The People
The judges and team behind the most exclusive wine challenge in the world
Current Judges
Toni Paterson MW is one of Australia’s leading wine commentators. Toni has judged at many international wine shows including the Decanter World Wine Awards, International Wine Challenge & International Wine and Spirit Competition.
Jane became a Master of Wine in 1993. Jane established the New Zealand School of Wines and Spirits in 2000. Jane judges domestically & internationally and contributes to a number of wine publications both in New Zealand and overseas.
One of Australia’s major wine writers and critics, Huon is judge of the Australian Winemaker of the Year and a number of other major wine competitions. Huon tastes wines blind and writes for Decanter, Sydney Morning Herald and the Real Review.
Anthony Mueller is an experienced wine educator, wine judge and a rising star in the American beverage industry. Anthony’s current role sees him reviewing the great wines of the world for Robert Parkers Wine Advocate.
Michael is South Africa’s most highly regarded international wine judge, the country’s most widely consulted liquor industry authority, and one of South Africa’s leading wine writers. Michael also teaches and directs the Wine Judging Academy.
Christopher is the wine and spirits columnist at The Globe & Mail, education director of IWEG Drinks Academy, internationally recognized wine judge and a WSET certified instructor at the Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University.
Australia
USA
Canada
South Africa
New Zealand
The International Team
Anita Cole is a freelance financial advisor based in North Vancouver. Anita’s warehouse acts as the collection point for all Canadian entries. The icing on this cake is that Anita is related to Challenge Director Ross Anderson. Things get done!
Tarryn represents The Reciprocal Wine Trading Company – South Africa’s oldest specialist fine wine importer. Tarryn manages all logistics related to South African entries into the Global Fine Wine Challenge.
Motti is Director of Aspiring Logistics, based in Cape Town. Aspiring Logistics is South Africa’s leader in Wine and Art Logistics. Motti has worked alongside the Challenge since its earliest days and is a key figure in South African wine logistics services
Sula is the Export Airfreight Operator for Mainfreight Air and Ocean logistics, based in Auckland. When she’s not managing challenge entries, as an avid All Blacks supporter, she’s engaged in rugby union banter with Ross.
Emiliano is the Vice President, Global Air Logistics for Western Overseas Corporation based in Los Angeles. Emiliano has taken the challenge under his wing and with the backing of Western Overseas Corporation, we couldn’t be happier.
Ash is the man behind the scenes, and is single handily responsible for building the world leading software and IT infrastructure (Drinkme Digital) that powers this Global Challenge. The king of everything that makes this global wine event happen is our man Ash.
Ross Anderson
Challenge Director
Our challenge is more than just a competition; it is a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity in the wine industry. Each entry is meticulously evaluated by a panel of expert judges, ensuring that only the best wines receive the accolade they deserve. This rigorous assessment process not only upholds the prestige of the awards but also guides consumers in discovering outstanding wines that stand a cut above the rest.
Past Judges
