Top communicators named

Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross have been named Wine Communicator of the Year for their new book, How to Drink Australian.

The Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) awards were announced in Sydney last night.

The judges described the book as “perhaps the best example of this kind of book ever written”.

“The fact that Jane and Jonathan are flying the flag for Australian wine in the important US wine market is an added bonus,” the judges say.

“They possess that unique combination of education, both having passed the prestigious Master Sommelier exams, life experience, having curated fine dining wine lists in Australia and the US, before starting their own wine import business, as well as the ability to communicate and pass on that knowledge and passion.”

Jane and Jonathan say in the book that the Australian wine industry “is every bit as deserving of the scholarship that the historic wine regions of Europe receive”.

“There’s never been a more exciting time to drink Australian wine… and it is perhaps the most exciting country in the world to be drinking from right now.”

WCA executive chair Angus Barnes says, “Last night’s awards ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate excellence in communication.

“Whilst the wine industry is experiencing some challenges write now, the ability to communicate widely and effectively is absolutely critical.”

The overall Wine Communicator of the Year is chosen by the WCA Board from the category of winners.

Previous winners have included the Cellar Door Team at Oliver’s Taranga, Trish Barry, Barossa Grape & Wine Association, Max Allen, Gill Gordon-Smith, Katie Spain and Jeni Port.

Robin Shaw