DWWA judge profile: Christine Parkinson

Christine Parkinson is a judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Christine Parkinson

Christine Parkinson started her career in the kitchen, moving into management after three years as head chef. Eventually she followed her passion for wine, and in 2001 created the first wine list for Hakkasan. She held the position of group head of wine, with restaurants worldwide including the Michelin-starred Hakkasan and Yauatcha, as well as Sake No Hana, Herringbone and Ling Ling.

Parkinson has been called “one of the most creative wine buyers in the UK” by Jancis Robinson, and has won awards including ‘Taste On-Trade Influencer’, ‘Imbibe Restaurant Personality of the Year, and ‘IWC Sake Contributor of the year’. Her wine lists have also won many awards, including ‘World of Fine Wine’, ‘Wine Spectator’ and ‘Imbibe / Louis Roederer Wine List of the Year ‘ and in 2016 she led Hakkasan Group to the WSET Educator of the Year global award.

Having left Hakkasan in 2019, she is co-founder of specialist no and low alcohol consultancy, Brimful Drinks. She is the drinks specialist and director of ChrisWineSake. She is also known as the voice behind podcast The Alcohol-free Sommelier.

Christine Parkinson first judged at the DWWA in 2006.

See more judges for the 2026 DWWA.