Spain
Edward joined the wine trade in 1983, working at Howells off-licence in Bristol. He then worked at Wines from Spain (1985-86) before joining Co-op as a buyer in 1987, ending up as bulk wines and spirits buyer. He became MW in 1991 and joined Western Wines in 1994. He left Western Wines in February 2006 to work with Bruce Jack of Flagstone, South Africa. Although Flagstone has been taken over by Constellation, he continues to work with Bruce on their Spanish wine project, La Báscula. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Nick Adams MW
Champagne
Nick was drifted into the wine trade after graduating with a Business Studies degree in 1982 and became an immediate hostage. Waving instantly good-bye to earning any serious money he has ploughed on relentlessly since, culminating in passing the MW in 1992, thereby ending any credentials to being commercial astute in an instant. Nick has worked with some of the most fantastic people and producers imaginable, including Ridge, Henschke, Petaluma, de Vogue, Bonneau du Martray, Champagne Pierre Gimonnet, Gaja, Sassicaia, Giacosa, and Chateau Lafleur. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Sarah Ahmed
Loire, Portugal, Spain
Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective, is a lawyer turned wine writer who started off her wine career with Oddbins in 2000 and took top honours in the WSET Diploma in 2003. In addition to writing for wine magazines she has contributed to The World Atlas of Wine, Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book (Portugal) and Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Book (Loire). Hands on experience includes stints at Torres in Spain, Boekenhoutskloof in South Africa and Cullen in Australia. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Italy
Tony Aspler has been writing about wine for over 30 years. He was the wine columnist for The Toronto Star for 21 years and has authored fourteen books on wine and food, including The Wine Atlas of Canada and Vintage Canada. In December 2007, Tony was awarded the Order of Canada. In February 2001, Tony co-founded the charity Grapes for Humanity which raises money through the wine community for the victims of landmines and children with disabilities. Tony is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Essi Avellan MW
Champagne
Essi is the only Master of Wine from Finland and the second ever from the Nordic countries. Essi is the Editor of the FINE Champagne Magazine and the Editorial Adviser of the FINE-magazines. Additionally, Avellan contributes internationally to a number of newspapers and wine and food magazines. Her main expertise area and passion is champagne. She has been working in the wine business for ten years. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
John Avery MW
South Africa
John has racked up 40 years in the wine trade and runs the renowned wine merchant Avery's of Bristol. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Isabelle Bachelard
Languedoc-Roussillon, Regional FranceJudged 2008
Freelance wine journalist, Isabelle Bachelard is based in Paris where she writes for Revue du Vin de France, Revue vinicole internationale, Guide Cuisine, Cuisine Gourmande and Club Cigare. She trained with Steven Spurrier when he had his wine school l'Académie du Vin in Paris.
Bordeaux
Richard graduated in French from Cambridge in 1981 and immediately decided his French could be put to best use in the wine trade. He managed retail wine shops in the northwest England for JW Lees Brewers for 7 years, then spent a year getting his hands dirty in vineyards around the world. Having passed the Master of Wine Exam in 1990, he managed their European operations for Brown Brothers until 1999. He then set up his own company specialising in public relations and offering wine talks, tours and courses. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Anthony Barne MW
Austria
Anthony Barne made the small step from the Army to the wine trade in 1978, having developed the interest while serving on the Governor of Gibraltar's staff. After a year in a wine shop, followed by a brief spell working at Domaine Thenard in Burgundy, his career until 1992 was in mail order and wine buying, first with Hicks & Don and then Harveys. Since then he has been a wine auctioneer with Phillips and Bonhams as well as writing and acting as a consultant to Hicks & Don. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Gerard Barnes
South Africa
I joined Oddbins in 1988 as trainee assistant manager at their Farringdon store. I had studied law at university but decided it wasn't the career for me. In May 1990 I joined G&J Greenalls as a trainee buyer, promoted to full buyer in 1991. Headhunted by Sainsburys in May 1994, buying France and Eastern Europe, with a responsibility for the Calais store, I left to join Raisin Social in August 1998, where I am responsible for buying and product development. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Susie Barrie
Spain
Susie Barrie is a wine writer and presenter. She is the author of Mitchell Beazley's Wine Made Easy Champagne and Sparkling Wines, and Discovering Wine Country - Northern Spain. She regularly appears on television and radio, and credits include Saturday Kitchen (BBC1), Daily Cooks (ITV), Great Food Live (UKTV Food), BBC Radio Two, London's LBC Radio and BBC Radio Scotland. As well as writing for several magazines, Susie lectures, judges international wine competitions, and hosts corporate tastings. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Filippo Bartolotta
Italy
Filippo's career in the wine world started in 1998 with the organisation of corporate wine events. He is the managing director of Le Baccanti, Italy's premier wine travel agency, and teaches professional wine lore at the University of Siena. In the twin capacities of one of the tasters for L'Espresso Italian Wine Guide, the nation's top seller, and editor of its English version, he is called upon to taste several thousand wines a year. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Liz Berry MW
Languedoc-Roussillon, Regional France
My first job in the wine trade was selling bottles and stacking shelves for Europa Foods and the Wine and Beer Shops, both part of the Vince Food and Wine Group. I was promoted to wine buyer for the group in 1979. I passed my Master of Wine in 1980 and, with my husband Mike, opened La Vigneronne Fine Wines in 1981. We sold the shop in 2003. I am now a director of Grand Cru Wines, importing fine wines from southern France to the UK, and selling mainly to the restaurant trade. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Italy
In 1996, Nick moved to Italy and shortly afterwards entered the wine business hosting wine tours, tastings, and translating brochures and tasting notes. In 1999 he started working for a Puglian wine estate before becoming its sales and marketing manager. In 2003 he joined Bibendum Wine before moving to Vinexus, London specialists in Italian wines in 2006. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Mark Bingley MW
Bordeaux
I have been in the wine trade for 30 years. I became MW in 1983, and today I am Fine Wine Director of MMD Ltd (UK importer of Champagne Louis Roederer). Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
David Bird MW
Spain
Trained as an analytical chemist and started life analysing baby foods and orange squash in Norwich. Entered wine trade in 1973 when Colman's of Norwich bought a wine business. Became Master of Wine in 1981 and QA Manager for Stowells of Chelsea in 1984, responsible for the quality of Wine Box production. Set up own consultancy business in 1994 and still going strong. Author of Understanding Wine Technology, which has become the standard reference book for Diploma and MW students. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Beverley Blanning MW
