is quite impressive as an independent figure without a marketing team or any sort of platform behind him. We applaud Vince’s universal method of communicating, opening up the world of wine through really beautiful footage."

With over 5 million views on YouTube and frequent appearances on major media platforms, Vince is not only enriching the wine community but also inspiring countless individuals to explore and appreciate wine in new ways. His commitment to fostering a vibrant wine culture makes him a deserving candidate for the 2025 IWSC Wine Communicator Award.


Congratulations to all shortlisted communicators for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the wine industry. Your dedication to promoting wine education and fostering connections within the community truly sets you apart and inspires others. We celebrate your remarkable efforts and look forward to seeing how you continue to shape the future of wine communication.

The winner of 2025 IWSC Wine Communicator Trophy will be announced at our Awards Celebration on 12 November at the Roundhouse.