The organisers of the London Wine, Beer, and Spirits Competitions have announced that for the 2025 competitions they will be introducing their inaugural Regional & Category Ambassadors Program.
This transformative initiative invites industry leaders and influencers to educate consumers and trade professionals about their respective regions and categories on the global stage.
The program aims to establish the London Competitions as an international benchmark, focusing on helping winners make a significant impact globally. The ambassadors and experts will also advocate for the top category winners worldwide.
Introducing the first group of ambassadors for 2025.
Mattia Scarpazza
Region & Category of Focus: Italy & Chile
Beverage Type: Wine
Role: Ambassador
Mattia Scarpazza is a dedicated wine professional who has been a significant figure in the wine industry since completing his WSET Diploma in 2018.
Beginning his career as a sommelier at Petersham Nurseries Café in 2013, Mattia’s passion for wine communication led him to become a renowned wine writer and the creator of the ‘Looking Into Wine’ podcast.
Through insightful interviews with industry experts, his podcast delves into wine regions, styles, science, and producers. Specialising in marketing and branding, Mattia assists wineries in developing compelling strategies and engaging storytelling to enhance their brand presence.
Marco Stella
Region & Category of Focus: France & Italy
Beverage Type: Spirits
Role: Ambassador
Marco Stella, the Bars Director at Monte Carlo Beach in Monaco, began his hospitality career at the young age of 13.
Over the years, he has honed his skills across various countries, including the UK, Malta, Italy, Spain and now Monaco.
His extensive experience includes leading the team at the Mandarin Bar, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London, and working with top professionals in Barcelona. Marco’s expertise lies in product consistency, quality, and the art of mixology.
Adriana Valentini
Region & Category of Focus: Italy & the UK
Beverage Type: Wine
Role: Ambassador
Adriana Valentini, an independent Wine Consultant, brings a rich background of global experience and prestigious positions within the wine industry.
She has worked with clients like Aethos Hotels and served as the Group Wine Manager for Triple Sea Food in Milan. Adriana’s career includes working at Milan’s two Michelin-starred ‘Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia’ and the luxurious Corinthia Hotel in London. She is multilingual and passionate about wine education, aspiring to be one of the leading female sommeliers.
Chiara Sieni
Region & Category of Focus: Italy & the UK
Beverage Type: Wine
Role: Ambassador
Chiara Sieni DipWSET, is a wine judge with the London Competitions, a Valpolicella Wine Specialist and Langhe Wines Ambassador.
Originally from Florence she moved to London 13 years ago where she started to be more passionate about wines.
Having taken her French and Italian Wine Scholar with West London Wine School, Chiara went on to gain her Diploma with WSET.
Worked previously with Decanter to prepare the awards wines, Chiara is a freelancer with Dolce Vita, an Italian wines distributor and currently work with Amathus Drinks, where she is looking to become an educator.
Gaurav Dixit
Region & Category of Focus: Thailand
Beverage Type: Wine
Role: Expert
Gaurav Dixit is a seasoned hotelier with over 13 years of experience in luxury hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels, The Leela Palace Hotels and Resorts, and Lebua Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok.
A passionate traveller and beverage enthusiast, Gaurav has managed various aspects of hospitality, including restaurants and bars. After establishing himself as one of India’s top sommeliers, he moved to Thailand. Throughout his career, Gaurav has managed acclaimed establishments and received prestigious awards, such as the Wine Spectator Award for five consecutive years during his tenure in Delhi.
With the introduction of the Ambassadors Program, the London Competitions aim to reach a broader audience in regions like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, as well as growing markets such as Asia and South America.
One major initiative will be to communicate in Spanish, Italian, and French in the upcoming months. The Competitions will also collaborate with regional and country wine, spirits, and beer associations worldwide to help their members grow in international markets.
Another significant change in 2025 will involve including importers and distributors from the UK, along with master distillers and head winemakers from around the world, in the judging panel.
For the complete list of Regional and Category Ambassadors, along with information on upcoming webinars, and to take advantage of the super early bird discounts that run until 31 August 2024, please visit the respective London Competitions websites:
ENTER THE LONDON SPIRITS COMPETITION
ENTER THE LONDON WINE COMPETITION
ENTER THE LONDON BEER COMPETITION
The London Wine, Spirits, and Beer Competitions recognise and reward quality, value, and packaging. The competitions are dedicated to identifying outstanding beverages that meet the expectations of both the trade and consumers.