Burgundy
Beverley Blanning is an independent wine journalist, based in London. She is a regular feature writer and taster for Decanter magazine and writes for a number of publications internationally, including Wall Street Journal Europe, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wines and Sommelier Journal. Beverley is an experienced international competition judge. She also presents and educates about wine, through consumer tastings, corporate and trade events. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Austria, Burgundy
Jane Boyce, MW is an independent Wine Consultant and freelance wine writer. She has twenty years experience in the Wine trade, spanning all sectors of the business from buying to selling and shipping to marketing as well as the composition of wine lists for hotels and restaurants and the training of their staff. She has worked with various importers in London and Northern Ireland including James Nicholson and Gilbeys. In 2000 she became Ireland's first female Master of Wine and is still the only person to hold the qualification in Northern Ireland. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Julian Brind MW
Port & Madeira
Julian has more than 40 years' experience in the wine trade. In 1967 he won both a Bourse de Voyage Scholarship and the Vintners Scholarship. He passed his Master of Wine examination in 1970 and joined Waitrose the following year. Julian has been the Chairman of Trustees of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) since 1986. In 1993 he was Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine and was Chairman of the Institute's Examining Panel for many years. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Canada, Alsace, Italy
Shortly after graduation from Stanford, Joel came to Europe in 1972, visiting wine producing regions and doing a harvest in Burgundy. He returned to California in 1973 and entered the wine trade with a noted retailer in San Francisco. Butler subsequently became a wine importer, Buyer/Manager, and sales manager. He was one of the first two Americans to pass the rigorous Master of Wine examination in 1990. He is a Vice President of the Institute of Masters of Wine, North America. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Jonathan Butt
New Zealand
Jonathan joined Thresher Group in 1992 and managed several stores while studying the WSET Diploma. He moved to New Zealand in 1997 to study viticulture & viniculture at Nelson before working at Isabel estate as assistant winemaker for the '97 vintage before returning to the UK to join Thresher as PR manager. He then moved to Merchant Brand development in 2001 launching Origin and Radcliffes wine brands. He is currently head of Global sourcing and range development for the Wine Rack brand. He is a regular representative at all major wine competitions as well as guest speaker at the New Zealand Pinot Conference 2007 in Wellington NZ. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Luis Capitao
Central & Eastern Europe
Luis is an international wine consultant and importer with vast commercial experience in US and other international markets. A twenty-year veteran who spent half of his career marketing Constellation's wines in the U.S. and abroad, Luis was also responsible for the launch of Yellow Tail in the US. More recently, Luis founded Touchstone Wines, a US-based wine importing and consultancy. He currently resides in Palo Alto, California. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Samantha Caporn
Australia, Central & Eastern Europe, Greece
Samantha has been in the wine trade for 12 years, starting as Tastings Co-ordinator for Wine Magazine in 2001. In 2005 she was a buyer for Direct Wines before joining Constellation Wines as wine development manager in 2008. She is currently working towards her Master of Wine. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Middle East, Far East & Asia
Ignatius is founder and Managing Director of Iggy's. In 1987 Ignatius joined the Mandarin Oriental as a waiter. He was later promoted to Sommelier at Fourchettes. In 1989 he spent time under-studying at some of the finest restaurants in Europe, including the Crillon, the Ritz in Madrid, and Royale Champagne in Reims. He toured the various wine regions in France, working at Georges Duboeuf in Beaujolais, Chatron et Trebuchet in Burgundy, and Chateau Rauzan-Segla in Bordeaux. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Oz Clarke
Australia
Oz Clarke's wine career began when he captained the wine-tasting team for Oxford University. After graduating, Oz spent a number of years as an actor before turning to writing professionally in 1984, Oz was by then a leading West End actor. He has been wine correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. He has written Oz Clarke's New Essential Wine Book, a further sixteen editions of his Wine Guide and The Pocket Wine Book, and host of other, hugely popular books on wine. Oz was a presenter of BBC TV's Food and Drink programme where his remarkable tasting ability has won him great notoriety. More recently, Oz joined Top Gear's James May for Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure of which two series were aired on BBC 2. Oz Clarke lives in West London, where, when not writing about wine, he likes to avoid drinking altogether (except for the occasional pint of Fuller's ESB), playing any sport he can lay his hands on and dreaming wistfully of lying on a palm-fringed sandy beach somewhere near to the Equator. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Regional France, Spain
Dawn joined Selfridges as their first Sommelier in March 2007. Previously, Dawn worked as the head sommelier and then restaurant manager in The Ledbury restaurant in Notting Hill and as sommelier at the Square Restaurant in Mayfair. Before that she was the Head Sommelier at Boxwood Café (Gordon Ramsay) and Zuma. At Selfridges, Dawn is on hand to help people select that special case of wine, give advice in the set up of a new cellar, or just help with the growth of an established one. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Sergio de Luca
Italy
I am Italian with a degree in Winemaking. I come from a farming family and spent all my life in the wine business. I arrived in this country in 1981 with the Italian Trade Centre and after few experiences with other Italian wine importers in the UK, I started work with Enotria where I have been for the last 22 years. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Gearoid Devaney
Germany
Gearoid has been Chef Sommelier at Tom Aikens restaurant since it opened in 2003. He recently won the UK Sommelier of the year 2008. Gearoid was the Restaurant magazine Sommelier of the year 2007, and the winner of the London regional final for the Ruinart sommelier of the year 2006 and 2007. In 2006 Gearoid passed his Advanced Master Sommelier exams. Prior to Tom Aikens, Gearoid worked at L'Oranger in St James's and at three Michelin-starred Pierre Gagnaire in Paris. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Denise Diesen
Burgundy,Rhône
American-French Canadian born Denise has spent the past 20 years in fine wine. Having moved to London in 1984, she decided to combine experience in finance with the passion of wine. After a decade in international banking and several years as a finance officer for a private energy company, in 1988 she began creating cellars of fine wine from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley for discriminating collectors worldwide. With a base there, particular interest is focused on the Burgundy region. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Vianna Dirceu Jr.
