London, UK – The London Wine Competition, renowned for recognizing wines based on quality, value, and packaging, is proud to announce the expansion of its judging panel to 70 esteemed trade professionals for the 2025 edition. 

This year’s panel features an impressive blend of top trade buyers, Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, importers, distributors, writers, and influencers, representing the diverse perspectives and expertise of the modern wine industry.

Bianca Ford (Right), Operations Director and Buyer at Yapp Brothers Ltd will join the judging panel of 2025 London Wine Competition

Notable judges for the 2025 competition include:

• Frances Bentley, Wine Buyer at LWC Drinks
• Valeria Rodriguez, AIWS Head of Fine Wine Bibendum Wine
• Carla Bertellotti, Managing Director at Vinos Latinos
• Joshua Castle, Group Head Buyer For Keeling Andrew, Noble Rot and Shrine to the Vine
• Maxence Masurier, Director & Founder at Made In Little France Import Limited
• Dafydd Morris, Director at Cheers Wine Merchants, UK
• Douglas Blyde, Wine Columnist, Evening Standard, UK
• Emily Brighton, MW Master of Wine & Head of Technical at North South Wines Ltd
• Cong Cong Bo, Wine Writer, Educator, Sommelier, Retailer and Owner, Amphora Cambridge
• Harry Crowther, Wine buyer at Good Pair Days
• Bianca Ford, Operations Director and Buyer at Yapp Brothers Ltd
• Sunny Hodge, Wine Judge and Writer
• Irem Eren, DipWSET Regional And Category Ambassador For Low and No Alcohol Category
• David Harvey, Wine Importer at Raeburn Fine Wines
• Josh Kelly, No and Low Buyer and Brands Relations Manger at Club Soda
• Vidya Narasimhan, Wine Consultant and Advisory Board Member at Be Inclusive Hospitality
• Ruchira Neotia, Drinks Consultant & Founder, Ruchira’s Table
• Emma Penman, Wine Buyer at Waitrose
• Kirsty Woodgate, DipWSET Communications Professional, Wine Judge, Occasional Wine Writer
• Henna Zinzuwadia, Award-Winning Sommelier | Ambassador for Diversity in Wine & Hospitality | GQ Sommelier of the Year | Founder of Service | Mentoring the Next Generation of Wome.
• Emma Jenkinson, Wine Sourcing Manager at Morrisons
• Dan Belmont, Director & Wine Buyer at Good Wine Good People & GWGP TRADE

Joshua Castle, Group Head Buyer For Keeling Andrew, Noble Rot and Shrine to the Vine will be judging at the 2025 London Wine Competition

This year, the panel has been further diversified to include representatives from independent off-trade retailers, key supermarket chains, and importers and distributors, reflecting the broad range of expertise needed to identify wines that resonate with both consumers and trade professionals

“The London Wine Competition continues to grow as a benchmark for brands wanting to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” said Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network. “By bringing together such a diverse panel—ranging from small independent retailers to major distributors and influencers—we ensure that the results provide real, actionable insights to producers looking to understand and meet market demands.”

Josh Kelly, No and Low Buyer and Brands Relations Manager at Club Soda, will judge no and low wines at the 2025 London Wine Competition

The expanded judging panel underscores the competition’s commitment to assessing wines holistically, including quality, value for money, and packaging appeal—three essential criteria that matter most to consumers and buyers alike.

Each panel table will also include a Master of Wine or a Master Sommelier.

View the full list of judges which includes top sommeliers of UK, Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and other leading wine directors of UK.

Maxence Masurier, Director & Founder at Made In Little France Import Limited, will be judging the London Wine Competition

The 2025 London Wine Competition is set to take place in March, with results announced in April. The final submission deadline for wine entries is February 28, 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your wines evaluated by some of the industry’s top trade buyers, importers, and influencers. Submit your entries and ship your samples before the deadline to ensure your wines are part of this career-defining event.

Related Links:
Hurry! Registration Deadline for London Wine Competition Approaching – Secure Your Spot Now! 
Hand Delivery at Fairs for London Competitions 2025