Our Judges
Chairmen & Vice Chairmen
Liam Steevenson Master of Wine
After becoming a Master of Wine at the age of 27, Liam went on to set up multi award winning wine merchant RED&WHITE, before becoming a buyer with Waitrose in the UK. Liam is now CEO of Global Wine Solutions Ltd, a company that consults to wineries and wine merchants world wide. He also makes wine in France, Spain and New Zealand.
David Wrigley Master of Wine
David has been involved in professional education and qualifications in the field of wines and spirits for most of his career. He has worked for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in a variety of roles since 1990
David is a non-executive Director of the UK-based International Wine and Spirit Competition, and a regular judge in other wine competitions around the world.
Nelson Siu
Nelson Siu is a renowned creative professional and entrepreneur from Hong Kong with over fifteen years of advertising and publishing experience. In 2009 and 2012, he started WINE.Luxe Hong Kong and China Edition respectively.
Jim Harré
Jim Harre has extensive experience judging in New Zealand as well as in Australia, China, Japan, UK and the United States. His roles include Panel Chair for New Zealand Winegrowers, Chair of Judges for the China Wine Luxe Competition, the Victorian Wine Competition in Australia, the International Aromatic Wine Show and San Francisco International Wine Competition and a wine consultant for Air New Zealand.
Peter Scudamore Smith Master of Wine
Peter has been recognised as the highest achievement in the global wine community and is the second person to be awarded this honour in Australia. He advises private and public organisations on wine industry strategies and the production of wine from the vine to table.
Peter has global recognition in the wine industry as a wine educator, wine assessor and wine show judge; for his master of ceremonies and feature speaking roles; as a winery advisor; and as a public and trade wine journalist.
Nelson Chow
Nelson Chow is the Chairman of Hong Kong Sommelier Association, who has close connections with numerous Master Sommeliers. He has won a number of higher respected titles in the professional realm, such as Commander du Bon Temps de edoc et des Graves, Chevalier du Sopexa en Gastronomie Francaise and accredited lecturer for L’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux. He was given accreditation as Jurade du St Emilion and gained as Certified Profession Spanish Wine Trainer in Madrid in November 2008. He also carries the Spanish Wine Challenge Hong Kong since 2008 and has been a long-term judge with the International Wine Challenge in the region
Pierre Thomas
A wine judge and taster in Switzerland and abroad for over 20 years, Pierre Thomas has written several books or texts on food and wine: “Le vin pratique” (2012 ), a handbook on tasting wine and the market in Switzerland and worldwide; “Vignobles suisses” (2003). He has also contributed to several Gault Millau restaurant guides with portraits of the fifty best winemakers in western Switzerland (1995), the “100 best wineries in Switzerland” (2013).
Tan Ying Hsien Master of Wine
Tan Ying Hsien is a wine journalist, speaker and educator based in Singapore. He owns Taberna Wine Academy where he conducts tastings and classes. He also provides wine consultancy services to restaurants.
He has judged at numerous international wine competitions all over the world such as the International Wine Challenges in Singapore and the Decanter Asia Wine Awards in Hong Kong. He won the IMW Champagne Trinity Scholarship 2010 and was nominated to attend the Master Napa Programme in September 2013.
Cees van Casteren Master of Wine
Cees spent 14 years in fine chemicals and oenological specialties (such as yeast and enzymes). In this period he was based in both Europe (France and The Netherlands) and United States of America. Cees van Casteren MW started writing about wine in 2004. Since then he has written eleven books and some 600 articles on wine and food. He is a noted wine educator in the Netherlands and runs his own independent wine consultancy and training business. Among his clients are Lallemand (Canada) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Cees has twice been named Dutch Vinologist of the Year in Holland. He currently is Chairman of the Association of Vinologists.
Honorable Judges
Adam Devermann
Adam is currently the Bacardi Advocacy Manager in Greater China. He is one of two-hundred-and-fifty B.A.R accredited professional worldwide (Master Sommelier equivalent for spirits), in he was crowned 2009 Shanghai bartender of the year. He has been featured in media ranging from CNN, GQ China, DRiNK magazine, and numerous others throughout Asia.
Adrian Gooljarry
Adrian Gooljarry is the third generation in the F & B industry. He worked for various international wine importers in Hong Kong, currently he is Chairman of La Commanderie des Cordons Bleus de France Asia, President of Amis de Disciples Escoffier HK, Board Member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs HK and also the F & B Advisor for Asia Hotel Industry League (AHIL). He continues to judge many cooking and wine competitions in Asia.
Benny Lee
Being a Sake Service Institute (SSI) Kikisakeshi and SSI International Official Lecturer, Benny is one of the pioneers of professional Japanese sake education in Hong Kong. Apart from teaching sake in Hong Kong and Macao, he is a WSET Wine Educator as well. He has judged for International Wine Challenge and Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition.
Denise Lam
Founder of Wine Consulting Agency DWT, Team Leader of Online Shop 11+1 WINE CELLAR, Media Platform D-LUXE Lifestyle and Concepts Store D8 Concepts, Ms. Denise Lam was the first Wine Expert in Hong Kong to obtain the D.U.A.D tasting diploma from the University Bordeaux Segalen and a Wine MBA from INSEEC Bordeaux.