Chile
Dirceu Vianna Junior, originally from Brazil, has been living in London since 1989. His career in the wine business started 19 years ago. He is studying his Master of Wine. Junior is the Wine Development Director at Coe Vintners where he has worked for the last ten years. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
New Zealand
Sally is one of few wine writers to have both the MW and a masters degree in journalism. Her business (WineWisdom) encompasses a portfolio of activities focused on freelance writing and editorial work, trade and consumer education, and wine industry consultancy. As well as writing for many trade and consumer publications at home and abroad, she teaches to Diploma level for the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and is an international wine judge. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Richard Ehrlich
USA
Richard has been writing about food and drink since the late 1980s. For ten years he worked as drinks columnist for the Independent on Sunday, and he is currently the wine columnist for Good Housekeeping and Time Out, and a weekly columnist (Green Kitchen) for The Times. He has won two Glenfiddich Awards as Drinks Writer of the year. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Maria Elener
South Africa
Maria has been in the wine trade since 1995, starting with Majestic Wines as graduate trainee. She then travelled in South America and worked in the trade in Chile before returning to work at the newly opened Vinopolis in London. From there she went to The Wine Society as part of the tastings team and finally arrived at the Co-operative as Wine Buyer 5 years ago. Her responsibilities are currently South America, South Africa, Iberia, Italy, Germany and Fairtrade. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Sarah Jane Evans MW
Spain
Sarah Jane Evans is a writer and broadcaster. She has judged at wine shows in Australia, Chile, Georgia, Germany and Portugal as well as the UK. She has a special interest in Sherry and in Spanish wines in general. She became a Master of Wine in 2006.' Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Simon Field MW
Languedoc-Roussillon
A reformed Chartered Accountant, I have worked in the Wine Trade since 1996, for BBR since 1998. I am buyer for Champagne, Germany, Austria, England, Spain, Portugal fortified wine, Beaujolais, South America and of course, the Languedoc. A small bijou portfolio,then! Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Lance Foyster MW
Austria
Lance read Classics and Wine at Oxford, and joined the Wine Trade in 1985. After various stints in vineyards, cellars and small merchants he passed his MW in 1991. In 2002, he set up Clark Foyster Wines with Isabelle Clark and they have developed a portfolio of eclectic wines focussing largely on high quality producers in Austria, Portugal, Burgundy and Southern France and more recently New Zealand and Yarra Valley, Australia. Lance is known for his considered opinions and bright shirts. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Elizabeth Gabay MW
Languedoc-Roussillon
After graduating with a history degree and a couple of years in publishing, the theatre and backpacking, Elizabeth concentrated on wine. Since the mid 1980s she has specialised in the wines of south eastern France. Until having children, Elizabeth was an independent wine merchant, educator, consultant, corporate events host and lecturer on historic wines. She graduated as a Master of Wine in 1998. Since moving to south east France in 2002 she has continued teaching and has been working on her first book. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Vashti Galpin
South AfricaVashti Galpin qualified as a Cape Wine Master in 2006 after starting formal wine studies in 1999. Her CWM research report "Comparison of legislation about winemaking additives and processes" compares the legislation of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and the USA regarding additives, processes and labelling. She has set exams and lectured for the Cape Wine Academy in Johannesburg. Dr Galpin is a computer science academic and currently works at the University of Edinburgh. From 1997 to 2007, she lectured at University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Caroline Gilby MW
Central & Eastern Europe
Dr Caroline Gilby MW is a freelance writer specialising in Central & Eastern Europe. She contributes to several publications including Decanter, the Oxford Companion to Wine and Hugh Johnson's Pocket Book. She has a PhD in plant sciences but left science to become senior wine buyer for a major UK retail chain. Caroline also works as an independent consultant to the wine trade and wine educator, and judges at several international wine competitions. She has been in the wine business 20 years. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
David Gill MW
Spain
David has over 25 years experience in the UK wine trade with significant spells working at Buckingham Wines in London, then becoming UK MD for Nicolas, sales and marketing director for Bulgarian Vintners, central wine buyer at Waitrose, and currently at Bottle Green, where he has been since 1996. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Central & Eastern Europe
Robert lives near Ljubljana, Slovenia, where he has written about wine since 1994. Beside regular contributions to Slovenian periodicals he is a contributor to the Oxford Wine Companion and Wine Atlas. He is the author of the Wine guide - Slovenia 2008. He has judged several national and international wine competitions. He and his wife founded first Slovenian wine school Belvin where he also teaches. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Port & Madeira
Sixth generation of the founder of Fonseca Guimaraens and eldest son of Bruce Guimaraens, Fonseca winemaker from 1961 to '95, he might have been expected to consider following suit. At age 18, he set out to experience winemaking in Australia, California and Oregon. David Guimaraens formalized his education in oenology at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia. After graduating and working in Australia, he returned to Portugal in 1990 to join the Fonseca winemaking team and has been instrumental in producing the Fonseca and Taylor Fladgate wines since 1991. David Guimaraens serves as a Director of Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca, overseeing the winemaking of both houses. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Lisa Shara Hall
Italy
