Napa, CA (March 30, 2009) — The Academy of Wine Communications, the organization of wine public relations and marketing professionals, is broadening and refocusing its mission to reflect the changing nature of wine communications. Michael Wangbickler of Balzac Communications has been named as Executive Director and Lisa Adams Walter of Adams Walter Communications as Assistant Director. Both will be responsible for reviving the association, expanding its scope, and growing its membership

“Despite the falloff of wine coverage in traditional media channels such as major newspapers and magazines, the number of individuals writing about wine has never been greater,” said Wangbickler. “Blogs and Online Magazines are quickly becoming an influential source of wine information. In addition, there is a burgeoning community of individuals using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to communicate about wine. Because of this the public relations function is evolving and the Academy will create a forum for wine PR professionals to discuss these issues, while continuing to lend support to both media and wineries.”

The Academy of Wine Communications will continue to provide a public forum for wine PR professionals to exchange ideas, solve problems, set policy, and meet with media. New emphasis will be on leveraging new media, such as websites and blogs in addition to traditional media channels, such as newspapers and magazines. The Academy has traditionally been focused on the regions of Napa and Sonoma, but will now actively seek to include wine PR and marketing professionals from regions throughout the country and the world. As the organization grows, they may launch affiliate chapters in major wine growing areas to support local events.

Those interested in joining the Academy or who would like more information should visit the Academy website at www.academyofwine.org or contact Michael Wangbickler at (707) 255-7667 or Michael Wangbickler.

About Academy of Wine Communications
The Academy of Wine Communications was founded in 1994 by wine communications pioneers Paul Wagner, Harvey Posert, and Sam Folsom. The original concept was to lend support to wine media through its awards program and provide education on media relations to its members. Since that time, the organization held regular meetings until a hiatus in 2007.