31st October 2006 – Oz Clarke named the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year 2006

Oz receiving his award at a banquet in London

The Communicator of the Year award, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2006, is designed to recognise an individual or organisation whose communication skills have made an exceptional contribution towards promoting and increasing public awareness and interest in wines and spirits in the last 12 months.

In a closely fought contest, Clarke with his enduring worldwide appeal, unorthodox wit and directness to the subject won out in the end. One of the judging panel, Michael Cox, UK Director, Wines of Chile, summed up the reasons why Oz should be awarded the accolade, by saying:

“Oz consistently is a shining light when it comes to educating and enthusing the consumer, through his books, CD’s, TV work, but above all his personal appearances at wine and food shows or other such opportunities for one-to-one exchange. He is genuinely revered by his audiences, has infectious enthusiasm and charisma, and his knowledge of the world of wine (and beer and spirits) is unrivalled . . .”

Before becoming totally immersed in the wine trade in 1984, Oz Clarke was a full time actor and singer, appearing in hit West End musicals, and he first became known to TV audiences as the resident wine expert on the BBC Food & Drink Show. Today Oz is the author of a collection of bestselling wine books which appear in over 10 different languages, and spends much time travelling the world keeping up to date with his subject; his public appearances are in high demand and he is a frequent guest presenter at consumer shows, where he talks in accessible terms to his audience.

Oz was delighted with the title and upon hearing he had won, said:

“That’s just fantastic! Every day I go out determined to communicate the joy and delight that wine can bring into peoples lives whether they’re expert or novice, old or young. This award will make me even more determined to do what I love to do. Thank you.”

Janina Mathiasz, Director of Foreign Relations for trophy sponsor Veronafiere was pleased to see Oz Clarke triumph and commented:

“On the 10th Anniversary of this prestigious journalistic Trophy “The Communicator of the Year” created 10 years ago by VINITALY in co-operation with IWSC, it is a great pleasure for us to recognise such an important and well-known journalist as Oz Clarke. Oz is more than simply a wine writer, he is also a fantastic communicator who is able to enthuse consumers through his books, CD’s and TV appearances.”