Lisa Shara Hall is the author of Wines of the Pacific Northwest and the co-author of The Food Lover's Companion to Portland. She serves as Senior Editor for Wine Business Monthly, Wine Business Insider and Winebusiness.com and writes for numerous publications including The Oxford Companion to Wine, The Hugh Johnson/Jancis Robinson World Atlas of Wine and Decanter. She is a frequent lecturer and educator and has been in the wine business 15 years. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
New Zealand
I was born and educated in Auckland, New Zealand. My interest was always wine and when I came to the UK on a "two year" working holiday in 1975, I attended the various courses run by the WSET. I started Fine Wines of New Zealand in 1985 by importing 100 cases of wines from small family-run properties. I passed the Master of Wine exam in 1991. In 1998, I was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit. In 2006 I was awarded Honorary Life Member to New Zealand Winegrowers for services to the industry. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Andrew Hawes
Australia, Bordeaux, Spain
Andrew joined Oddbins in early 80s, managing various London shops. He was Bentalls wine Buyer from 1988 to 1996 before moving onto become Selfridges' head wine Buyer in 1996. He joined McKinley Vintners as General Manager in January 2007. He has been in the wine business 27 years and 7 months. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Ben Henshaw
Languedoc-Roussillon, Regional France, Spain
Ben joined the wine trade in 2002 to work on the sales and marketing of Domaine Saint Hilaire, his families' newly acquired Languedoc vineyard. He set up Indigo Wine the following year focusing initially on importing wines from Southern France. Since then he has broadened the range to include one of the UK's best Spanish portfolios. Ben is also a regular taster at the Decanter panel tastings. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Spain
Amy is a New Zealand winemaker. She studied at Lincoln University and then worked in New Zealand, Australia, Italy and Spain. She has been based in Spain for the last 6 years and is a Spanish wine specialist. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
John Hoskins MW
Australia
John was born into a family of hoteliers but had no intention of joining his relations, studying English literature instead. However, he took over the family's wine-buying while studying for his exams and became the first person in the restaurant business to become a Master of Wine. In 1994, he formed his own company - Huntsbridge - a group of Chef-run restaurants offering top quality wine and food in an informal setting. He now owns a single hotel-restaurant: The Old Bridge at Huntingdon, Cambs. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Justin Howard-Sneyd MW
Languedoc-Roussillon
Justin entered the wine trade in 1991 when he worked as a 'helper' on the International Wine Challenge. In the following 6 years, he worked in a small wine shop, ran wine tasting courses, did a stint with Oddbins, and worked 6 vintages in South Africa, France, Hungary and Romania. In 1997, he joined Safeway as a buyer, and began to study for the Master of Wine exam. Justin became a Master of Wine in 1999. He spent five years as a wine buyer for Sainsbury's and joined the Waitrose team in September 2005. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Susan Hulme MW
Italy
Susan became a Master of Wine in 2005. She runs her own wine training business, Vintuition, and is a consultant and wine educator. Since 2005, Susan has been Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators (AWE). As Chairman she has organised many educational seminars and trips to wine regions around the world. She is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and has assisted in editing the Hachette Wine Guide. Susan has taught WSET courses for many years and has lectured at Diploma level. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Alex Hunt
USA
Alex joined the wine trade as a van driver for Oddbins while studying Philosophy and Psychology at Oxford, where he captained the Varsity Blind Tasting team. He joined Mayfair Cellars in 2000, holding both sales and buying roles. In 2006 he moved to Berkmann Wine Cellars, where he is currently Purchasing Director. Alex passed the theory and tasting components of the Master of Wine exams at the first attempt in 2004, and remains at the dissertation stage. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Tim Johnston
Australia
I entered the wine business in 1966 as one of the last trainees at Hedges & Butler. I spent eight months in 1967 working as a slave ('stagiaire') at Château Cantenac Brown, working in the vines (with horses) and in the cellars. I left England in the summer of '69. I worked with Melvyn Master in Aix until 1978 shipping wine to America. In 1976 I married one of Melvyn's aupair girls and after crossing the states on a motorbike, I did a harvest at Montelena. Stephanie and I fell in love with the life in California and over the next few years I worked (illegally of course) a few months nearly every year - either making wine, or working in the French Laundry, when it was a 'real restaurant'. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Tony Jordan
Australia
After obtaining a PhD in Physical chemistry from the University of Sydney Tony's early career was as a Research Scientist. He became involved in the wine industry as a Lecturer in Oenology at Charles Sturt University, before establishing (with Brian Croser) the winemaking consultancy, Oenotec, which consulted on wine and viticulture to 30 wineries in Australia, New Zealand, USA and France over a ten year period. Towards the end of this period in 1986, Tony was engaged by Moët & Chandon, initially as a Consultant and later as Managing Director / Winemaker and established Domaine Chandon / Green Point in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. In the 1990's Tony's role was expanded to that of Consultant Winemaker to the Chandon wineries in California, Argentina and Brazil. In 2003 he was appointed to his current position as CEO/Winemaker of the three Moët-Hennessy Wine Estates Group of wineries in Australia and New Zealand, namely Domaine Chandon / Green Point in Victoria, Cape Mentelle in West Australia and Cloudy Bay in New Zealand. Judged 2008
Central & Eastern Europe
Darrel is based in Vienna, Austria, and began writing about the wines of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe in 1995, when Hungary´s Tokaji and Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from Austria captured his palate. Since then, his work has appeared in publications including Decanter, decanter.com, Wine Spectator, Hugh Johnson´s Pocket Wine Guide and Harpers. Darrel also conducts wine tastings and seminars internationally. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Martin Lam
Chile
