DWWA Judges 2025

Emma Dawson MW

Former wine buyer at M&S, currently the head of buying at Berkmann Wine Cellar. Based in the UK.

Pilar Cavero

Best sommelier in Spain 2013, currently a wine critic for the Spanish newspaper ABC. Based in the UK.

Benjamin Gubbins

General manager and WSET educator at Vagabond Wines, London. Based in the UK.

Laurent Richet MS

Master sommelier, wine consultant for the oldest wine importing company of the Netherlands. Based in the Netherlands.

Dilyan Kolev

Hospitality and wine industry professional specializing in wines from Central and Eastern Europe. Based in the UK.

Cat Lomax

International wine & wine retail consultant with years of experience as a buyer for major UK retailers. Based in the UK.

Julia Sewell

Ex-sommelier and avid wine geek, currently working with Raeburn Fine Wines. Based in the UK.

Silvia Garatti

Silvia Garatti is head of trade at Roberts Rolls. Based in the UK.

Rebecca Palmer

Rebecca Palmer is associate director and buyer for Corney & Barrow, which has offices in London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Based in the UK.

Igor Sotric

Igor Sotric is head sommelier and wine buyer at China Tang at the Dorchester.

Lionel Periner

Lionel Periner is head sommelier at Adnams in Birmingham. Based in the UK.