The rising stars reshaping the drinks world

Emerging Talent in Wine Communication: Maisie Turner

As a wine buyer at Berkmann Wine Cellars and a current MW student, Turner was recognised by judges for bringing credibility and relatability to her content. She was admired for an emphasis on quality, moderation and value without snobbery or oversimplification via her Instagram platform @maisie.wine. ‘Maisie has a gift for communication,’ said judge Sarah Abbott MW, ‘it’s shaping the future of how we talk about wine.’

On her win, Turner, who’s based in the UK, said: ‘I’m thrilled and incredibly grateful to have won this award, especially having been considered alongside such inspiring women doing phenomenal things in the world of wine. I am passionate about amplifying wine’s place within a modern lifestyle and showing people why this drink is so special. I hope to continue building my platform, spreading taste in wine and encouraging people to drink both intentionally and joyfully.’

Emerging Talent in Spirits Communication: Maria Eugenia Harttig

Hartigg, who lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the founder of the Minas Whisky website and the Quercus Academy, an academy delivering educational spirits experiences, and the host of the Destiladas podcast, which explores spirits culture and production. Her content mixes education with entertainment, serving enthusiasts across social media, long-form articles and in-person events. ‘Maria communicates with warmth and clarity, making complex topics accessible while retaining depth. She’s a rising voice with international potential,’ said judge Billy Abbott.

‘Without a doubt, this trophy is a milestone in my career. Winning the Spirits Communication category is something truly major. For almost ten years, I have worked to diversify voices and make the world of spirits more accessible,’ said Hartigg of her win.

Emerging Talent in Wine Business: Folakemi Alli-Balogun

Alli-Balogun founded The Wine Club Lagos in 2016 and since then has grown a community of more than 500 members, hosted more than 60 themed tastings, supplied more than 7,000 bottles to events and restaurants, and developed a hospitality training programme. Her themed tastings have become a mainstay of the wine scene in Nigeria’s biggest city and her volunteer work as a wine facilitator showcases her dedication to widening access to wine education. ‘She’s built a community, she’s growing it, and she’s doing it in a market that is incredibly tough. That’s real leadership potential,’ said judge Cat Lomax.

‘I’m honoured to receive this award and grateful for the recognition. It has truly motivated me to keep building, keep creating, and continue contributing to the future of wine in meaningful ways,’ said Alli-Balogun.

Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality: Mia Meng Zhang

Zhang, a WSET Diploma holder, transitioned from wine education, judging and regional promotion into hospitality in 2025 to co-found GUI TEMPLE x Petit Mont Wine & Coffee Bar, a hybrid venue tucked beneath the Bell Tower in Beijing. Her aim was to create a ‘living room for curious drinkers,’ a place where Chinese wine could be explored without pretension. It only took six months for the bar to win Time Out Beijing’s Best New Bar Award 2025. ‘Her creativity behind the bar is exceptional. She approaches wine with originality and a modern sensibility,’ said judge Christelle Guibert.

Emerging Talent in Spirits Business: Rye Sweeney

Sweeney left the corporate world and embraced hospitality, education and advocacy roles in the spirits industry, working in Melbourne and now London. One of Sweeney’s most impactful initiatives is Drag & Drams, a queer whisky collective that was co-founded two years ago. Initially a Pride fundraiser, it has grown into an international series of events across London, Melbourne, Brisbane, Tasmania and Paris. The concept blends education, performance, cocktails and community, empowering local queer communities to continue hosting events independently. ‘Rye’s bringing a fresh, fun, much-needed new energy to whisky. Their approach is different, inclusive and exactly what the category needs right now,’ said judge Dawn Davies MW.

On winning the award, Sweeney said: ‘Being recognised amongst such a strong cohort of lovely humans doing incredible things in the industry is a true honour. Reading their stories has reminded me that we are not alone in seeking to challenge and grow the industry for the better, and I am all the more inspired to continue to advocate for greater equality of treatment and opportunity for marginalised comes within the industry through education, hospitality and of course, good humour and silly, safe events!’

Emerging Talent in No & Low: Narmeen Kamran

Kamran, based in London, is winner of the first Emerging Talent award for the No & Low category. Her events agency Desert Island Events embeds inclusive approaches to drinks into client proposals. Her work led to the co‑authoring of a white paper on alcohol and events, exploring the commercial, cultural and DEI implications of alcohol‑dominant environments. Last year, Kamran launched Temperance AF, a pop-up, cocktail-led alcohol-free bar designed to demonstrate what inclusive hospitality looks like in practice. Rather than relying on ‘mocktails‘ or token alternatives, Temperance AF delivers premium, intentional, alcohol-free menus that are distinct from alcohol. ‘She has shifted the events industry. Her work has led to visible, structural change, not just conversation,’ said judge Laura Willoughby MBE.

Emerging Talent in Bartending: Michael Kinyanjui

Kinyanjui works at a bar and restaurant on the Kenyan coast to the south of Mombasa. He impressed the IWSC judging panel with his sense of identity, his dedication to the elevation of East African cocktail culture, and his clear ambition to build pathways into the industry for bartenders across the region. To that end, he runs informal training sessions for younger bartenders, helping them to hone their skills. ‘He has a focus on education and wants to use this award to uplift the next generation. His mission is clear, and his impact will be long lasting,’ said judge Will Drew.

‘Drawing inspiration from the Kenyan coast, I aim to translate heritage into every drink I create. Being recognised by IWSC is both an honour and a responsibility to continue elevating my craft and representing my roots on a global stage,’ said Kinyanjui.