Judges

Panel Chairs

Anastasios Karakasis

Head of Wine & Wine Buyer

Bacchanalia

Originated from Patras, Greece. I worked in Greece, Cyprus and the last 5 years in London. Now I’m working as Head of Wine & Wine Buyer at Bacchanalia with previous experience Head of Wine/Buyer in Michelin Star restaurant Marcus at the Berkeley, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, The Carlton Club etc.. More than 10 years in wine and spirits industry working as Bartender, Sommelier, Consultant. Studied Tourism management, WSET, Court of Masters Sommelier.

Maria Cintoli

Head Sommelier

Gravetye Manor

My name is Maria Cintoli, I came in England six years ago, when I left Italy because I wanted to learn the language and be a Sommelier. Since then I’ve been working at Gravetye Manor, a beautiful Michelin star restaurant and hotel in the heart of Sussex and I’ve been staying for my wine courses. A couple of years ago the great promotion as Head Sommelier and the big achievement as Diploma WSET. The world of wine is incredible, I never stop learning, and the people involved are all so inspiring. I am enjoying every single step of my journey.

Senior Judges

Valentin Radosav

Head Sommelier

Gymkhana Restaurant London

Valentin is the current head sommelier at Gymkhana Restaurant London. Valentin's past experience includes working at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London for two years, one year at Burj Al Arab in Dubai and one year at Purnell's Restaurant in Birmingham. He is an advanced sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a WSET Diploma Graduate, winner of Sud de France Sommelier Competition in 2016, winner of Bellavita Best UK Sommelier 2017, part of winning team at the Chile Wine Bar War in 2015 at Imbibe Live.

Panel Judges

Adam Michocki

Currently a Master Sommelier candidate and part of UK Sommelier Association helping sommeliers in the North with their training and examinations. Ex Head Sommelier in a few Michelin starred restaurants like Chez Bruce, The Glasshouse, The Man Behind The Curtain and Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall turned ambassador for a wines made by families from little known countries, regions and grape varieties that can help you discover flavours you have never experienced before.

Alberto Gherardi

Alberto is a Head Sommelier and Stage 1 Master of Wine Student with strong background in the hospitality industry. Working on the trade allows Alberto to understand the recent trends as well as consumer buying behaviours. Alberto’s mission is to make wine education accessible to every wine lover, and that’s why he founded The Wine Jokers during the pandemic. Alberto is Head Sommelier at Ten Trinity.

Carolina Seibel

Assistant Head Sommelier

Petrus by Gordon Ramsay

Carolina started at Terrenos Winebar in Stockholm before working for famed TV chef Fredrik Eriksson’s Långbro Värdshus. A short stint in Sydney, Australia, saw her working at fine dining Berowra Waters Inn and wine maestro Stuart Knoxs’s Fix St James. But during her WSET Diploma studies, she moved to London for Michelin starred Portland where she took overall responsibility for wine, followed by running Comptoir Cafe and Wine, the Mayfair cafe and wine bar by Xavier Rousset MS. Her next challenge saw her embracing the world of chillie and wine pairings with the new tasting menu at Ramael Scully's Scully St James. Now she is to be found as Assistant Head Sommelier at Petrus by Gordon Ramsay.

Chris Goodale

Assistant Head Sommelier

The Five Fields Restaurants

Cong Cong Bo

Owner

Amphora

Cong (pronounced “Chong”) owns and runs a wine shop-bar hybrid Amphora in Cambridge, UK. Like most children of Chinese parents, she studied Medicine at Cambridge, but ultimately found wine to be the most satisfying meeting of science, sensory satisfaction, and skin contact. Since its inception in March 2022, Amphora has won a few awards: Decanter’s Newcomer of the Year 2023 and runner-up in Central & Eastern Europe Specialist Retailer of the Year 2023, as well as the local award Velvet Magazine Pub/Bar of the Year 2023. Cong has been listed in Harper’s Top 25 UK Sommeliers 2022 & 2023, and in CODE Hospitality’s Most Influential Women 2023.

