DWWA judge profile: Matt Smith

Matt Smith is a judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Matt Smith

Matt Smith is the Director of Wines at St. JOHN, overseeing all wine interests for the renowned London restaurant group.

He joined the wine trade in 2002 at Majestic Wine before moving to the Waitrose buying team in 2007. Over six years with the retailer, he sourced wines globally - from Burgundy and the South of France to Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Europe. In 2011, he was made a Chevalier de Tastevin for his services and commitment to Burgundy wines.

Smith subsequently held senior buying roles at Bibendum Wine followed by Berry Bros. & Rudd, where he developed the Italian fine wine portfolio. In 2021, he joined Naked Wines as Buying Director, shaping their portfolio and commercial strategy. Smith took up his current position at St JOHN at the start of 2026.

Matt Smith started judging for the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2011.

See more about Matt on his website here.

See more judges for the 2026 DWWA.