DWWA judges

Sebastian Braun

Wine Director and Managing Director at Oenoforos Group. Based in Sweden.

DWWA Regional Chair for Austria & Switzerland: Stefan Neumann MS

Stefan Neumann MS runs his own consultancy and online blinding tasting course.

Bruno Besa

Leading expert in fine Italian and European wines, currently serving as the managing director of Astrum Wine Cellars. Based in the UK.

DWWA judge profile: Ana Sapungiu MW

Ana Sapungiu MW is the Head of Wine Business Development for Amathus Drinks.

Beverley Blanning MW

Beverley Blanning MW is a writer, judge, educator, presenter and tour guide.

DWWA judge profile: Sarah Knowles MW

Sarah Knowles MW is a buyer at The Wine Society, responsible for Champagne, Australia, New Zealand, North America, sparkling wines and spirits.

DWWA judge profile: Igor Sotric

Igor Sotric is Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at China Tang at the Dorchester.

DWWA judge profile: Gareth Ferreira MS

Gareth Ferreira MS the first ever South African Master Sommelier and the Beverage Director at Core by Clare Smyth.

DWWA Judge profile: Ben Gubbins

Ben Gubbins teaches WSET courses at Vagabond Wines Urban Winery in Battersea Power Station.

DWWA judge profile: Jan Konetzki

Jan Konetzki is an independent sommelier offering consultancy services for trade and private clients.

DWWA Judge profile: Vincent Gasnier MS

Vincent Gasnier MS is Managing Director of his own wine consultancy company, VincentGasnier.co.uk, through which he is a wine buyer and sommelier for many hotels and restaurants, and also manages cellars for private clients, hosts events and appears on TV shows.

DWWA judge profile: Chris Kissack

Chris Kissack is the author of TheWinedoctor.com, a subscription website which he has been publishing since 2000, and is a regular reporter from the annual Bordeaux en primeur tastings.

DWWA judge profile: David Vareille

David Vareille is Brasserie General Manager at The Arts Club London.

DWWA judge profile: Frederic Marti

Frederic Marti is GM of Fred’s Wine Bar and Wine Director at The Typing Room located in East London's Town Hall Hotel.

DWWA judge profile: Jane Parkinson

Jane Parkinson is an award-winning writer, broadcaster and author.

DWWA judge profile: Brian Cronin MS

Brian Cronin MS has worked as sommelier in some of the top restaurants in America and is now National Education Manager for Palm Bay International.

DWWA judge profile: Jean-Michel Valette MW

Jean-Michel Valette MW is director of Vinfolio, a US-based internet marketplace for fine wine.

DWWA judge profile: Katie Exton

Katie Exton is a judge at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

DWWA judge profile: Alistair Cooper MW

Alistair Cooper MW is an independent British wine writer, judge, consultant and educator with over 20 years of experience in the industry.

DWWA judge profile: Allan Cheesman

Allan Cheesman spent over 30 years as Trading Director at Sainsbury’s. Now semi-retired, he is a non-Executive Director of Vindipendents buying group and member of the WSET Awards Supervisory Board.

DWWA judge profile: Adam Bruntlett

Adam Bruntlett is responsible for buying Loire, Burgundy, Jura and Savoie for the Berry Bros & Rudd group.