Dario Barbato

Head of Wine and Wine Buyer

San Carlo Group

I am employed by Individual Restaurants Ltd as Head of Wine and Beverage, Wine Buyer for the 31 premium/casual locations that we operate nationwide. Individual Restaurants is affiliated with Iceland Foods Ltd. In my role, I manage the selection, purchasing and supply with a budget of 300k. As wine buyer, I select and manage wine suppliers and control the import and stocking. I oversee the learning and development programmes for the company, aimed to improve knowledge and skill of 800 employees as well as assisting with customer wine selection /pairings. I organise regular Masterclass events for our loyal guest base. In my role I taste , select and listing wines for the 4 separate brands (3 Italians and one international). Being WSET Certified Educator, is my responsibility to teach, to our staff, level 1,2 and 3. MW Student, Stage 1

Elizabeth Mellish

Elizabeth Mellish - Sommelier at Gleneagles Townhouse and Wine Writer for The Secret Sip Elizabeth works as a Sommelier in Edinburgh, Scotland for Gleneagles Townhouse and also specialises in food and wine writing for The Secret Sip. She has a first-class Master of Science in Viticulture and Oenology from Plumpton College and was recently listed in the Top 5 young sommeliers UK.

Elly Owen

Wine director

Old Garage wines

Now working both as a freelance sommelier and educator within the industry. Elly is hugely passionate about talking about the positive impact wine has on hospitality and front of house professions, giving people the education to support this at all levels.

Emer Landgraf

Head Sommelier

The Clove Club

In between lectures of a Finance degree, Emer Landgraf attended the 2016 Barolo release alongside Chiara Boschis. In awe of Chiara’s ethos and mission, it was from that point that Emer switched her focus from numbers to wine. Nearly one year to the day, Emer and her business partners Mark and Daniel opened up Mosconi, a 50 seater restaurant wine bar in the heart of James St, Brisbane. Since then, she moved to work for FINK group at OTTO Restaurant as Assistant Head Sommelier, helping to secure ‘Best Wine List of the Year’ Queensland for 2021. Emer is now the Head Sommelier at The Clove Club, 2 Michelin star and #38 in World’s 50 Best Restaurants, by Chef Patron Isaac Mchale.

Erin Donnelly

Sommelier

Heron

I fell in love with wine while working in New Zealand, following this I moved back to Edinburgh and spent a lot of time studying. From there I managed a wine bar before turning my hand to fine dining. I now work as the House Sommelier for Heron, working with a great team and an extensive wine list. We focus on the old world with a nod to the new world, and an 'off the beaten path' wine pairing alongside our tasting menu. Out of work I tend to spend my time living and breathing wine.

Filipe Bhering Reis

Director of Wine

The Connaught Hotel

Filipe Bhering Reis has carved an illustrious career in the wine industry - As the current Head of Wine at Koko & House of Koko, he oversees a multi-venue wine program in a thrilling new member's club situated backstage at London's iconic Koko. His expertise extends from prestigious roles such as Club Head Sommelier at Annabel's for over two years to leading the wine programme and being part of the opening team at Michelin-starred 23rd best restaurant in the World, Kol. More recently Filipe worked as a consultant curating wine programs at Broadwick Hotel Soho and going back to Work Closely with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver on his new Covent Garden restaurant. Filipe has also being awarded the Best 100 UK Sommelier in 2023.

Giancarlo Cuccuru

General Manager

Lutyens Grill at The Ned

I grew up in a hospitality family, working in my parents Italian restaurant. After studying Business and Hospitality management in Birmingham I have spent time working in Europe, North America and Australia. On returning to the UK I started working for The Gilbert Scott by Marcus Wareing where I was head Sommelier. I then moved to The Ned, where I am GM at Lutyens Grill, and working alongside group Sommelier Vincent Gasnier, I look after the wines for the hotel.

