Held in Hong Kong on October 23, 2025, the Asia Wine Ratings is designed to recognize, reward, and promote wines that combine quality, value, and packaging, with the goal of helping producers get closer to real-world buying decisions in the Asian market.

The competition will bring together top voices from Asia’s off-trade buyers, importers, distributors, and retail merchants. This year, we’re proud to announce a stellar lineup of judges who bring immense regional expertise, industry leadership, and a passion for discovering wines with both personality and commercial promise.

Why Asia Wine Ratings Is Different

Unlike traditional competitions that focus solely on technical precision, the Asia Wine Ratings looks at wines the way a consumer or trade buyer would through three key lenses:

- Quality: Is the wine enjoyable, balanced, and well-made?

- Value for money: Does it deliver at its price point?

- Packaging: Does it stand out on the shelf and look like something today's consumer would pick up?

This approach ensures the wines awarded here aren’t just beautiful in theory, they’re market-ready and built to thrive in retail environments across Asia.

Meet Our Judges for 2025

Our judges bring together decades of combined experience spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, global retail, wine education, import/export expertise, and regional market leadership. Their insights and passion will shape Asia’s next must-stock wines.

Tom Baxter – Hong Kong SAR
Asia Buyer at Berry Bros. & Rudd

Tom’s wine journey began during an internship in Beijing, followed by formative roles as Senior Sommelier and Wine Buyer at two Michelin-starred London restaurants, Pied-à-Terre and The Ledbury. His extensive experience exposed him to diverse wine styles, deepening his passion for Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rioja, and Jerez. After roles in on-trade sales and a top auction house’s international department, Tom joined Berry Bros. & Rudd in 2025 as fine wine buyer for Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. Fluent in Mandarin, French, Spanish, and learning Cantonese, Tom combines market savvy with a global perspective, drawing on his studies at Cambridge and his WSET Diploma and Court of Master Sommeliers certifications.

Sara Checchi – Hong Kong SAR
Director of Wine and Beverage at Rosewood Hong Kong

Hailing from Italy, Sara’s career was forged in the kitchens of Michelin-starred Italian restaurants, including a four-year tenure as Head Sommelier at the acclaimed Piazza Duomo. Her leadership skills were further refined in the Middle East before she joined Rosewood Hong Kong. Previously, she was Group Global Head Sommelier at Maximal Concepts Limited, overseeing renowned venues like Mott 32. Sara’s philosophy centers on wine as a storytelling medium, bringing memorable experiences to life through passion, connection, and exceptional service.

Dirk Chen – Hong Kong SAR
Director of Wine at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

A graduate in Hotel Management from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dirk holds the Advanced Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers. His career path took him from Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services to key sommelier roles at Mandarin Oriental properties. Currently overseeing the wine program at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s three Michelin-starred Amber restaurant, Dirk also manages wine purchasing and inventory for the hotel. He’s been recognized internationally, serving as a judge for the Japan Wine Competition in both 2023 and 2024.

Richard Hemming MW – Singapore
Head of Wine, Asia at 67 Pall Mall

British Master of Wine Richard Hemming relocated to Singapore in 2020 to lead the wine program at members’ club 67 Pall Mall. A prolific writer and communicator, Richard contributes extensively to JancisRobinson.com and various prestigious wine publications worldwide. His journey started in UK wine retail, followed by hands-on viticulture in McLaren Vale, Australia. Since earning his MW in 2015, Richard has dedicated himself to education and storytelling, blending technical knowledge with accessible insights. When not writing or tasting, he enjoys piano and cooking.

Arthur Le Vaillant – Hong Kong SAR
Founder at ARTORUS Wine & Spirits

French export professional Arthur Le Vaillant balances his time between Bordeaux and Hong Kong, representing boutique French wine growers and craft distillers throughout Asia. With a background in international B2B sales and family roots in Cognac production, Arthur brings a unique combination of heritage, market know-how, and a passion for artisan wines and spirits to his judging role.

Devon Lochhead – Hong Kong SAR
Regional Director, Asia at DGB (Pty) Ltd

South African-born Devon’s wine passion began at age 19, working as a wine advisor in fine dining. Since moving to Hong Kong, he’s immersed himself in Asia’s vibrant wine scene, including key roles at Kedington Wines and Black Sheep Restaurants. Now Regional Director for Asia at DGB, Devon promotes top South African wineries across the region. He holds a WSET Diploma, is a Certified WSET Wine Educator, and is currently pursuing his Master of Wine. Devon regularly judges major competitions including the Decanter World Wine Awards and Asia Wine Challenge.

Dominique Noël – Hong Kong SAR
Wine Buyer and Sommelier

With 33 years in the wine industry, Dominique brings vast global experience from markets including Bordeaux, Paris, London, New York, and now Hong Kong. His career spans roles in wine buying, quality control, market analysis, and education, enriched by extensive travel and deep cultural interests. Known for his outspoken passion, Dominique excels in connecting wine with food, culture, and storytelling, alongside managing wine events and oenotourism projects.

Wilfried Sentex – Hong Kong SAR
Director Hong Kong & Macau at CWS Fine Wines

Wilfried has over 15 years’ experience managing portfolios of international wineries and spirits, specializing in import, distribution, and professional wine evaluation. He currently oversees CWS Fine Wines’ operations in Hong Kong and Macau and serves as a respected judge in wine competitions. His expertise includes market trends and consumer preferences across the global wine industry.

Grant Smith – Thailand
Managing Director at Bespoke Fine Wine Co., Ltd.

Australian Grant Smith is one of Thailand’s most trusted wine importers and advocates of South Australian wines. Founder of Bespoke Fine Wine Co., Ltd., he brings over a decade of hospitality and export experience to sourcing distinctive wines for Thailand’s top venues and collectors. Grant’s passion for wine craftsmanship and education drives his close work with boutique producers worldwide. His deep understanding of Thailand’s market, regulations, and consumer trends underpins his hands-on approach to building lasting partnerships and delivering value.

As we count down to the event in October, the Asia Wine Ratings promise to spotlight wines that aren’t just excellent on the palate but truly resonate with today’s diverse and dynamic Asian consumers. This competition is more than just awarding medals, it’s about validating market potential and helping producers align their wines with real buyer expectations.

For wineries eager to make their mark in Asia, this panel of esteemed judges represents a gateway to meaningful opportunities. Their insights and decisions will shape the shelves and cellars of the region for years to come.

Stay connected with us for exclusive judge interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and updates on the wines that could become Asia’s next best sellers.