DWWA judge profile: Dilyan Kolev

Dilyan Kolev is a judge at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Dilyan Kolev

Dilyan Kolev is a hospitality and wine industry professional with expertise on the development, trends, issues and ambitions of the producers and wines from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Born in Ruse, the biggest Bulgarian city on the river Danube, he was raised with the culture of assisting in his small family vineyard, overlooking the river. From a young age he helped with the grape picking, winemaking and rakia distilling every autumn.

After graduating with his Bachelor Degree in International Tourism and Masters in International Relations, he moved to the UK in 2005 and built a career in hospitality, reaching the level of Michelin star restaurant manager. He also undertook the WSET Advanced qualification and various wine and spirits trainings before switching to the wine trade for good 12 years ago.

Dilyan is currently the director of The Jolly Merchants, a specialist import and distribution company in the UK of wines, spirits, craft beers and deli products from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. You will find him working with various producers to discover interesting new products to introduce to the UK market, organising and promoting wine and food fairs, tasting events and dinners, and helping customers to build successful drinks and food menus.

See more judges for the 2025 DWWA.