Giuseppe d'Aniello

Wine Director

The London EDITION’s Wine Director, Giuseppe D’Aniello .Having recently been named ‘The Best Sommelier, UK 2023’ by the UK Sommelier Association, this remarkable achievement is a true testament to his unparalleled expertise, dedication and unwavering passion for the art of wine. Hailing from Italy, Giuseppe’s passion for wine began at a young age, watching his father sample bottles at the family table. Having gained his Diploma Level 4 WSET in 2018 and becoming Advanced CMS in 2021, Giuseppe had a notable role at The Lanesborough, before joining The London EDITION as Wine Director.

Klearhos Kanellakis

Head Sommelier & Wine Buyer

Ekstedt at the Yard

Klearhos is Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer for the exciting new Nordic restaurant Ekstedt at the Yard, part of Great Scotland Yard hotel in Westminster, London. Previously, he was working as Head Sommelier of Trivet restaurant awarded Second best wine programme in London by Drinks Business magazine and International Special Jury Prize by Star Winelist. Before this role, Klearhos worked at 67 Pall Mall - private members’ club for wine lovers, initially joining the opening team and making his way to Assistant Head Sommelier position. Some of his favourite regions include Tokaj, Madeira, Northern Rhone, Tuscany, Champagne and the countries of New Zealand and Greece. Klearhos holds the Wset Diploma Level 4 in Wine and is currently preparing for the Master Sommelier exam, the pinnacle of wine qualifications.

Marco Iaccarino

Wine Director

The Berkley Hotel

I have started my career in wine in Milan opening the Armani Hotel Milano, and moved to Uk in 2013 where I have worked along some celebrity chefs included Jason Atherton, Marcus Wareing and Angela Hartnett. At the moent wine director for The Berkeley Hotel and the new opening Emory hotel part of the Maybourne group.

Maria Federica Salvador

Brand Ambasador

PACO & LOLA

Born in Mendoza. She was one of the first Sommeliers of Argentina. In 2004 she finished Wine School in Mendoza and sharpened her taste in American Wines, after a two year wine trip to the U.S. Later in 2010, she went to Sommelier school again in Spain, and in 2015 she also specialised in France & Italy. She has the Certified Sommelier certificate by the Court of Master Sommeliers, the WSET 3 level, and is currently goin g throught the Diploma WSET. In 2022, she entered the Best Sommelier of Argentina´s Contest with good results in the competition, which lead her to be part as a judge of several wine contests around Europe. Work wise, her 21 years of career had drove her to explore the wine industry from every corner. Working in different wineries, in restaurants, in hotels, in cruise ships and currently working as the Brand Ambassador of the Spanish winery PACO & LOLA.

Miguel Crunia

Private Sommelier

Fion

After working 11 years as a sommelier and restaurant manager within Edinburgh's fine dining scene, Miguel now co-directs Fìon, a wine importing company of low-intervention wines from Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Fìon also specializes in private and corporate wine tasting hires, and in running wine events and pop-ups partnering with local restaurants. Recently, Miguel started his career as a wine writer specializing in wines from Atlantic regions (as he's known within the industry as the Atlantic Sommelier).

Natalja Senina

Head Sommelier

Chewton Glen Hotel

Head Sommelier of Chewton Glen Hotel, WSET Dipoma candidate and Top 100 Sommeliers UK. Proudly offer a selection of individual wines, making our Multi Awards wine list one of the largest in England in terms of producers, regions and diversity.

Nikos Emner

Assistant Wine Director

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

‘A summer in Crete marked the beginning of my journey with wine, it was a transformative moment where I discovered my passion for the artistry and complexities of wine. Over the course of my career spanning several years, I have gained extensive experience, holding positions at wine bars and a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant in Athens. Upon my arrival in the UK, I joined Heston Blumenthal's prestigious 3-star Michelin restaurant, The Fat Duck, where I refined my expertise as a sommelier before transitioning to my current role as Assistant Wine Director at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, a 2-star Michelin restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London’.

Sam Weatherill

Restaurant Manager & Sommelier

Etch. by Steven Edwards

Sam was born and raised in Brighton and holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine, is a certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers & is also an associate member of the Academy of Cheese. He has previously been a judge with the Sommelier Wine Awards in 2020, and has also featured on 67 Pall Mall TV's 'The Perfect Match’. At etch by Steven Edwards Sam curates the wine list wine pairings and is constantly sourcing exciting new wines, focussing on a mixture of classic regions, as well as exciting under the radar gems, with sustainability a core feature of the list.