In 1981 he opened Le Caprice as head chef with Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, before moving to L'Escargot as Head chef in 1982. Throughout the 80s L'Escargot was the centre of the wine world in London with tastings, wine lunches and dinners every week. In 1992, he set up Ransome's Dock with his wife. The restaurant is used for tastings and dinners by winemakers from around the world. Martin is an Academician Mentor of the Academy of Culinary Arts and a member of The Master Chefs of Great Britain. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Jeannie Cho Lee
Middle East, Far East & Asia
Born in Korea, Jeannie Cho Lee's interest in wine began at Oxford University and compelled her to take wine classes whenever she had the chance. She writes regularly for various international magazines, including Wine Spectator, The World of Fine Wine, and Revue du Vin. An in-demand judge at international wine competitions and an educator, Jeannie has been teaching Wine and Spirit Education Trust courses since 2004. Jeannie is working towards her Master of Wine and is also a Certified Wine Educator. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Isabelle Legeron
Australia, Italy
Growing up on a vineyard in Cognac, Isabelle spent her younger life tending vines with her family, picking walnuts, figs and making sausages. Today, Isabelle leads sell-out courses at The Wine School, which she co-founded with London's Divertimenti store. Her company Wine Lab hosts bespoke wine-tasting and gastronomic events for clients in the City and she is currently working towards her Master of Wine. Isabelle makes regular appearances on television, both domestically and internationally and has just completed her third series of Journey into Wine that has seen her traveling to South Africa, Spain, Portugal and Australia. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Joanna Locke MW
South Africa
After starting in Harrods wine dept, Jo spent four years at London wholesaler Michael Morgan. From there, she joined Grants of St James's in Guildford, before moving to Cellarworld and The Fulham Road Wine Centre in London. She passed the Master of Wine exam in 1990. In 1991 Jo became a wine buyer at Threshers before joining John E Fells & Sons in 2000. Since 2004, Jo has been a wine buyer at The Wine Society. She was elected Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine in 2006. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Matthieu Longuère
Portugal, Spain
Originally from Bordeaux, I studied catering at college for 6 years before coming to England in 1994. Since then I worked as a head sommelier at Lucknam Park near Bath, the Hotel du Vin in Bristol and La Trompette Restaurant in Chiswick. I won the UK Sommelier of the year competition Trophée Ruinart in 2000, passed the WSET Diploma in 2002 and became a Master Sommelier in 2005. I speak French, Spanish, English and basic Swedish. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Luciana Lynch
Italy
During her 35 years in the Wine Trade, Luciana Lynch held senior positions with leading UK companies such as Hedges & Butler, Findlater Matta, Remy Associés and Enotria, before setting up her own business and consultancy in the late eighties. Her entire career saw her engaged in selling and sourcing wines, especially from Italy. Luciana also played a significant part as an educator. Although now retired, Luciana is still regarded as one of the country's most knowledgeable authorities on Italian wines. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Ken Mackay MW
Central & Eastern Europe, South Africa
Ken has worked in the wine trade since graduating from Oxford in 1999. He joined the Waitrose buying team in March 2008, prior to which he worked for five years as a wine buyer for an independent merchant. Ken became a Master of Wine in 2006 at the age of 28, winning several scholarships in the process, and remains the youngest MW in the world. He is now wine buyer at Waitrose and responsible for sourcing wines from North America, Germany, Eastern Europe and England. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Pierre Mansour
USA
After an introduction into the wine trade in 1995 with the Antique Wine Company, I spent 4 years with Berry Bros & Rudd as Duty Manager of their Heathrow store. I completed the WSET Diploma in 1998. From there I joined Vinopolis as Tastings' Manager. In 2000, I joined The Wine Society, overseeing tastings and events. I took on the role of Buyer at The Wine Society in 2004. I currently buy the Society's Australian, New Zealand, Spanish and Lebanese wines. I am also studying for the Master of Wine. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Spain
Tim entered the wine trade with Oddbins in 1997. He worked for Lea & Sandeman, The Winery, Wimbledon Wine Cellars, and Richards Walford in a variety of sales, management and buying roles. In 2006 he joined Bibendum Wine as a buyer. His areas of responsibility include France, North America, Iberia, Germany, Austria. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Italy
Peter McCombie is a restaurant wine consultant and writer. An authority on the wines of Italy and Spain he is a frequent judge of wine competitions and is a teacher and lively public speaker. Judged 2008
Spain
After University, I took up a role as a Graduate Trainee Buyer at Sainsbury's. My time at Sainsbury's was spent in the Wine Department where I bought wine from Spain, South America, Germany, Portugal and managed the Organic wine range. In 2006 I joined Threshers as a Wine Buyer and at various points looked after Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, North America, South America, Champagne, Sparkling wines and Fortified wines. I joined Spar as a Wine Trading Manager and look after some PR and marketing. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Bordeaux, Loire, Spain
In 1999, I started working part-time for S.H.Jones (Leamington Spa) while completing post-graduate research in theoretical physics. After short stints at Thresher and Sainsbury's, I joined the WSET in 2004. I was given the task of finding out how the qualifications and materials could be improved. Since then, alongside updating and writing textbooks, I have been studying for the Master of Wine exam. I am currently Research and Development Director and the WSET. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Rebecca Murphy
USA
Over the course of 35 years, Rebecca has risen from being the first female wine steward in Texas, to forming her own consulting firm, Vintage Productions, to becoming an accredited writer of wine-related articles. She is also well known for founding several of the country's most successful wine competitions. She also continues to develop seminars, wine tastings and dinners to educate consumers and members of the trade on all aspects of wine production, tasting and enjoyment. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Alsace, Regional France
