LONDON, June 17, 2024 — The eighth edition of the London Wine, Spirits, and Beer Competitions proudly presents its first Regional and Category Ambassador Program for 2025. This transformative initiative invites industry leaders and influencers to educate consumers and trade professionals in their respective regions and categories globally. The program will establish the London Competitions as an international benchmark, helping winners to make a significant global impact. Ambassadors and experts will also advocate for winners of leading categories around the world.

Presentation of the First Wave of Ambassadors for the London 2025 Competitions

Mattia Scarpazza

Region and Focus Category: Italy and Chile

Type of Drink: Wine

Role: Ambassador

Mattia Scarpazza, a dedicated wine professional, has been an important figure in the wine industry since completing his WSET Diploma in 2018. Starting his career as a sommelier at Petersham Nurseries Café in 2013, Mattia's passion for communication on wine led him to become a renowned wine writer and the creator of the podcast 'Looking Into Wine'. Through insightful interviews with industry experts, his podcast explores wine regions, styles, science and producers. Specializing in marketing and branding, Mattia helps wineries develop compelling strategies and engaging stories to enhance their brand presence.

Marco Stella

Region and Focus Category: France and Italy

Drink Type: Spirits

Role: Ambassador

Marco Stella, the Director of Bars at Monte Carlo Beach in Monaco, began his career in the hotel industry at the age of 13. Over the years he has honed his skills in various countries including the UK, Malta, Italy, Spain and now Monaco. His extensive experience includes leading the team at Mandarin Bar, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London, and working with leading professionals in Barcelona. Marco's expertise lies in product consistency, quality and the art of mixology.

Adriana Valentini

Region and Focus Category: Italy and United Kingdom

Type of Drink: Wine

Role: Ambassador

Adriana Valentini, an independent wine consultant, brings a wealth of global experience and prestigious positions in the wine industry. She has worked with clients such as Aethos Hotels and was the Wine Director of the Triple Sea Food Group in Milan. Adriana's career includes collaborations with 'Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia', two Michelin stars in Milan, and the luxurious Corinthia Hotel in London. Multilingual and passionate about wine education, she aspires to become one of the leading female sommeliers.

Chiara Sieni

Region and Focus Category: Italy and United Kingdom

Type of Drink: Wine

Role: Ambassador

Chiara Sieni DipWSET, wine judge with the London Competitions, specialist in Valpolicella wines and ambassador for Langhe wines, is originally from Florence. She moved to London 13 years ago and became passionate about wine. She studied for the French and Italian Wine Scholar qualifications with the West London Wine School and also completed the WSET Diploma. She worked with Decanter to prepare the wines for the Awards and also freelances for Dolce Vita, an Italian wine distributor. Chiara currently works with Amathus Drinks, where she hopes to take on the role of educator.

Gaurav Dixit

Region and Focus Category: Thailand

Type of Drink: Wine

Role: Expert

Gaurav Dixit is a seasoned hotelier with over 13 years of experience across luxury hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels, The Leela Palace Hotels and Resorts, and Lebua Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok. An avid traveler and drinks lover, Gaurav has managed various aspects of the hospitality business, including restaurants and bars. After establishing himself as one of India's top sommeliers, he moved to Thailand. During his career, Gaurav has helmed acclaimed establishments and received prestigious awards, such as the Wine Spectator Award for five consecutive years during his tenure in Delhi.

Expanding Audiences and Setting New Standards

With the introduction of the Ambassador Program, the London Competitions aims to reach a wider audience in regions such as France, Germany, Spain and Italy, as well as growing markets such as Asia and South America. A major initiative will be to communicate in Spanish, Italian and French in the coming months. The Competitions will also collaborate with regional and national wine, spirits and beer associations around the world to help their members expand into international markets. Another significant change in 2025 will involve the inclusion of UK importers and distributors, alongside master distillers and chief winemakers from around the world, on the judging panel.

For the full list of Regional and Category Ambassadors and information on upcoming webinars, please visit the respective London Competitions websites.

About the London Wine, Spirits and Beer Competitions

The London Wine, Spirits and Beer Competitions recognise and reward quality, value and packaging. The competitions are dedicated to identifying exceptional beverages that meet the expectations of both trade and consumers. The London Spirits Competition is organised by the Beverage Trade Network , which helps drinks producers and brand owners connect with buyers, distributors and retailers to bring their products to market. For more information, visit the London Competitions website .

Press Contact:

Sid Patel
Beverage Trade Network | London Competitions
E: sid@beveragetradenetwork.com
USA Office: +1 855 481 1112
UK Office: + 44 330 097 0138