Stephanie Robertson

Head of Experience

Restaurant Associates

Steph has worked at Le Gavroche and Roux at Parliament Square as a sommelier, is qualified to teach up to Level 2 WSET in wines and has won an Award of Excellence with the Academy of Culinary Arts. Steph is an active and influential member of the wine world and regularly takes part in thought leadership talks and discussions around the future of wine and trends in the drinks industry. She is a member of the International Wine and Food Society and continually monitors trends through industry reports, mailing lists and engaging with suppliers and importers. She translates this expertise and passion into her wine lists, featuring some of the latest trends that our customers are looking for, such as low alcohol alternatives, sustainably sourced wines, social enterprises.

Tiago Pinto

The Ivy Collection

I'm Head of Hospitality for Warner Leisure, I've started my career back in 1999, worked in USA, Ecuador, Spain, Portugal and UK. In the US I've worked at sites like Le Cirque, AVoce and Russian Tea Room but the passion for wines started while I was working at Polpo Restaurant in Greenwich Connecticut, moved to South America to work in Ecuador for the ElJuri family they represent all the Campari and Diageo portfolio plus they own Pisco Ocucage in Peru, while working for them i was part of the team that developed Rum Cien Fuegos together with legendary Master Rum blender Pancho Fernandez. Moved back to Europe and went to work at 1 Michelin Star Restaurant Tierra in Spain after a year I've moved to Portugal to work at the 2 Michelin Star Villa Joya in the Algarve. In the UK I've worked with 2 Great British Menu Winners Chef Chris Harrod in Monmouth at The Whitebrook and Chef Niall Keating at The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, I've worked also at DandD and The Ivy. Wine is a passion and occasionally I still jump inside the "Lagar" to step the grapes, my favourite wine it's Equinocio an old vines white wine from Alentejo produced by João Afonso at its property Cabeças de Reguengos.

Vincenzo Arnese

Wine Director

Raffles London at the OWO

Vincenzo worked for several prestigious hotels and restaurants like The Waterside Inn in Bray, Vue de Monde in Melbourne, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal inside Mandarin Oriental London and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, London. Since 2023, Vincenzo Arnese has become the Wine Director at Raffles London at The OWO. He was the winner of Taittinger’s UK Sommelier of the Year in 2022 and CQ Best Sommelier in 2023.

Zoe Donadio

Drinks Lead

Apracity Restaurant

Zoé first started bartending at a neighborhood cocktail bar in Peckham while studying at Goldsmiths and loved it so much that she pursued it post-graduation. She then headed up teams in a variety of independent bars around South East London. In 2020 she transitioned towards wine and cocktail development through Silver Lining, then heading up natural wine cellar La Cave at the Hoxton and has now taken the drinks lead at Apricity with a focus on all things organic & biodynamic. Her list works with growers who prioritise biodiversity and soil regeneration in their respective regions, and let the grapes speak for their terroir, with as few additions and subtractions as possible.

Adriana Valentini

Wine Consultant

The Megaro Collection

Adriana Valentini, Wine Buyer and Independent Beverage Consultant, works between the UK and Milan, her hometown. Since October 2023, she has been the Wine Consultant for "Voyage by Adam Simmonds" at the Megaro Hotel, opening January 2024. Previously, she served as Wine Manager for the Triple Sea Food Group, overseeing restaurants in Milan's Brera District and new openings in Portofino and Forte dei Marmi, and worked with Aethos Hotels. Adriana spent over a decade in London, holding senior roles such as Executive Food & Beverage Director at the Oxford and Cambridge Club and Corinthia Hotel. Ranked 15th in the 2023 Top 100 UK Sommeliers and 4th among Top Female Sommeliers, she judges international competitions and is a London Competitions Ambassador. She holds a Professional Sommelier qualification, WSET certification, and advanced degrees in hospitality, trade, and public relations. Adriana speaks English, Spanish, and German fluently.

