
Shivani Tomar
Born and raised in India, Shivani is the awards manager at Decanter, managing the 300-strong cohort of worldwide judges for the world's largest wine competition, the Decanter World Wine Awards, ensuring a seamless judging process and driving the competitive integrity of the awards. After earning a master’s in wine management from the Burgundy School of Business, she moved to London in 2016 and completed her WSET diploma. While Burgundy holds a special place in her heart, Champagne is her go-to bottle. Alongside her full-time role, she has been dipping her toes into wine writing, relishing the opportunity to bring wine stories to the surface. She serves on the Drinks United Advisory Council board, an organization dedicated to fostering a united UK drinks industry where all individuals feel supported, included, and safe.
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DWWA Regional Chair for Bordeaux: Matthew Stubbs MW
Matthew Stubbs MW, a highly accomplished wine professional and educator, is the joint Regional Chair for Bordeaux at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 (DWWA).
By Shivani Tomar Last updated
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DWWA Regional Chair for Beaujolais, Southwest and Rest of France: Dominique Vrigneau
Dominique Vrigneau is Buying Director at Watermill Wines and a Chevalier du Tastevin.
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DWWA Regional Chair for Austria & Switzerland: Stefan Neumann MS
Stefan Neumann MS runs his own consultancy and online blinding tasting course.
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DWWA Regional Chair for Alsace: Thierry Meyer
Thierry Meyer is the Regional Chair for Alsace at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026.
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DWWA judge profile: Robert Mathias MW
Master of Wine and wine buyer specialising in Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Colin Thorne
Wine buyer at Vagabond group of wine bars & shops. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Zsuzsa Toronyi
Wine marketer specialising in promoting Central and Eastern European wine. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Wieteke Teppema
Former sommelier, now the commercial director and wine buyer for Drop Wine Shops and App. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Victoria Daskal
International wine writer, presenter, consultant and WSET Diploma educator. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Valentin Radosav
Former sommelier, now the learning and development manager at Conrad St James Hotel. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Tom Hewson
Champagne correspondent, Decanter Magazine and specialist on the world's sparkling wines. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Tim Marson MW
Master of Wine with over 25 years of international judging experience and buying director for a major US online wine and spirits retailer. Based in the US.
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DWWA judge profile: Tamas Czinki MS
Hungary's first and only master sommelier, currently the wine director at Culinaris wholesale. Based in Hungary.
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DWWA judge profile: Stefan Kobald
Head sommelier at Core by Clare Smyth, a three michelin starred restaurant in London. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Shane Jones
Wine and sake educator teaching accredited programmes in the UK, France and Germany. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Saša Špiranec
Renowned wine writer specializing in New Europe wines. Based in Croatia.
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DWWA judge profile: Sanya Abhay
Independent consultant and educator. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Rostislav Petrov
Commercially minded wine professional with over 15 years of industry experience. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Rick Fisher
Author and educator on the wines of Spain. Based in the US.
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DWWA judge profile: Richard Maltby
Expert retail wine maker & buyer with specialism in wine blending in France, South Africa & South America. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Philip Rich
Australian wine writer, senior show judge and consultant. Based in Australia.
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DWWA judge profile: Peter Mitchell MW
Experienced buyer specializing in high end trade and retail. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Nigel Wilkinson MS
Master Sommelier and educator. Based in the UK.
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DWWA judge profile: Nicolas Clerc MS
Portfolio director at Armit Wines and president & founder of the UK Sommelier Academy. Based in the UK.
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