Laura Rhys MS is a judge at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).
Laura Rhys MS
Laura’s career in wine started as a Sommelier in 2004. The early years were spent alongside the industry’s finest, including World Sommelier Champion Gérard Basset MS, MW. In 2009, Laura won the prestigious “UK Sommelier of the Year” title and in 2010 achieved Master Sommelier status from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Laura’s time as a Sommelier saw her visit many of the world’s vineyards and head up wine teams for restaurants, including Gerard Basset’s Hotel TerraVina and Michelin-starred, award winning La Trompette.
Inspired by the passion of the English winemakers she met and excited by the quality of the wines she tasted, Laura continued her career at the pinnacle of the rapidly evolving English wine industry. Laura joined Gusbourne in 2015, as Global Ambassador, where her role encompassed ambassadorial and development duties both in UK and internationally, whilst also working closely with the winemaking and vineyard teams.
In her role as Head of Wine, Laura continues to work more closely with the winemaking team in Appledore taking a key role in grading, blending and trials. In addition to continuing her responsibilities as Global Ambassador, she also leads on communication and education of Gusbourne’s wines, both internally and externally, as well as active involvement in sales and marketing strategy and new product development.
Based in London, Laura is an active board member of the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe and a regular host of tastings, wine dinners and seminars. She judges for Sommelier competitions as well as national and international wine competitions. She was first a DWWA judge in 2011.
Follow Laura on X @laurarhysMS
See more judges for the 2024 DWWA.
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