Francesco Ye
Francesco Ye is the director of ITASTE, the agency specialized in promotion of Italian Wines, Member of Associazione Italiana Sommelier, Member of the Federation of Italian Sommeliers, Hoteliers and Restaurateurs, who worked lots of projects of Italian Minister of Agriculture in China.
Hiu Ying
Ying Hui is a well-rounded professional in Hong Kong. She is an emerging wine critic and wine journalist, an experienced TV host, and the first national registered auctioneer in Hong Kong, and Macau. Passionate in sharing the culture of wine and culture of different countries, she produced wine, food and travel programs and serves as Honorary Lecturer of Ease Scent Wine Education (the largest wine academy in China). The French Magazine “Close up” commended her as “the most charming and well-rounded Chinese wine critic”. She was awarded the "Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies" in 2016 for her outstanding achievements and contribution to the society.
Jonathan Mather
Jonathan Mather, he was the General Manager at ASC Fine Wines Hong Kong and Macau, has a foundation of more than 20 years’ experience in hotels, restaurants and wine importing. A classically trained chef and restaurateur, Jonathan holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, BA from The School of Hospitality Business, Culinary Arts and WSET certifications.
Micky Chan
Micky Chan is a wine and Japanese Sake educator, writer and international judge. He is one of the co-founder of Hong Kong Wine Academy, and has been teaching throughout Hong Kong, Macau, China and Taiwan. He also writes columns in different online platform and media in these regions.
Perry Mak
Mr. Perry Mak is the Managing Director of Hong Kong Economic Times Group, as well as the Publisher of Hong Kong Economic Times, Sky Post and U Magazine. He came into love with good food and wine while he had his further study in journalism in France. Now as a wine connoisseur and gourmet, he writes a weekly column in U Magazine about his travel and dining experiences.
Randy Au
Being the first person in Hong Kong awarded Honorary Kikisake-Shi, Randy founded Sake Fever group, organizing events and sharing information of Sake. He has designed a ‘Sake Poke’ exclusively for Hong Kong market and study guide for Sake beginners. He has been a candidate representing Hong Kong in the sake sommelier of the year competition 2015 and won the third place.
Vincent Chue
Vincent is a recognized member and sommelier in Hong Kong Sommelier Association. He received formal wine training and acquired the Advanced WEST certification for a long time. He is skillful in bartender and get into some international competition. He got the Sommelier extraordinaire Award by In Vino Veritas 2.
Aileen Lee
Aileen Lee is the Director of International Business at Beijing Yunjiu Media Co., Ltd, the leading digital media in China with TV, FM & written reports about wine & spirits. She’s a member at FIJEV & HKSA, and she’s taking the WSET diploma course (block study) in Austria.
Bernice Liu
A winemaker, Wine Critic, & Celebrity. Bernice Liu has been a hobbyist winemaker for over 8 years, with her wines winning numerous medals worldwide. She is an active member of the Hong Kong Sommelier Association, completed WSET level 1-3.
Danny Ng
The Chief Sommelier at the American Club Hong Kong. He has studied in Australia and has been trained in a one-hat Italian restaurant in Melbourne - Church St. Enoteca and Clubhouse in Hong Kong. He is currently studying a WSET Diploma and Business Management Program. He believes a sommelier is the bridge between the wine list and customers, also named as a chef to the wines who deliver joyfulness to wine lovers.
Dennis Cheung
Dennis Cheung, Assistant Sommelier at Sheraton Hong Kong, is no doubt an enthusiast in wine and dine industry, and also qualified specialist of grapes and vines. Dennis has joined the Sheraton culinary team since 2008, he often impresses guests with his interesting stories from the winemakers around the globe. He is always passionate in sourcing and recommending wines to guests that are lesser known in the market or with excellent values.
Eddie Nara
Eddie Nara is a Certified Trainer of the Whisky Ambassador program, and an international Spirit Judge. He is an independent whisky educator and consultant, conducting master classes on behalf of the whisky trade and hosts tasting for corporate clients, and write spirits column in various magazines. Eddie was the Founding Chairman of HK’s first whisky appreciation society.
Franky Leung
Franky is originally a concert pianist, he has followed his passion for wine and transformed himself into a legendary wine guru by founding Grand Cru Cellar almost two decades ago. Being an importer and distributor, Franky’s business has grown to be a major player in the wine industry.
Ian Ip
Barrister turned restaurateur, Ian is passionate about wine and dine, recently founding his first bar and restaurant "la bo la". He is also a wine and lifestyle writer, a Chevalier with the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne and a guest speakerfor wine events.
Louis Lee
A wine columnist as well as wine book publisher. Honor to be a wine judge of International Wine & Spirit Competition IWSC. Louis is qualified with certified educator of Wine & Spirit Education Trust WSET, The first HK Official Educator of Ecole des Vins de Bourgogne BIVB, The Wine Academy of Spain, Sake Sommelier Association SAA； Ambassador of SMWS Scotch Malt Whisky Society Hong Kong.