Antonio Palmarini

Head Sommelier

Beaverbrook Townhouse

In 2005 I get into the hospitality business in a modest 3 Star Hotel in the coast of Abruzzo region and I start to expand steadily my knowledge on food and alcoholic beverages. I moved to London in 2010 and I have been working as a waiter and sommelier with different kinds of cuisine as Chinese, in a starred Michelin restaurant called Hakkasan, with British cuisine in the Royal Thames Yacht Club, with Japanese cuisine in Sushisamba and with various French cuisine as the 3 star Rosette awarded Skylon and the starred Michelin restaurant of the Gordon Ramsay group, Pétrus. I am currently the beverage buyer of Franklin's wine shop and bar, an expanding family ownd business focus on quality beverage

Bianca Potenza

Sommelier

212 Amsterdam

Charlie Richards

Sommelier

Claridge’s Restaurant

I started my career in Purnell’s 1-star in Birmingham at 17 before moving to London and working in Frenchie Covent Garden and moving to Claridge’s Hotel. Alongside working I was completing my undergraduate degree studies in Biochemistry as King’s College, focusing on genetically modified yeast and their future role in the wine industry. I have spent the past year studying WSET Diploma in wines and Level 3 Spirits and participating in the IWSC UK Sommelier of the Year Award.

Chiara Sieni

Assistant Manager

Rise & Vine

From Tuscany to London: A Passion for Wine My journey into the world of wine began in Florence, Italy, where I grew up immersed in the region's rich winemaking traditions. This early exposure inspired a lifelong interest, but it wasn’t until 2011, after moving to London, that I transformed my passion into a career. In London, the dynamic and diverse hospitality industry became my classroom, allowing me to deepen my appreciation for wines from around the globe. This curiosity inspired me to explore celebrated wine regions and discover the nuances of grape varieties, flavours, and techniques that define them. To solidify my expertise, I embarked on formal studies at the renowned Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), where I proudly earned the WSET Diploma. My thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there; I pursued further specialization at The West London Wine School, graduating with the highest honors as both a French and Italian Wine Scholar. Now recognized as a specialist in Italian wines, I proudly serve as an Ambassador for Langhe and Valpolicella wines —regions that hold a special place in my heart. In my current role as Assistant Manager at Amathus Drinks, I lead engaging wine events and masterclasses, sharing my expertise and enthusiasm with professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Daniele Arcangeli

Head Sommelier

The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay Savoy Hotel

Daniele Arcangeli is an experienced Italian Sommelier based in London. He started his professional path in the hospitality industry in Tuscany more than 20 years ago; his endless passion around hospitality, wine, beverages and foreign languages led him to travel to Europe and work alongside great professionals and renowned Michelin starred Chefs Daniele is a Certified Sommelier at the Court of Master Sommeliers, and he is studing for the Wset Diploma; during his career he was awarded as Best Sommelier of Tuscany in 2012, in 2015 he got the title as Best Sommelier of Italy, a national contest organized by Associazione della Sommellerie Professionale Italiana, and in 2019 he represented Italy at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest held in Belgium by Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. In 2024, Daniele has been featured in the Top 100 UK Sommeliers. He worked for iconic establishments such as Pierre Gagnaire** in Courchevel, Badrutt’s Palace in St.Moritz, Il Piccolo Principe** and Borgo Santo Pietro* in Tuscany. In 2018 he decided to move to the UK where he worked at the three Michelin starred restaurant The Fat Duck***, at the private wine members club 67 Pall Mall and at Angler* restaurant. Now he’s working as Head Sommelier/Wine buyer at River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay.

Daniele Di Blasio

Assistant Head Sommelier

Murano

I am originally from Italy, coming from a different background, having graduated in Arts and Literature at University, with recent studies in Archaeology and an MBA from Bologna Business School. Now Assistant Head Sommelier at Murano by Angela Hartnett, my hospitality and wine journey has developed between Italy, Spain, Brazil, and UK, including experiences in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury venues. Along the way, I've earned multiple wine certifications, as those from WSET and CMS, and developed a passion for gastronomy, local cultures, and creating memorable dining experiences.

