We're thrilled to announce that our Julia has been shortlisted for the Julian Brind Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Wine Industry.
The late Julian Brind MW was one of the most popular members of the UK wine trade and died suddenly in 2010. He was a great admirer of Julia's exceptional talents, having been exposed to them when she worked briefly for Waitrose, whose wine department Julian ran for many years. He worked there for more than 40 years in total and played an important part in wine education, both for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the Institute of Masters of Wine.
The Julian Brind Memorial Award was created in 2012 in association with the International Wine & Spirit Competition, of which he was a longstanding judge, to honour his contribution and service to the trade that he loved.
The stated aim is to award this prize to the person 'who demonstrates they have the courage of their convictions, dedication to the industry and passion for real wine. The intended recipient will have established an early track record in their field, be seen to be "going places", and will already be taking part in the wider aspects of the wine trade, showing commitment and determination in everything they do.' Sure sounds like Julia to me.
The shortlisted candidates are:
- Julia Harding MW - Jancis Robinson.com and co-author of Wine Grapes
- Catherine Monahan - Winestars World
- Xavier Rousset MS – Master Sommelier and co-owner of Texture Restaurant and 28-50 wine bars
- Julia Stafford – champion of English wines at the Wine Pantry, London
The winner will be announced at the IWSC awards banquet in London's ancient Guildhall on 13 November 2013.