After a degree in History, Marcel joined the retail wine trade where he learned the nuts and bolts of selling wine on the shop floor. In 1987 he joined The IEC Wine Society as buyer, where he has specialised almost exclusively in French wines. The Wine Society is one of the most important shippers of fine wine from the Rhône Valley, Alsace and top estates in Languedoc Roussillon and southwest France. Marcel has played a significant part in making these wines better known to over 100,000 members of The Wine Society who buy each year. He also buys Champagne and Beaujolais for The Wine Society. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Michael Palij MW
Italy
Michael was born in 1966 in Toronto, Canada. In 1989 he emigrated to the UK after reading English and Philosophy at the University of Toronto and joined Oddbins where he worked for four years. Four years later, he was recruited by Windrush Wines as their wine buyer and in 1995 he formed the independent wine importers, 'Winetraders'. He writes for numerous magazines and books. An accredited tutor with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust for Foundation, Intermediate, Professional and Advanced Certificates and Diploma, he also lectures in England, Ireland, Barbados, Spain and Norway. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Rebecca Palmer
USA
Rebecca has worked as Commercial Buyer for Corney & Barrow for the past 2 years. She is responsible for the C&B's core wine portfolio for both the Merchanting and Wine bars' businesses, covering all world regions. Prior to that Rebecca was buyer at Laithwaites specialized in France and South America. A modern languages graduate, she has worked in the wine trade for over 12 years. Judged 2008
Australia, New Zealand, Spain
Chrsitine is Group Wine Buyer for Hakkasan. She is responsible for wine in Alan Yau's restaurants: Hakkasan (London & Istanbul), Yauatcha, Busaba, Sake No Hana and Cha Cha Moon. Christine qualified as a Chef over 25 years ago, progressing into Food & Beverage Management and Operations Director roles. Having bought wine for every restaurant she worked with, she moved into her dream job six years ago, buying wine for Hakkasan. Christine holds the WSET Diploma, and is studying for Master of Wine. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Bob Paulinski MW
Chile, Spain
Bob Paulinski, MW had been an independent wine retailer in the US for sixteen years, until selling his business in 2002. Later that year, he completed the Master of Wine program. Since that time, he was the Category Manager/Senior Buyer for Sam's Club US through 2007. He has traveled extensively to the world's wine regions, with a particular interest in Chile. He remains active in the Master of Wine education program with emphasis on the Business of Wine paper. Judged 2008
Italy
Educated at Tonbridge School and Trinity College, Oxford Sebastian holds MA degrees in Literae Humaniores (Latin and Classical Greek) and in Medieval and Modern Greek. He started in the wine trade in 1970 working for Fred May, a shipper specialising in wines of France, Germany and Hungary. He joined The Wine Society in 1973 as Promotions Manager responsible for publications. In 1985 he became Chief Buyer travelling to all major wine regions in the world. He passed his Masters of Wine in 1977. He was Chairman of the Masters of Wine Institute in 1995 and Chairman of Masters of Wine Examiners in 1996. He is also a Chevalier dans l'ordre du Mérite Agricole. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Canada, Spain
Based in Vancouver, Canada, Barbara Philip is a consultant and presenter with 13 years experience in the wine business. Barbara's background is in the restaurant trade and she is now Curriculum Department Head for the International Sommelier Guild (ISG). Over the past 6 years, she has trained sommeliers in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Austin. Barbara is a guest instructor for the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) level 4 Diploma program. She is the first female Master of Wine from Canada. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Fabricio Portelli
Argentina
I have been a professional sommelier (ASI) and wine journalist since 2000. I have been the wine editor of some of the best wine & food magazines in Argentina during the last eight years: JOY (2000-2004), Elgourmet (2004-2007); and now I am publisher of El Conocedor magazine. I am an international wine judge (Vinitaly 2004 and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Maastricht 2007, Bordeaux 2008). I am working hard to be the most recognized refrence for argentinian wines, not only here but in the rest of the World. Judged 2008 Back to top <Back to country list
Freddy Price
Alsace, Germany
Freddy started in the wine trade in 1953. He joined Dolamore, a family-owned London wine merchant in 1955. This company changed hands and in 1985 Freddy decided to look for greener pastures. He then represented a number of French and German wine estates in England, as well as writing occasionally for Decanter and participating in many panel tastings. In 2002 he retired in order to concentrate on wine writing. This involved travelling the world with his wife Janet to write his book Riesling Renaissance. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Luis Aguilar Pryde
Spain
Luis was born and brought up in Australia. After finishing degrees in engineering and economics, like many countrymen he made the move to Europe. Soon after arriving in Madrid in 1993, he started a wine importing and distribution business where he introduced Australian wine to Spain. He regularly teaches wine tasting to both enthusiasts and sommeliers. After a three year stint at Real Madrid Television he currently works with the Spanish news service, Agencia EFE. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Margaret Rand
Bordeaux
Margaret Rand is a previous editor of Wine Magazine, Wine & Spirit International and Whisky Magazine. As a writer Decanter is, naturally, her true love, but she is also close to World of Fine Wine and has wild flings with Wine & Spirit and Drinks Business, and the occasional flirtation with the FT. She is general editor of Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book, and her latest book, Grapes & Wines (with Oz Clarke), has just been updated and is an utter bargain. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
David Ridgway
Bordeaux, USA
