DWWA Regional Chair for Loire: Matthew Wilkin MS

Matthew Wilkin MS is the newly appointed Regional Chair for Loire at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA)

Matthew Wilkin MS

Matthew Wilkin MS, director of prestige sales at Alliance Wine | H2Vin, specialising in Spain, Loire, Burgundy, Rhône, and several new world regions, has been appointed Regional Chair for the Loire at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026.

With more than 30 years of expereince across the global wine industry, Matthew began his career in McLaren Vale, South Australia, before working across hospitality and wineries throughout Australia and France, and later settling in the UK.

South Australia’s first Master Sommelier and winner of the UK Sommelier of the Year (Champagne Trophée Ruinart 2005), Matthew has held numerous prestigious roles, including executive sommelier at The Capital Hotel in London’s two-Michelin-star restaurant with Chef Eric Chavot. There, he oversaw wine purchasing, staff training, private client tastings, and cellar management across six operations.

In addition to his current role at Alliance Wine, Matthew consults for several London restaurants, educates and examines for the Court of Master Sommeliers globally.

Matthew’s dedication and expertise have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the Wine International Sommelier of the Year, Harpers & Queen / Moët & Chandon Sommelier of the Year, Gosset Trophée Célèbris, Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence, and Young Australian Achiever of the Year in the UK 2009.

Away from wine Matthew is an avid sports motorcyclist, recreational skier, canoeist, mountain trekker, whilst also coaching ECB junior cricket and refereeing FA junior football matches for his son’s teams.

A long-standing DWWA judge since 2006, Matthew has led the Loire panels as a Senior Judge in recent years. 2026 marks his first year serving as Regional Chair, taking over the role from Jim Budd following his retirement. Matthew brings his deep knowledge of the Loire and decades of international wine experience to this new leadership role.

Follow Matthew on Instagram and X @MattWilkinMS.

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