DWWA judge profile: Eddie McDougall

Eddie McDougall is a judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Eddie McDougall

Eddie McDougall is an experienced CEO and investor that has 20 years of experience in the areas of winery and vineyard management, private equity investments, beverage distribution, brand building and board advisory. Highly credible as a winemaker, wine judge, TV host, and public speaker, Eddie is truly one of the wine industry’s great contributors.

In 2010, Eddie founded The Flying Winemaker; a collection of wines produced from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Eddie actively manages all the winemaking and distribution relationships across the globe with the support of his highly talented team of grape growers and winemakers.

With a winemaking CV that has been described as “Legendary” by credible industry sources, Eddie has built his winemaking credentials under some of the world’s most iconic producers. Eddie has worked with the likes of Vietti, Mas de Daumas Gassac, Giant Steps, Deep Woods Estate, and Silver Heights. In addition, Eddie’s innovative approach to winemaking led him to become the first winemaker for Hong Kong’s urban winery.

Eddie has a Bachelors in International Business majoring in International Marketing & Communications (Griffith University, Australia) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Wine Technology & Viticulture (The University of Melbourne, Australia). In 2013, he was awarded a scholarship to the Len Evans Tutorial which is regarded as one of the world’s most elite wine assessment programs. In 2018, Eddie was the recipient of The Drinks Business’s Young Achiever Award.

Outside the world of wine, Eddie is an active board member for the Australian Chambers of Commerce, a passionate whisky cask investor, rugby coach, husband and father to two boys.

Follow Eddie on Instagram, and see his website here.

See more judges for the 2026 DWWA.