Dmytro Goncharuk

Wine Manager

The Barbary Notting Hill

I am currently the Wine Manager at the Barbary restaurant in London. Prior to this role, I worked at Corrigan's restaurant and HIDE. Additionally, I have gained experience in Dubai, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. I hold the title of Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers and am a Master Sommelier candidate. In 2013, I was honoured as the Best Sommelier of Ukraine and was a quarter-finalist in the Best Sommelier of the World competition in 2016.

Dylan Johnstone-Morris

Head Sommelier

Julie's Restaurant

Originally from South-West England, Dylan has worked in the on-trade for more than half of his life in Plymouth, Edinburgh, Southampton, and London. He is currently the Head Sommelier at Julie's Restaurant in Holland Park, and is studying for his WSET Diploma. Dylan has a particular interest in wines from cooler climates and wines from the Northern Rhone.

Ennio Pucciarelli

Assistant Head Sommelier

Sunset Hospitality

Wine found me, I was studying to be an archaeologist and I didn't know wine at all, when then I started to have a glass time to time and briefly after I started to want to know more so at the first occasion I enrolled to the AIS wine course back in Italy and by the end of the course I decided a career in wine was I wanted to pursue. Consequently I decided to move to London in 2014 to improve my English and add an international experience to my CV and since then, going through many wines and different restaurants (such as Hakkasan, Murano, Aquavit until the actual one Amelie) I am trying to be true to my purpose and learn more about this magical liquid.

Istvan Bence Major

Assistant Head Sommelier

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

My beverage journey started at the Bols Mixer Academy in Budapest 9 years ago. Soon after that I found myself in Worcestershire at Brockencote Hall Hotel where I started to work as a Bartender. Years later as a Bar Manager and I was ready for a bigger challenge, and joined to Le Manoir aux Quat Saison, Sommelier Team at 2020. In 2023 I participated at the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs UK Jeunes Sommeliers Competition final and been awarded as the Top 5 young Sommelier by Sommelier Edit. Currently preparing for my next CMS exam.

Janusz Sasiadek

Sommelier

Mercato Metropolitano

Janusz is currently working as a wine sales representative in Mercato Metropolitano in London. He is a member of the Italian Association of Sommeliers, Sommelier Professionista.

Konstantinos Katridis

Sommelier

The Fat Duck

Originated from Aegina, Greece. I've been working in hospitality Industry since 2017 mainly in Edinburgh,Scotland. For the past 2 years I'm working as Sommelier at The Fat Duck a 3 michelin star restaurant in Bray.Prior to that I was sommelier at Condita, as well  at Martin Wishart in Leith, both establishments awarded with 1 michelin star. Have studied hospitality management, WSET, Court of Masters Sommelier.

Levente Movik

Assistant Head Sommelier

Los Mochis

With over 26 years of experience in the beverage industry, I specialise in team leadership, wine curation, and creating exceptional guest experiences. My career has taken me from crafting world-class wine lists to mentoring sommeliers and bartenders across prestigious establishments. I am passionate about driving revenue growth, maintaining top-tier quality standards, and continuously innovating to meet industry trends. My dedication to excellence and teamwork define my approach, making every beverage program I manage unique and successful.

Lionel Periner

Consultant

LP Somm Consulting

After taking the position of Head Sommelier at Michelin star, Adams in Birmingham, Lionel set up his own business, consulting for professionals and organising masterclass tastings for private guests. Lionel's passion for wine and thirst for knowledge increases year on year. His wine related travels have taken him to France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, the USA and many more. He is equally passionate about his clients' experiences whether it be the quality of wine or the service they receive. After working in Michelin-starred restaurants in France, he was looking for a new challenge and more open mindedness about wine and found that in the UK. In 2007 he joined Hotel du Vin in Bristol, then moved to a 2 rosette restaurant called Bells Diner after he completed his certified sommelier qualification by the court of Master Sommeliers. He worked with Matthieu Longuère MS at La Trompette (1 Michelin star) in London to increase his knowledge and successfully passed his advanced sommelier training. He then moved to the Cotswolds for 4 years as group beverage manager at The Lucky Onion. Other awards include: - Winner of Sud de France, Sommelier of the Year 2012 - Winner of Wines of Portugal Sommelier Challenge 2012 - Country Inn Wine List of The year 2014 (Imbibe) The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach, Gloucestershire - Imbibe Personality of the Year Awards 2016 shortlisted for Hot Stuff - Harper’s Hot 100 in 2017. N*83