I started in the trade in 1975 and have been running the Tour d'Argent cellars since 1981. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Juan Carlos Rincón
Spain
Juan Carlos is a journalist, radio & TV presenter, professional taster and Wine Specialist for the BBC (Spanish Department). His expertise is in wines of Latin America (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brasil, Perú, Bolivia, Colombia, México), wines from Spain and France, especifically Saint Emilion and Chateauneuf du Pape. He loves and has a lot of experience with Cabernet Franc, Carmenere and Grenache. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Liz Robertson MW
Central & Eastern Europe
Liz has over 30 years experience in the wine business, seven of which were spend at Matthew Clark, six at Green's of
the Royal Exchange, 12 at Safeway supermarkets and eight as an independent consultant. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Thomas Rooch
Italy
Thomas speaks and writes fluent Chinese, German, English and some Japanese. Currently, he is the Chief Operating Officer of AWSEC - Asia Wine Service & Education Centre in Hong Kong. Thomas is a distinguished member of The Sommeliers of Asia, official 'Ambassador of German Wine' by the German Wine Institute, and has been a member of various international wine judging panels, including the Decanter World Wine Awards, Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao Wine Challenge, and the ICCCW in Beijing among others. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Nick Room
Chile
Nick joined Waitrose in 1987, initially buying beers and spirits before moving into wine. Passing the Diploma of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in 1992, he then bought wine for the mail order side of the business before returning to the main buying office in 1998. Nick's speciality is Spain and Portugal and is responsible for an award-winning list of Sherry and also National Portuguese Retailer of the Year 2005 and 2006. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Hugo Rose MW
Bordeaux
After almost 20 years with UK fine wine merchants Lay & Wheeler, Hugo set up his own consultancy offering a variety of intellectual services to the wine industry. These include expert advice, project development and implementation, cellar maturity evaluation and corporate presentations. He is a frequent contributor to wine journals in both the UK and abroad. He became a Master of Wine in 1992, serving as Chairman of the Institute in 2002. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Burgundy, Germany
Mark Savage was born in 1949 in Kampala, Uganda. He was President of the Oxford University Wine Circle 1969/1970 and also a member of the Oxford v. Cambridge wine tasting team 1970/71. He was awarded the Vintners Company Scholarship in 1975 and became a Master of Wine in 1980. He is also the author of 'The Red Wines of Burgundy' (Octopus Press 1988), a recognised Authority on the wines of the USA Pacific Northwest, honorary Director of the first International Pinot Noir Celebration, Oregon and is best known as proprietor and Chief Executive of Savage Selection, a UK wine importer, wholesaler, and retailer, that currently works with around 100 small wine estates in 15 different countries. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Michèle Shah
Italy
Michèle is a wine, food and travel writer based in Italy for over 30 years. She writes articles for specialist magazines including Decanter, Wine Spectator, Wine Business International, Vini, Slowfood, Corriere Vinicolo, Wino Magazyn and Der Feinschmecker, and most recently Sommelier India and Le Connoisseur (Puerto Rico). She is also a consultant to the Italian wine trade, organizing tasting events and workshops. In 2006 Mitchell Beazley published the new, revised edition of Wines of Italy under her authorship. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Andrew Shaw
Rhône
Andrew Shaw's career in wine began at Oddbins, managing branches whilst studying the Wine Diploma before gaining further winery experience with six months in New Zealand. Subsequently wine buying, largely with mail order specialist, providing considerable opportunity to travel around the world, before joining Waitrose in January 2007. He is wine buyer at Waitrose and responsible for Bordeaux, Rhone, South of France, Italy and South Africa. Andrew is currently studying for the Master of Wine. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Christopher Sherwood
Spain
Christopher is general manager of Mill Hill Wines in North London and has been in the wine trade since 2001. He completed a Wine MBA in 2004, concentrating on strategic theory and its application to the development of the Portuguese table wine industry. Prior to his role in Mill Hill Christopher focused on Spain and Portugal as buyer for Thameside Wines in Putney. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Greg Sherwood MW
Bordeaux, New Zealand, South Africa
Greg was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and as the son of a career diplomat, spent his first 21 years travelling the globe with his parents. All the related wining and dining, in the line of duty, is where he first realised his passion for fine wine. As Marketing Manager for fine wines from 2000 to 2006, and more recently Senior Wine Buyer for fine wines at Handford Wines in South Kensington in London, Greg has had the opportunity to buy, sell and taste some of the most finely-crafted and sought-after wines in the world. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Stephen Skelton MW
Loire, New Zealand
Stephen started his career in wine in 1975. After 12 months at Schloss Schönborn in Germany's Rheingau winegrowing region and two terms at Geisenheim Wine School, he returned to the UK in 1977 to establish Tenterden Vineyards in Kent where he made wine for 23 vintages. He was winemaker at Lamberhurst Vineyards from 1988-91. Stephen is a consultant to the English wine industry and is involved with planting vineyards for the production of sparkling wine. He became a Master of Wine in 2003. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Portugal
Luís' first studies in enology were at the Bourgone University where he did technical Enological Courses. He then passed a winemaking course at the Charles Stuart University in New South Wales, Australia. He also has a Masters from the Universidade Católica in Porto, his home town. He joined the Sogrape Winemaking department in 1989, as assistant winemaker for the Douro Region. Now he is head-winemaker for Douro table wines and its three Port brands: Offley, Ferreira and Sandeman. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Walter Speller
Italy
