Francesca Bridgewater FCIM, new wine era
This week, we want to highlight the career of Francesca Bridgewater FCIM, a vibrantly commercial wine marketing professional and joiner of dots, benefiting from over three decades of experience elevating premium drinks brands in client-side and agency environments, specialising in iconic wineries and start-ups.
Recognised for award-winning brand strategies and insights, Fran holds a fully accredited Fellowship from CIM | The Chartered Institute of Marketing -. Whether hosting on-stage wine masterclasses or leading Board-level marketing direction, she blends creativity with profitability seamlessly.
A respected TV, podcast and radio personality, Fran excels as a natural communicator fluent in both French and Spanish. Transforming creative ideas into profitable solutions, she leverages the full power of the sales and marketing mix through dynamic content creation and tactical approaches.
As the founder of Wine Jobs Global ™ Fran was a finalist in the International Wine & Spirit Competition – IWSC – Club Oenologique Awards 2021 recognised for her support of over 2,000 wine, spirits and hospitality professionals post-pandemic.
Her expertise encompasses moderating international conferences, crafting precise tasting notes for the International Wine & Spirit Competition and judging gourmet food and beverages at esteemed global competitions like Great Taste Awards by Guild of Fine Food, Glass of Bubbly, Bellavita Expo and International Wine Competition.
Consultant Flying Sommeliere, Fran collaborates on high-end promotional events with clients such as Decanter, Tesco plc and the Libération Tardive Foundation with Dominic Buckwell, James Belton ACMA CGMA DipWSET , Christopher Burr MW and David Pinchard (former Director of Avery’s). She originally led communications and cornerstone sponsorship for the establishment of the Gérard Basset Foundation , was instrumental in the Tagus Creek sponsorship of Royal British Legion and heads up the Global Ambassador team for World Chardonnay Day annually.
Fran is widely recognised for single-handedly brokering the deals for £12.5 million of wine sales throughout her career in the trade.
Driven by a heartfelt passion for viticulture and motorsport, Fran undertakes annual apprenticeships at local English vineyards, refining her practical skills with aspirations to own a boutique vineyard in southwest France.
Mentored by trade luminaries such as Mike Ritchie MW, Christopher Burr MW and Hugh Sturges (former CEO of Berry Bros. & Rudd) she actively participates in blending trials with leading UK winemakers and contributes insightful articles to trade publications. She writes for The Buyer, EatNorth.co.uk Media and The West Dorset Magazine as Vittles Correspondent and is European Editor for AndesWines.com … the world’s 7th wine news channel.
With a distinguished background in luxury FMCG and PR, Fran remains committed to delivering exceptional results for her clients with pizzazz, consistently on time and within budget.
More information at andes@andeswines.co or +569 3251 7848