Marcello Colletti

Wine Director

Colletti’s journey into the world of wine is rooted in his rich upbringing. Born in Naples and raised in the picturesque valley of Casentino in Tuscany, he was surrounded by natural beauty, culinary delights, and a deep cultural heritage. The influence of this environment laid the foundation for his love affair with wine—a passion that would shape his career in profound ways. When asked about his inspiration to become a sommelier, Colletti speaks of a profound connection between culture, history, food, and the final product. For him, wine is not merely a beverage but a living expression of terroir, craftsmanship, and identity. The intricate interplay of geography, geology, and human expertise captured his imagination early on, fueling his desire to delve deeper into the world of oenology. His move to London marked a pivotal moment in his career, exposing him to a vibrant culinary scene and providing opportunities to collaborate with top professionals in the industry. After over a decade in the wine industry, I had the pleasure to working alongside acclaimed professionals and chefs such as Eric Frechon, Pierre Gagnaire, Nobu and many others. The discovery of new ingredients, cuisine and clientele allowed him to run wine programs for fine dining and luxury properties. Ranked 29th best sommelier in the UK and international wine judge. He holds the certified sommelier got the highest score in 2020 and Diploma WSET in January 2023

Marianna Sivalli

Owner

Vinoteca

Marianna is the Senior Operations Manager and Wine Buyer at Vinoteca, where she began her journey in the wine industry over 12 years ago. Originally from Italy, she brings a wealth of international experience, having lived in Spain before making the UK her home. A dedicated professional with extensive industry expertise, Marianna holds the WSET Diploma and the IWS certification. Her deep passion for wine, combined with her commitment to excellence, has established her as a respected leader in the world of wine.

Miguel Angel Gomez Cabrera

Brand Ambassador

Berkmann Wine Cellars

Originally from Barcelona, I moved to London in 2009 and quickly caught the wine bug. I worked my way up at the city’s top venues, including Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Square and The Clove Club, as well as prestigious spots like 67 Pall Mall, The Arts Club, and Rosewood London. Over the past few years, I earned an Advanced Sommelier qualification from CMS Europe and was honored with two consecutive Top 100 UK Sommelier recognitions. I am now preparing for my first Master Sommelier attempt while serving as the Brand Ambassador for the Iberia portfolio at BWC.

Nelio Pinto

Sommelier

Candlesticks

Ovidiu Olteanu

General Manager-Head Sommelier

The Mayflower Restaurant

With a higher experience and working in different luxury restaurants and hotels I started to be Sommelier 15 years ago and with a passion for wines and beverages I developed more my career with holding very high certified sommelier , origin from Romania and starting my journey in UK in 2017 and participate for different sommelier competions around UK and representing my country in internationals competions today I'm General Manager-Sommelier in one of the best Chinese restaurants- THE MAYFLOWER in Cheltenham.

Pasqual Moschettieri

Head Sommelier

Louis Restaurants

I am a seasoned sommelier from Sicily with a passion for curating exceptional wine experiences at Michelin-starred establishments such as Petrus and Benares. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented chefs and restaurateurs in the world. My journey in the wine world began at a young age, where I was working during harvesting time in the Trapani province of Sicily, for well known wineries. Moved to London, trough dedicated study and hands-on experience, I have honed my skills in pairing wines with exquisite dishes. I am now working on a new project, developing the innovative wine program at Permanently Unique Group's latest venture, Louis.

