Our experts

MEET THE JUDGES

Recruited for their unrivalled expertise, the IWSC judges are at the heart of our awards

Our judges assess every glass put in front of them methodically to ensure a fair and true result, tasting and discussing each entry alongside the rest of the panel. Our panels consist of experts and influencers from every sector of the drinks trade, from buyers, importers and distributors to the specialists making and serving the drinks. View our judges below.

Sarah Abbott MW
Sarah Abbott MW

Position: Member of the Wine Judging Committee

Company: Swirl Wine Group Ltd

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Andrea Altavilla
Andrea Altavilla

Position: Account Manager

Company: Bibendum

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Giusy Andreacchio
Giusy Andreacchio

Position: WSET Dip, AIS Sommelier.

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Vincenzo Arnese
Vincenzo Arnese

Position: Head Sommelier

Company: Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester

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Essi  Avellan MW
Essi Avellan MW

Position: Member of the Wine Judging Committee

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Elliot Awin
Elliot Awin

Company: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies (ABS)

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Sara Bachiorri
Sara Bachiorri

Position: Sales manager

Company: WoodWinters

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Isa Bal MS
Isa Bal MS

Position: Founder & Director

Company: Trivet

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Serdar Balkaya
Serdar Balkaya

Position: Head Sommelier

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Gerard  Barnes
Gerard Barnes

Position: Wine buyer

Company: Berkmann Wine Cellars

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Bruno Besa
Bruno Besa

Company: Astrum Wines

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Paulo Brammer
Paulo Brammer

Company: Eno Cultura

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Beth Brickenden
Beth Brickenden

Company: My Corkscrew

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Freddy Bulmer
Freddy Bulmer

Company: The Wine Society

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Immacolata Cannavo
Immacolata Cannavo

Company: Oblix Restaurant

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Salvatore Castano
Salvatore Castano

Position: On Trade Advisor & Wine Buyer at Friarwood Fine Wines

Company: Friarwood

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Davit  Chichua
Davit Chichua

Position: Director at Institute for Viticulture and Oenology

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Irakli  Cholobargia
Irakli Cholobargia

Position: Marketing Consultant, Wines & Spirits

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