Olly, Olly, Olly

Olly Smith

At Vinitaly Gala opening, the International Wine & Spirit Competition announced the winner of the best wine & spirit journalist & broadcaster of the year 2009.

To much applause at last night’s opening Gala at Vinitaly, in Verona, The International Wine & Spirit Competition awarded their annual trophy for ‘Communicator of the Year’ to celebrated wine writer and broadcaster, Olly Smith.

The specially commissioned Murano glass trophy was presented to Olly by Luigi Castelletti – President of Veronafiere, organisers of Vinitaly, who as sponsors of the award had flown the writer & TV presenter out for the occasion. The award is determined by a panel of judges in recognition of the individual who has contributed the most to wine or spirits consumer communication, over the preceding twelve months.

Said Frances Horder, IWSC Competition Director:
“There were some outstanding nominations for this title including journalists Tom Stevenson, Sarah Ahmed and David Broom but the extraordinary volume, quality & energy behind Olly Smith’s work over the last year made him the final choice. Olly’s work includes regular appearances on BBC1 ‘Saturday Kitchen’ & UKTV channels, prolific writing and enthusing a wide range of audiences at events across the UK and abroad.