Walter started in wine working as a sommelier and wine buyer for an Italian restaurant in Berlin. Walter passed several WSET qualifications in Berlin. Before settling in London he worked for four months in Bordeaux at Château Haut-Bages-Libéral. In 2003 Walter started at Le Pont de la Tour, first as a Sommelier, then as wine buyer. In his spare time he still finds time to consult several Italian estates on marketing. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Italy, USA
Patricia is a winemaker, wine consultant and educator and a qualified architect and structural engineer. She is an external lecturer at the WSET in the UK and overseas, and in the Wine Studies Programmes at Plumpton College. She regularly judges for UK and French wine competitions. She is current Chairman of the UK Vineyards Association Wine of the Year Competition. She advises clients on winery design and is currently managing two winery conversion projects in France and one in England. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Vicki Stephens-Clarkson
Chile
Vicki joined the wine trade in 2000 and has worked in sales and buying with numerous wine companies including Oddbins, Lay & Wheeler and Direct Wines as well as working in wineries in France, Australia and Argentina. Specialist regions include Chile, Argentina and the Rhone Valley. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Gerd Stepp
Argentina
Gerd Stepp's family has been growing grapes in the Pfalz for generations. He has been actively involved in the wine trade for 22 years, working in, Germany, New Zealand, Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria) and Italy. For the last eight years, Stepp has been a winemaker for Marks and Spencer. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Greece
Karen began her career in the wine trade at an Independent Wine Merchant in South London in 1991. She moved to Oddbins in 1994 where she was PR manager for 9 years. During this time Oddbins was the first retailer to bring an extensive, premium range of Greek wines into the UK giving her a unique opportunity to get to know the wines of Greece and many of its winemakers. In 2003 she set up her own PR business working with a number of different wineries from around the world. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Rhône
Simon came to wine after 23 years at Sotheby's as a picture expert and manager. He founded Stone, Vine & Sun in 2006. He loves the Rhone, especially the south, and has drunk the wines happily ever since University days. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Chile
Terry has been involved in the fine dining industry for 15 years and left his native Vancouver 6 years ago to pursue his passion for wine in London. After a stint as head sommelier at Richard Corrigan's Lindsay House and time as a fine wine consultant, he joined Chez Bruce (Decanter Magazine's Restaurant of the Year 2006) in 2004 as head sommelier and wine buyer. Terry returns to Vancouver annually as acting sommelier and wine advisor to the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, one of the world's largest consumer based wine festivals. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Steve Thurlow
Canada, South Africa
Steve Thurlow is a Senior Editor at Wine Access magazine, Canada's national Wine and Food magazine. He co-founded the International Value Wine Awards with Anthony Gismondi and was its director for its first 2 years. Steve is a judge at many international wine competitions and has judged for many years at the Canadian Wine Awards. In 2001, Steve established his wine education business, Wine for Life which teaches consumer, restaurant and corporate groups about wine. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Philip Tuck MW
Burgundy
I have been in the wine business for 22 years. I started straight out of university in 1986 when I joined Avery's in Bristol. From here I worked in wineries abroad for a while in various countries - South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, California , Chile and finally Tuscany in Italy. I returned to the UK in 1993 to help set up the new Hatch Mansfield where I am now the Wine Director. I passed the Master of Wine exams in 1999. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Jason Turner
Austria
Jason, originally from Devon, moved to Vienna to work with wine in 2002 after his degree in languages. He joined Wein & Co, Austria's leading fine wine retail chain, and climbed the internal vine from sales assistant to marketing manager, and was in charge of organising the customer tastings and wine fairs. Jason continues to hold wine seminars on Austrian wines and also manages the export for a leading producer. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Alistair Viner
Bordeaux
Alistair joined the trade in 1988 with Geoffrey Roberts working in a team of three to run the Winery and Les Amis du Vin shops. He then travelled extensively for 5 years ending up in South Africa, gaining valuable experience at Villiera Estate before running a new fine wine shop in Cape Town. On returning to the UK he joined Harrods in 1995 (Tea and Coffee dept) and took over as manager of the Wine Dept in 1996. From there he progressed in the role of assistant buyer and took over the buyership in September 2000. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
David Wainwright
Australia
A protégé of Michael Broadbent, David spent 10 years at Christie's. He now runs his own consultancy traveling the world tasting and advising on fine wines. Regularly hosting tastings and dinners on everything from Felton Road to Petrus, David is in strong demand to convey his knowledge to collectors, restaurants and producers. As well as studying for his Master of Wine he judges, writes and is a regular member of Decanter's tasting panels. He is the Senior International Advisor for Zachys. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Lilyane Weston
Regional France
Lilyane Weston is a Wine Writer with 40 years' experience in the wine trade. She has received the Wine Trade Club Educational Trophy and is a Member of the Circle of Wine Writers and the International Federation of Wine Writers. She is Regular contributor to several magazines and also participates regularly in most of the OIV (Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin) international wine competitions. For the last 18 years I have been the proprietor of a wholesale wine business in Hertfordshire. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
Tim Wildman
Regional France, Italy
Tim has over 16 years' experience in the wine trade, starting with a ten-year stint with Oddbins. After that, he spent five years with Cachet Wine before joining Les Caves de Pyrene in Guildford. Judged 2008 Back to top Back to country list
