Australian wine communicator Rebecca Hopkins has been appointed as a festival curator of Tasting Australia.
She joins other curators Duncan Welgemoed and Kane Pollard in presenting the festival’s 20th edition, from April 30 to May 9 next year.
Rebecca said, “For almost two decades this very special festival has welcomed guests in ways that are always uniquely South Australian and delivered with heart.
“Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane have done a wonderful job as Tasting Australia drinks curators over the past four years, and it’s an honour to now step into the role and celebrate the world of beverages and the stories they tell.
“Having recently returned to live in McLaren Vale after nearly 20 years abroad working in wine, I’m convinced South Australia is the best place in the world to make wine, connect with nature and share those experiences with a passionate community.”
For more than 25 years Rebecca has worked with some of the world’s most notable fine wine brands across all aspects of sales, marketing, distribution and communications.
An accomplished speaker, she has given keynote presentations in the United States, Italy and Australia, along with moderating numerous panels, hosting events across the US, and writing extensively.
After a decade-long career in Australia, Rebecca relocated to the US in 2007 and worked in senior leadership roles for Constellation Brands and Folio Fine Wine Partners while also establishing and maintaining strong relationships with the American media.
Today Rebecca is the principal of her own communications consultancy, and has represented clients such as the Michael Mondavi Family, Champagne Charles Heidsieck, Biondi Santi and Quintessa Estate.
Her specialties are brand storytelling, building consumer connections, event experiences and wine communications.
In 2018 Rebecca founded A Balanced Glass, a website and community focused on staying safe and well when working with alcohol.
Her ground-breaking work has been featured in Food & Wine, Forbes.com and Wine Enthusiast magazine, and she has been recognised as a wine industry leader by WBM – Australia’s Wine Business Magazine and SevenFifty Daily.
Rebecca featured on the cover of WBM in April 2007.
South Australian venues are encouraged to join the 2027 festival program by hosting an event. Applications close on Friday 9 October.