Pasquale Moschettieri

Head Sommelier

Louis Restaurants

I am a seasoned sommelier from Sicily with a passion for curating exceptional wine experiences at Michelin-starred establishments such as Petrus and Benares. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented chefs and restaurateurs in the world. My journey in the wine world began at a young age, where I was working during harvesting time in the Trapani province of Sicily, for well known wineries. Moved to London, trough dedicated study and hands-on experience, I have honed my skills in pairing wines with exquisite dishes. I am now working on a new project, developing the innovative wine program at Permanently Unique Group's latest venture, Louis.

Phil Provart

Head Sommelier

Fhior

Phil Provart has been working in wine and hospitality for over 20 years, first in Toronto, Canada, and more recently in the UK. After working in a number of the top restaurants in Toronto, he helped open Alo in 2015; within two years, it was recognised as the top restaurant in Canada and a top 100 restaurant globally. In 2018, he moved to Edinburgh. He is now the Head Sommelier at Fhior and a Harper’s Top 50 UK Sommelier. His list at Fhior focuses on artisanal European producers whose farming is responsible and whose wines are thrilling - and sound.

Ramiro Fernandez

Head Sommelier

La Chapelle

I have been working in UK for fourteen years with top chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Jason Atherton and Daniel Cliford, being Head Sommelier of great places like Midsummer House and La Chapel, involved in wine competitions and getting some pódiums, having experience as a judge in London Competitions, etc, etc. I am actually the Head Sommelier of Casa Marcelo, a Michelin Start Restaurant in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Stefano Pasqual

Head Sommelier

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay

Born in Vicenza (Venice region), got an hospitality degree at ipssar G.Maffioli, moved to London at 20 yes of age and worked in various restaurants (7 years at Gordon Ramsay in different locations), started career as sommelier at The Don restaurant in bank, had a year experience in Australia at Black by Ezard in Sydney also doing some vineyard work in Tasmania, moved back to London as head sommelier at Cinnamon Club and then Maze by Gordon Ramsay, then developed wine and sake program for the new Ramsay restaurant Lucky Cat where I'm currently head sommelier

Viorel Filip

Private Wine Consultant

Viorel Filip is a passionate and result-oriented professional with core knowledge in procurement and logistics within the wine industry. He has held leadership roles in Michelin-star establishments such as Pied-à-Terre and Benares Restaurant in London, where he led an effective supply chain operation, streamlined operations, and increased profit margins. Viorel is ranked among the Top 100 Sommeliers in the UK, and he has leveraged this aspect to blend strategic planning with immeasurable experience to enhance clients' delight.

Wayne Baxendale

Wine Director

San Marco Group

Wine has a sense of place and community, we just bring them all together. Having traveled the globe on cruise ships I’ve had the pleasure of tasting most of the world great wine regions in their birth place, I have the one thing in the world that can’t be taught and that is to travel it. Be inspired and taste as much as you can. Wine is tourism in a bottle. 28 years of hospitality within the wine industry across the globe as Head Sommelier, General Manager and wine Educator from Michelin stars to your neighborhood wine bar.

Yohann Pinol

Owner

YPL Consulting Ltd

Yohann has over 17 years of experience in the wine and hospitality industry, having worked as sommelier with renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay, the Roca Brothers, Yannick Alléno and Alain Ducasse in locations such as Monaco, Dublin, Barcelona, and Taipei. He led wine programs at respected establishments like Wiltons, Morton’s Club, and Hedonism Wines. Subsequently, Yohann was appointed Private Client Director and Brand Ambassador for the Cognac LOUIS XIII. With deep knowledge and passion, Yohann recently launched his own wine ELAMA and Cognac brands, along with sommelier consulting services.

Yuri Gualeni

Wine Consulting & Fine Wine Broker

Sommelier Stories

Yuri is an accomplished sommelier with over 20 years of experience in London’s top establishments, including Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels such as Gordon Ramsay, Mandarin Oriental, Coya, La Petite Maison, Theo Randall, and Gary Rhodes. Originally from Milan, Yuri specialised in sommellerie from the age of 16 and has pursued further studies in England. Now the founder of Sommelier Stories, he is passionate about sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for wine, offering a different approach to storytelling while exploring the world’s up-and-coming wine regions and showcasing an in-depth knowledge of fine wines.