Entries are now open to the Wine Communicators of Australia’s (WCA) hallmark annual Wine Communicator Awards, which for the first time will include a category for Best Wine Educator.

On the new accolade, WCA Chairman, Angus Barnes said the time was right to acknowledge the key role good wine education played in promoting and stimulating the industry.

“Educators are the champions of our industry, inspiring and helping consumers and trade to delve deeper and discover more about our wines,” Mr. Barnes said. “We’re excited to introduce this new award and are hoping for a great response.”

Alongside Best Wine Educator, this year will be open to a total nine award categories, including the Wine Communicator of the Year, Digital Wine Communicator of the Year and New Wine Writer of the Year.

“These awards are open to professionals across Australia,” Mr. Barnes continued.

“If you’re a writer, designer, graphic artist, digital content developer or publisher and you’re helping to tell the Australian wine story in an engaging and innovative way, we encourage you to enter.”

This year’s judging panel will comprise of 2014 Wine Communicator of the Year Jenny Port, VinTank CEO Paul Mabray, Fabulous Ladies Wine Society Founder Jane Thomson and Radpublic Director Lou Radman.

While Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Editor, Judy Sarris, Contributing Editor Huon Hooke, and WCA Deputy Chair Angie Bradbury will judge the New Wine Writer Award.

Information about the awards, eligibility and judging criteria is available from winecommunicators.com.au/awards.aspx.