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5. Judging panel

Decanter Staff Decanter Staff

Meet the 2023 judging panel

The Decanter Retailer Awards judging panel consists of five independent wine experts who have been chosen based on their extensive knowledge in the retail environment.

Peter Richards MW, Chairman

Wine Writer & TV Presenter

As a broadcaster, writer and Master of Wine, Peter Richards is a familiar face to many, known for his unique blend of enthusiasm and erudition. His credits include more than a decade on BBC1 plus Sky One, ESPN, Financial Times, The Guardian, ITV1, Radio 4, BBC2 and The Sunday Times.

Peter is a regular Decanter contributor as well as Chairman of the Retailer Awards, and Regional Chair for Chile at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Andy Howard MW

Wine Consultant and ex-buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd

Andy Howard MW became a Master of Wine in 2011 and runs his own consultancy business, Vinetrades Ltd, which focuses on education, judging, investment and sourcing.

Howard previously worked for Marks & Spencer as a buyer for over 30 years and was responsible for Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire, Champagne, Italy, North and South America, South Africa, England, Port and Sherry.

Laura Clay

Wine Educator and Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators

Laura Clay is an experienced wine presenter having 30 years in the business, with particular interests in Bordeaux, Rioja, South Africa and Champagne but whose expertise covers wine regions from all around the world.

She is an International Accredited Bordeaux and Rioja Tutor and was UK Champagne Ambassador in 2010. Laura is Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators. She is a past Chairman of the Midlands Wine & Spirit Trade Association, currently a committee member, and is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. She is also part of the team who make up Love Wine, a bi-annual wine festival which had its inaugural event in November 2015 in Birmingham.

Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW

Master of Wine, Wine Lecturer, Author and Consultant

Michelle is a dual Italian/Canadian citizen who left corporate life in Toronto to pursue her passion for wine. Today she is a highly-respected wine lecturer, teaching both wine industry professionals and consumers at WSET London, the Institute Masters of Wine and other wine schools around the world.

She has authored articles on wines, wine regions and wine-related events in trade publications and WSET journals. Michelle is a frequent guest wine expert at major wine shows and wine competitions, and consults to restaurants and wineries. She is an ambassador for trade bodies, utilising her specialist knowledge in Italy, France and the New World.

Mags Janjo

Wine Educator and owner of MJ Wine Cellars

Mags boasts 13 years of industry experience, having occupied a range of different roles across Wine Retail, Sales and Brand Creation.

Mags has spent his entire working life in the wine industry, starting off at Waitrose before a couple of years selling wine to both the on- and off-trade, including a stint at Majestic Wine’s commercial arm. He was most recently a Senior Account Manager at Roberson where he worked with major UK supermarkets. He now has his own company MJ Wine Cellars offering wine education and consultancy services.

Enter now


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