The V d’Or awards are decided by a distinguished Judging Panel, composed of leading figures from across the world of wine and spirits.
In each of the three categories, the applications that stood out most to the panel are shortlisted as nominees and invited to take part in the awards ceremony.
The winners are then revealed at the V d’Or Ceremony on 8 February 2026, the eve of Wine Paris, before an audience of industry leaders and influential voices from the wine and spirits community.
The V d’Or Judging Panel
The judging panel consists of professionals from the world of wines and spirits. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of the industry, they will identify the most promising initiatives with the power to make a real difference.
PRESIDENT OF THE V D'OR JUDGING PANEL.
Michel Chapoutier
Michel Chapoutier is in a league of his own. He is unconventional and extremely inquisitive, certainly not someone with a fixed mindset. He is full of life and constantly on the move – “If I stand still, I fall over”, he says. At 26, his life’s adventure began, an adventure with wine. Although at the helm of Maison M. Chapoutier, he does not consider himself to be the heir to a tradition. His choices and his vision are disruptive. He has broken away from the principles and assumptions of the past. Is he a winegrower? No, more of a farmer. He is a lover of the land. His quest is about turning the spotlight on terroir, giving voice to soils, a voice that speaks with a distinctive signature style in every wine. He shares his beliefs with young winegrowers, engaging with them about biodynamics and appellations, of which he is a staunch advocate. And just like the braille that features on all his wine labels, everything is symbolic.
CEO - Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne
Christophe Juarez
Christophe Juarez is an expert in luxury brand management, specialising in international development strategies. After a successful career with several leading luxury groups, including Chanel, L’Oréal Luxury Division, and Cartier (Richemont Group), his first role in the wine industry was as Managing Director of Laroche. He then moved to Cognac H. Mounier, where he served as President of the Executive Board. He became CEO of Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne in 2017.
CEO & Executive Director - Grace Wine Holdings Ltd
Judy Chan
Judy Chan joined Grace Wine Holdings Ltd after a successful career at Goldman Sachs and transformed the winery into one of China’s most highly regarded boutique wine producers. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her professional achievements, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Hong Kong & Macau in 2010 and being named one of the World’s Most Influential Women in Wine by The Drinks Business in 2018.
President, Viñedos Familia Chadwick
Eduardo Chadwick
Eduardo Chadwick is the fifth generation to lead Viñedos Familia Chadwick (est. 1870), which includes renowned brands such as Errazuriz, Chadwick, and Seña. He joined the family company in 1983 and is credited with spearheading modern Chilean winemaking, demonstrating to the world that Chile can produce fine wines on par with the world’s most prestigious labels.
Vice President, International Marketing, Wine Institute & California Wines
Honore Comfort
Honore Comfort draws on her 20+ years of experience in international wine marketing, brand strategy, and association management to build the global brand for California Wines and promote exports. Prior to joining Wine Institute, she held senior leadership positions in the wine sector including Executive Director of the Sonoma County Vintners, President of Brack Mountain Wine Company, and North American Brand Director for Penfolds and Rosemount Estate.
CEO - PICCINI 1882
Mario Piccini
Over the past 40 years, Mario Piccini has transformed Piccini 1882, his family winery, into a global brand. He is renowned for creating one of Piccini's most iconic labels, Chianti Orange, now one of the most widely distributed Chianti wines in the world. Since becoming CEO in 2004, he has expanded the business by acquiring several estates in Basilicata, Etna, Piedmont and the Prosecco hills.
Independent wine and drinks writer, Rosso Bianco
Nimmi Malhotra
Nimmi Malhotra is a leading wine and drinks writer based in Singapore, with a unique perspective shaped by her experiences in both the Hong Kong and Singapore markets. Her work has been featured in Channel News Asia, The Drinks Business, Sommelier India, and Halliday Australia. Nimmi serves as a wine judge for the International Wine Challenge and various Asian awards and competitions. She also speaks at and moderates panels on contemporary issues in wine and spirits.