Peter Bourne and Paul Henry - Wine Communicators of the Year
2010 Sydney Royal Wine Show
Media release
A tasting flight [©Tourism New South Wales]
In an unprecedented decision, the 2010 Wine Communicator of the Year has been jointly awarded to wine educator and writer, Peter Bourne and Wine Australia's Paul Henry.
The award was presented today at the annual WCA Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show Trophy Lunch following a unanimous decision from the award’s judges, Jancis Robinson OBE MW, James Halliday and President of WCA, Rob Hirst.
There were three finalists selected by the WCA committee from a large number of nominations - Peter Bourne, Paul Henry (Wine Australia) and Andrew Caillard, MW.
WCA president Rob Hirst said “These are extraordinary times and given the fundamental importance of both our Domestic and International markets to the future of the Australian Wine Industry, it was agreed that this award should recognise contribution and impact in both markets.Therefore, the WCA Wine Communicator Award for 2010 is to be shared this year by two outstanding recipients:
1. 'For excellence in wine communication and the bettering of the Australian Wine Industry' - within Australia - Peter Bourne
2. 'For excellence in wine communication and the bettering of the Australian Wine Industry' - Internationally - Paul Henry (Wine Australia)
“Sincere congratulations to both winners and also to Andrew Caillard on being a finalist, his work both within Australia and Internationally in 2009 has been truly outstanding and of enormous value to the Australian Wine Industry” said Hirst.
International judge and famed wine communicator, Jancis Robinson, said of Paul Henry and Wine Australia’s impact in the international markets: “Albeit in difficult circumstances, Australian wine has benefited enormously from Paul’s background in journalism as well as the wine business. He has shown exceptional flair in harnessing an inventively wide range of means of communication to optimise the perception and performance of Australian wine”.
And of Peter Bourne’s contribution she said, “Peter brings exceptional humanity and sensitivity to what he communicates about Australian wine. He is a one-off and a particularly faithful friend to the fruits of Australian vineyards.”
Australian judge and Australia ’s pre-eminent wine communicator and WCA Patron James Halliday said of Paul's outstanding International contribution - "Australia can count itself lucky that it has Paul Henry to guide its path through the thickets of over-production in a time of global financial uncertainty and significantly increased international competition in key markets.His intellect and clear vision allows him to focus on key export strategies that will lay the foundation for a prosperous future in the medium to long term".
Halliday then went on to say, "Peter Bourne has the gift of demystifying wine and thus speaking clearly to the precise group the industry needs to target: not the converted, but those whose interest can be captured and developed to the point where they understand fine wine and unwittingly become ambassadors for its cause".
Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA)
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