DWWA judge profile: Pietro Russo MW

Pietro Russo MW is a new judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Pietro Russo MW

Pietro Russo is an Italian winemaker from Marsala with a strong international background in viticulture, oenology, and wine strategy. He holds a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Conegliano and a Master’s degree from Bordeaux, and has gained extensive hands-on experience through multiple harvests in France, Spain, New Zealand, Piedmont, and Sicily. These experiences have allowed him to work across a wide range of climatic, culturala nd production contexts.

In February 2024, Pietro became Italy’s third Master of Wine. He now works as a strategic and technical consultant for wine companies, supporting projects that integrate vineyard management, winemaking, portfolio development, and brand positioning.

He joins the Decanter World Wine Awards judging panel for the first time in 2026.

Follow Pietro on Instagram.

See more judges for the 2026 DWWA.

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. She serves on the Drinks United Advisory Council board.