Wine Travel Awards 2024-2025: British Nominees Shaping the Industry
The United Kingdom is rapidly establishing itself as a key player on the global wine scene. English sparkling wines are gaining increasing international recognition, while the country’s wine culture continues to thrive thanks to a strong community of experts, communicators, and enthusiasts.
This selection highlights key figures in the British wine industry – from winemakers and journalists to wine influencers who promote wine appreciation through blogs, podcasts, and social media. Their work not only expands knowledge about winemaking but also makes it more accessible to a wider audience.
A special place is held by major wine events such as the London Wine Fair, which brings together professionals and wine lovers from around the world. These events set trends, establish new quality standards, and shape the future direction of the UK’s wine industry.
The UK is proudly represented at the Wine Travel Awards (WTA) 2024-2025 by a constellation of influential wine personalities and a true superstar among global enogastronomic events—the London Wine Fair.
Vote for our outstanding nominees!
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Emma Hodges is a UK-based inclusivity and accessibility consultant who combines her expertise in healthcare with the wine industry. In 2024, she was ranked #59 in the Drinks Retailing Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks.
With over 20 years of experience supporting people with disabilities, Emma is dedicated to making the hospitality and wine industry more accessible. She works with hospitality teams and businesses, educating them on inclusivity principles. She developed the 7 Stems of Inclusion program, helping to adapt communication, spaces, and services to meet diverse needs. She also advises Wine GB and Drinks United, promoting diversity and equality in the wine sector.
Emma actively shares her knowledge through blogs, articles, and Instagram @emmaswinetime, where she highlights the importance of accessibility in wine. Her mission is to make the world of wine open to everyone.
Ashley Saunders is a London-based wine communicator, founder of the WineswithAshley blog, and creator of the marketing agency Palate Comms. With 18 years of experience working with global brands such as Nike, Diageo, and Kellogg’s, she applies a unique approach to wine marketing – blending creativity, effective communication, and deep consumer insight. Through WineswithAshley on Instagram and her agency, she helps winemakers build strong brands.
Ashley holds multiple wine qualifications, including WSET Levels 1-3, French & Spanish Wine Scholar, Capstone California, and Academy of Cheese. She is currently studying for Master in Champagne and Italian Wine Scholar, with plans to pursue DipWSET in 2026. As a mentor, she supports Drinklusive, an inclusivity program in the wine industry, and Who’s Your Momma, an initiative for women and non-binary people in marketing. She also served as a judge at the People’s Choice Wine Awards 2024.
Ashley has a particular appreciation for cool-climate wines, especially Pinot Noir from Oregon, and is passionate about sparkling wines, particularly English sparkling wine: “I’m amazed by how English sparkling wine is evolving. This is just the beginning – there’s so much more to discover!”
Ashley continues to shape a new vision of wine marketing, making wine more accessible and exciting for all.
Janina Doyle is the host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast, a favorite among wine lovers and professionals, featured in Decanter and Radio Times. In 2024, Drinks Retailing ranked her #18 in the Top 20 Most Influential People in Drinks.
With a WSET Diploma and 13 years of experience in the wine industry, Janina has worked as Head Sommelier in London, served as Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero, and now represents Balfour Winery in England. Her Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast, launched in 2022, brings wine stories to life – blending educational content for WSET students, regional deep dives, and accessible topics for all audiences.
Janina is passionate about discovering new grape varieties and particularly appreciates volcanic wines, such as Etna Rosso and Listán Prieto. She always chooses unique indigenous grapes and recently explored Ukrainian wines, dedicating two podcast episodes to them.
“Ukrainian wines deserve recognition. They tell a story of place, people, and resilience. Every bottle is a testament to strength, hope, and the pursuit of beauty, even in the darkest times,” says Janina.
Her mission is to make the wine world open, engaging, and inclusive for all!
Chris Boiling is a wine writer and winemaker working for William Reed, the company behind World’s Best Vineyards and International Wine Challenge. His wine journey began in 2009 when he purchased a vineyard in Slovenia, later studying winemaking at Plumpton College (UK) and documenting his early winemaking challenges for Jancis Robinson.
Chris specializes in producing niche wines from lesser-known grape varieties worldwide. During Harvest 2022, he crafted six wines across four countries: an Austrian amber wine, a co-fermented Slovenian white, a red from northeast Slovenia, a unique Hungarian sparkling wine, and a Kadarka using mixed winemaking techniques. In Georgia, he is making modern amber wine in qvevri. A former journalist and BBC scriptwriter, Chris now explores Central and Eastern European wine traditions. He shares his wine adventures and organizes tours for enthusiasts, combining tastings with activities such as yoga and kayaking.
His goal is to tell the stories behind wines and introduce audiences to the world of authentic winemaking.
The London Wine Fair 2025, the UK’s premier wine trade event, will take place May 19-21 at Olympia London. Recognized as the most effective wine event of 2023, the fair remains a crucial platform for industry professionals, offering tastings, inspiration, and unparalleled networking opportunities. London Wine Fair integrates cutting-edge digital innovations, such as Bottlebooks, a platform that allows attendees to analyze wine data, connect with producers, and engage with interactive stands.
In 2025, over 400 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors will explore dedicated sections:
- Esoterica – boutique wines
- Wines Unearthed – new producers
- Drinks Britannia – British drinks
- Mindful Drinking Experience – low & no-alcohol options
A highlight will be the “Judgement of London” competition, inspired by the historic Judgement of Paris. The 5th annual Wine Buyers Awards will celebrate the UK’s most influential wine buyers, with the shortlist announced at the Launch Party and winners revealed at the event. London Wine Fair 2025 promises even more innovation, education, and opportunities, reinforcing its status as a leading event in the global wine industry.
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