Katie Spain, feature writer for WBM – Australia’s Wine Business Magazine for the past five years, has been named 2021 Wine Communicator of the Year.
She also won Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column at the Wine Communicators of Australia awards, announced at last night’s virtual awards ceremony.
“Katie’s WBM Magazine articles are a joy to read – a wonderful balance of information and the human side of the story,” says Andrew Stark, executive officer at Wine Communicators of Australia.
“Katie’s contribution to the wine industry is enormous, combining a huge work ethic with the ability to tell a compelling people story.”
Katie said on Facebook, “Oh my gaaaaaawd! So this just happened. I was so bloody surprised to win these awards I damn near had a heart attack on the side of the road.
“My roadside acceptance speech wasn’t exactly glam but I hope the heartfelt appreciation for the Wine Communicators of Australia Inc awards was felt through the Zoom screen.
“It was an honour to be a finalist alongside Jeni Port, Nicole Bilson and Samantha Payne. What a trio of powerhouses.
“Deepest thanks and admiration to Anthony Madigan at Australia’s Wine Business Magazine (WBM) for starting it all and giving me the page space to tell long yarns with heart, to Naomi Giatas (Naomi Giatas Design) and Mike Smith Photography for making my words look beautiful on the WBM pages.
“Thanks to every single one of the winemakers, growers and farmers who let me into your world and trusted me to tell your story – especially during the hard times, of which there have been many this year.
“You are the reason I love this job and industry so deeply.
“Here’s to stories with heart and more diversity in wine and communication.
“Dream big … especially you farm kids. Now off to The Victory Hotel to celebrate.”
WBM Editor Anthony Madigan says Katie is a breath of fresh air for the wine writing community.
“The industry was crying out for a Katie Spain,” he says.
“Her gift is telling stories and she brings heart and soul to wine – and emotion. Lots and lots of emotion!
“Katie is such a hard worker and makes a big effort to get out there and meet the people – that’s where the stories come from.
“It is an honour and a privilege to have Katie writing for little ol’ WBM.”
Category Winners
Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column
Katie Spain
Best Wine Marketing Communications Campaign (Individual or Team)
Taylors Wines’ mission to save the seahorses/Blend Public Relations & Common Ventures
Best New Wine Book
Soul Publishing for Wine, Beer & Spirits of the Fleurieu by Rojina McDonald
Best Wine Website or App
Wine Australia for Australian Wine Connect
Best Wine-Themed Event
Henschke and Hutton Vale Farm for Vino Camino
Best Wine Communicator – Cellar Door
Rebecca Barr, Fernfield Wines
Best Wine Educator
Dr Rebecca Dolan, The University of Adelaide
Best Wine Student
Ruchira Ranaweera, The University of Adelaide
Best Wine Blog or Podcast
James Atkinson for Drinks Adventures Podcast
Best Wine Serial Publication
Wine Business Solutions for The Wine Paper
The overall Wine Communicator of the Year is chosen by the WCA Board from the category of winners.
Previous winners have included Trish Barry, Barossa Grape & Wine Association, Max Allen, Gill Gordon- Smith, Gourmet Traveller WINE and Jeni Port.
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