DWWA judge profile: Alex Bridgeman

Alex Bridgeman is a judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Alex Bridgeman

Alex Bridgeman has been working with fortified wines for nearly 20 years. Over that time, he has accumulated a library of over 6,500 tasting notes on fortified wines, allowing many wines to be followed during their long, slow development to maturity.

In 2017, his passion for this style of wines resulted in him taking up the challenge of continuing to organise the Big Fortified Tasting (BFT) – including running a “Taste at Home” show during the COVID years. The BFT is the world’s largest and most diverse annual wine trade show dedicated exclusively to fortified wines.

In recognition of his on-going efforts to promote and educate consumers, buyers and restaurateurs, Alex was admitted into the Confraria do Vinho do Porto in 2016.

Alex joined the Decanter World Wine Awards as a judge for the first time in 2022.

See more of Alex’s work on his website and follow Alex on Instagram

See more judges for the 2026 DWWA.

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.