DWWA judge profile: Eleftherios Hanialidis MS
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Eleftherios Hanialidis MS is a judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).
Eleftherios Hanialidis MS
Eleftherios Hanialidis began his career in the hospitality industry in 2001 and has since worked extensively as a head sommelier, as well as a consultant for restaurants, wine bars, and wine retail stores. In August 2023, he achieved the distinction of becoming the first Greek Master Sommelier, having previously earned the A.S.I. Diploma (Gold Pin) in 2018.
Competing for the first time in 2017, he secured 3rd place in the Best Sommelier of Greece competition and was honored with the award for Best First Appearing Sommelier of Greece. In 2020, he won the prestigious title of Best Sommelier of Greece.
Eleftherios is a columnist for Oinoxoos magazine of Kathimerini newspaper and an instructor at Genius in Gastronomy.
Throughout his career, he has served as a judge for several esteemed wine competitions and continuously expands his expertise in wine, sake, spirits, and beer. He joined the DWWA judging panel in 2024.
See more of Elegtherios’ work on his website and follow him on Instagram.
See more judges for the 2026 DWWA.
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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.