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Meet Our Judges

The New York International Wine Competition is the only International Beverage Competition judged by trade buyers who assess the product by category as well as actual price. If you’re looking to break into the New York Market and have your products tasted by multiple trade buyers, this competition is for you. 

Below is our current roster of judges. Check back often for updates!

Bruno Almeida
Wine Director & Sommelier

Previous Positions
Wine Director
Sommelier
Manager
Bar Manager
Bartender
Captain

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
CMS Certified Sommelier

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
2006 Murganheira Espumante Bruto (Portuguese Sparkling)

Cristiano Andrade
General Manager/Buyer

Previous Positions
Advertising/Finance

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
Bachelor of Arts Degree,
Certificate in Film Studies

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Jean Fillioux Cep d'Or "XO Selection" Grande Champagne Cognac 1er Cru de Cognac

Brandon Barnes
Wine Director, Quality Italian

Previous Positions
Sommelier, Del Posto
Sommelier, Union Square Cafe
Sommelier, Bouley Restaurant

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
CMS, Certified
WSET Level 3

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
1985 Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet

Evan Demarco
Wine Manager/Buying Consultant

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
WSET Level 2
WSET Level 3 Student

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A bottle of 2013 Loacker Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino

Susan Ellis
General Manager / Buyer, Urban Uncorked, Recommendations Specialist, wine.com

Previous Positions
Wine Director, The Winery at St. George
Retail Associate, Good Wine

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
WSET Level III

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Blanton's Bourbon

Gary Itkin
General Manager/Buyer, Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit

Previous Positions
Manager - Tribeca Wines & Spirits
Manager & Buyer - Paley Wines & Spirits

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
Judge at Spirits Selection, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2018 & 2019
Judge at Annual Wines of Chile Awards 2017
Sommelier Society of America

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Duncan Taylor: The Octave - North British 2009 Single Grain Whisky

Valerie Pimpinelli
Buyer, Flatiron Wines & Spirits

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A 6-pack of light red natural wine as a quarantine coping gift for my best friend

Denise Prykanowski
Beverage Director at City Winery Pier 57

Previous Positions
Wine and Beverage Director for Oscar Wildes, Lillies and Papillon
Food and Beverage Consultant for National Geographic Ocean Encounter Events

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
Court of Masters Certified Sommelier
American Sommelier Blind Tasting and Viti & Vini

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
A trio of Bowman Family Bourbons (1 each): John J Bowman, Isaac Bowman, Bowman Brothers

Brooke Sabel
Wine Director, Gary's Wine & Marketplace

Previous Positions
Wine Director, Natirar
Assistant Wine Director, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Director of Sales & Marketing, 56 Degree Wine

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
Certified Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET Level 3, Society of Wine Educators

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
I bought a number of cases for some girlfriends of My Essential Rose that Richard Betts was donating profits to various charities during COVID...because you can never have too much rose...

Francis Schott
Owner & Beverage Director Stage Left Steak, Catherine Lombardi Restaurant, StageLeftWineShop.com

Previous Positions
I've been doing these a long time

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
B.A.R. Certified
Best of Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator for the last 2 decades

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Absinthe

Links
www.facebook.com/stageleftrestaurant/
www.catherinelombardi.com
www.facebook.com/catherinelombardirestaurant/
www.instagram.com/CatherineLombardiRestaurant
www.stageleftwineshop.com

Carrie Lyn Strong
Owner, Strong Wine Consulting, LLC

Previous Positions
Wine Director/Sommelier: Casa Lever, Aureole, Mercer Kitchen, The Harrison, Vong
Sommelier: Ai Fiori, Lamb's Club

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
ASA Certified Sommelier
Wine Spectator Best of Aware of Excellence 2014 - 2019

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Champagne for my mom on Mother's Day

Links
Facebook
LinkedIn

Dusan Vranic
Head Sommelier

Previous Positions
Beverage Director

Certifications, Awards & Credentials
Certified Sommelier

What was the last boozy gift you bought for someone you cared about?
Armagnac