A Personal Career Journey of Francesca Bridgewater FCIM, European Editor for Andes Wines

Over the past 22 vintages, our dedicated European Editor, Francesca, has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most notable brands in the wine world, from household names like Stowell’s, Turner Road, Echo Falls, Most Wanted, Felis Solís and Calém of Porto to more exclusive labels such as Steven Spurrier’s Bride Valley, Altaïr, Domaine Jean Bousquet, Dr. Lippold of Mosel, Auntsfield, Napier, Marichal of Uruguay and Bodega Vistalba.

Bride Valley Brut Reserve 2018 from Steven Spurrier’s legacy vineyard on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

For more than two decades in the wine trade, Francesca has honed her reputation for dynamism, commercial savvy and a robust can-do attitude. Her expertise spans both client-side and agency environments, with a particular emphasis on boutique wineries and start-ups.

Fran’s career has encompassed the scaling seven-figure businesses from the ground up, including CHAFOR Wine Estate in Buckinghamshire and Hathersage Hall Business Centre in Derbyshire, winning numerous awards along the way. She is honoured to have received accolades such as:
* Best Boutique Wine Marketing Agency (UK) in the Global Excellence Awards
* Best Wine Marketing Consultancy (South West England) in the LUX Life Food & Drink Awards.

Her accredited fellowship with The Chartered Institute of Marketing underscores her dedication to blending creativity with profitability. Whether hosting wine masterclasses, interviewing winemakers, or spearheading board-level marketing initiatives, her aim is always to deliver award-winning brand strategies and insights.

As a regular presence on TV, podcasts and radio, Fran has a genuine passion for communication and is fluent in both French and Spanish. She specialises in transforming creative ideas into profitable solutions, leveraging the full power of the sales and marketing mix through dynamic content creation, insightful strategies and tactical approaches.

As the founder of Wine Jobs Global, she has supported over 2,000 wine, spirits and hospitality professionals since the pandemic, earning a finalist spot in the IWSC Awards 2021. Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, affirmed “We are incredibly thankful to Fran Bridgewater & the team at Wine Jobs Global for actively supporting The Drinks Trust’s work. The impact of these fundraising initiatives on the lives of our colleagues and friends in the drinks and hospitality community is significant and will enable The Drinks Trust to provide more help to those in need of our care in these very challenging times.”

Fran’s extensive experience in the wine trade includes moderating international conferences such as Women in Wine Expo 2023, crafting precise tasting notes for the International Wine & Spirit Competition and annually judging gourmet food and beverages at prestigious awards including Great Taste Awards, Glass of Bubbly and the IWC.

Celebrating in Bordeaux with Jane Anson and Wendy Holohan of Cartier

As a consultant Flying Sommelière, she works directly on high-end promotional events with clients such as Decanter, Tesco plc and the new Libération Tardive Foundation dedicated to ensuring the market provides a ready supply of supremely aged wines. Fran played a key role in establishing the Gerard Basset Foundation and lead the Global Ambassador team for World Chardonnay Day annually.