Judges
Senior Judges
Mattia Mazzi
Restaurant Manager & Sommelier
Cornerstone
Mattia is currently the sommelier at the River Café, as well as studying towards his Master Sommelier advanced exam. Mattia started his wine journey many years ago in Australia. His ambition took him to London, where he successfully ran the opening and operations of some fantastic venues, mostly fine-dining establishments. Mattia turned his focus on the world of wine, and after a stint a Vinoteca he aimed to polish his skills by working towards the renowned Master Sommelier title.
Michael Fiducia
Club Head Sommelier
The Royal Automobile Club
To say I have been round the block, is probably an understatement... I started my Sommelier career in 2007 as a commis, I have worked for some amazing Michelin Starred restaurants and I returned to where I consider myself at home, the Royal Automobile Club as the Club Head Sommelier. I return for my third year as a Senior judge with SWA.
Panel Judges
Melania Battiston
Head Sommelier
28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen
After a brilliant career of eight years in wines in London and after being crowned Young UK Sommelier of the Year 2023, Melania, previous Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at Medlar Restaurant, decided to move to Greece, at Amanzoe, to learn more about F&B Operation and being in a corporate environment. She is an International Wine Judge, collaborating with many associations. She is a consultant for beverage related-brand and she established recently her own Life Coaching platform, address mainly to hospitality professionals.
How is SWA judged?
To find out more about how the Sommelier Wine Awards is judged and who makes up our judging panels, follow the links below.
How the judging works
SWA 2018 Judges directory
SWA 2017 Judges directory
SWA 2016 judges directory
SWA 2015 judges directory