Ruben Desport is a judge at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).
Ruben Desport
Originating from Ostend in Belgium, Ruben’s first foray into wine began as an intern in Monaco with Ducasse Paris at the age of 19. In 2010, he moved to London as Commis Sommelier at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.
Ruben then relocated to Paris in 2012, where he took on the role of Sommelier in Le Jules Verne, the restaurant located on the Eiffel Tower. Over the next two years, he continued to build on his knowledge, and while still at Le Jules Verne, took the opportunity to assist in numerous Ducasse Paris establishments, including Aux Lyonnais, Benoit, and the fish restaurant, Rech.
In 2014, Ruben then returned to The Dorchester and the London restaurant scene, as Head Sommelier for the newly refurbished The Grill at The Dorchester. Following that, in August 2016, Ruben joined the team of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and was shortly given the role of Head Somelier where he worked to improve an extensive 1000-bin wine list and manage a team of 5 sommeliers.
Ruben returned to his hometown in September 2019, embarking on a new project of wholesale wine distribution with a family business. They now import wines directly from France and he works as a consultant for local restaurants.
Follow Ruben on Instagram and X: @Rubanski
See more judges for 2024 DWWA.
