DWWA judge profile: Anna Lee Iijima

Anna Lee Iijima is a new judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Anna Lee Iijima

Anna Lee C. Iijima is a New York and Tokyo based journalist. She writes a monthly wine column for The Chicago Tribune and contributes regularly to Decanter, Bon Appétit, Resy and The Full Pour, among other publications. She was previously a contributing editor and critic for Germany, the Rhône Valley, Burgundy, and New York at Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Anna Lee holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma and studied as a Stage 2 student with the Institute of Masters of Wine. A specialist in sake and shochu, she holds both Certified and Advanced Sake Professional qualifications and frequently writes on Japanese beverages and food culture. Anna Lee joins the Decanter World Wine Awards judging panel for the first time in 2026.

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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. She serves on the Drinks United Advisory Council board.