Mable Lai
Mabel is the first Certified Wine Educator from the Society of Wine Educators ® in Greater China. Mabel also holds the Diploma in Wines and Spirits issued by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET®) and a WSET® Certified Educator. Her other qualification includes “Wines of Portugal” Certified Wine Educator. She is not only one of the founders of Hong Kong Wine Academy but also an international wine judge in the International Wine Challenge (IWC), Hong Kong Internaitonal Wine & Spirit Challenge (HKIWSC) and Decanter Asia Wine Awards (DAWA). Mabel is a wine journalist with her own column in different media such as Winenow Magazine and MingPao newspaper.
Peter Nicholas
Peter is a winemaker and has amassed close to 30 years in the wine industry. A senior WSET wine educator specialising in Champagne and winemaking and viticulture, Nicolas has been teaching at Asia Wine Service and Education Center (AWSEC) in Hong Kong for seven years for WSET Level 3 and Level 4. Nicolas is also a Master of Wine candidate.
Stephen Li
Stephen is one of the first Chinese WSET Diploma holder trained in London, is dedicated to wine education since 2010.As one of the most experienced wine educators, his company has partners across China, such as in Beijing, Guang Zhou, Yin Chuan, Cheng Du, Urumqi, etc.
Xania Wong
Xania Wong is a certified WSET educator (UK) and a WSET diploma holder. She has traveled extensively in wine regions around the world. Most recently she acquired her winemaking skills in Italy and Burgundy. She serves as panel judge and a contributor for various wine magazines in Asia.
Xania also founded Xantana Wine, which offers customized wine solutions to wineries, wine trades and corporate clients. In 2012, Xantana Wine also launched Wine2Go App, Asia's first location based wine search mobile app based on food and occasion matching.
Andrés Torres Ayala
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and raised in Uruguay, Andrés has more than 10 years experience in the F&B industry, and was graduated as a Sommelier with honours. At his 28 year old, after working at some premium five stars hotels and awarded restaurants, is Beverage Manager for Gaucho HK.
Cecilia Wong
Cecilia Wong is a wine lover and currently a WSET Diploma candidate after attaining WSET advanced certificate (Level 3). She is also an official wine judge of Hong Kong Wine Judges Association and a certified Whisky Ambassador.
David Ding
David started his career at Maison Boulud à Pekin as the head of mixologist, he was inspired by the cocktail pairing and infuse his passion into the cocktails. David’s achievements fascinate two of the Global spirits companies offer him to be the brand ambassador - Glenfiddich & The Balvenie in China. Promote whisky culture by involving in world-class cocktail competitions. David educates WEST spirits knowledge in well-known bars & hotels. He was awarded the Top 12 bartenders in Asia of The Champion of China, Top 10 Bartenders in China of The Top Bartender in Beijing, so on.
Dennis Lin
Author of 2016 Gourmand Awards Best Wine Illustration Book—“Tipsy Sketch”. Certified wine educator of WSET. Official international wine educator for Bordeaux Wine School, A+ Australia, New Zealand Wines, Rioja Wine Region. Experienced wine judge for international wine awards, ex: Decanter Asia Wine Awards, HKIWSC, China Wine Challenge, VinItaly, etc.
Edwin Chan
General Manager of renowned restaurant group Elite Plan Limited and Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Sommelier Association, Edwin has extensive knowledge on food and wine pairing and understanding on consumer palate.
Harry Chan
Graduated from Les Roches Hotel Management School, Switzerland in 2009. He is currently wine captain at the flagship fine dinning restaurant of HK Jockey Club since 2010. Harry is also a candidate of WSET diploma and holder of introductory sommelier certificate of court of master sommelier.
Jackson Wu
Founder of T.S.M.C.Scotch Malt Whisky Society, entitled as the Asian Whisky Master. Jackson Wu is currently being the Tasting Whatever columnist in Taiwan, as well as the whisky judge in several whisky judging competition. He provide ultimate education of true tasting of whisky, and being an eminent whisky contributor in Taiwan.
Maurice Kong
Mr. Maurice Kong is appointed as Assistant General Manager of Food & Beverage of New World Development Company Limited. With more than 25 years of hospitality and exhibition experience, he was Director of Food & Beverage at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Nick Chan
Nick is working as General Manager of Enoteca HK. He is In Charge of HK business including Finance, Purchase, Retail Shop & Wholesale. Obtain 15 years Wine Merchant/Retail experience; over 10 years F&B, Hotel experience to make Nick in love with Food & Wine.
Peter Kwong
The Second in Asia and 16 th in the world, Grand Prix Sopexa du Sommelier in Paris 1997; The Champion of Grand Prix Sopexa 1996/97 du Sommelier HK Final; and the Champion of Best Sommelier of HK 1995.
Tadashi Okushima
Qualification:
2007.08.01 Sake Sommelier
2007.12.01 Shochu Sommelier
2008.10.01 Sake Instructor
2011.06.01 Hong Kong Trade Development Council Business Advisor
2014.02.14 The 1th Honoray Kikisake-shi