2019 Judges

Our judging panels are comprised of some of Canada’s leading wine writers, journalists, sommeliers, buyers and industry professionals. We also like to seek out new and emerging talent in the industry to be part of the judging team. The blend of experience and enthusiasm, brought by judges from many regions across Canada, ensures a comprehensive view of the wine world’s most current state.

You can follow the 2019 NWAC and our judges’ tweets from start to finish on Twitter @WineAlign and look for the hashtag #NWAC19.

Our Judging Process 

The judging is overseen by WineAlign principal critics and partners Anthony Gismondi and David Lawrason.

All competition wines are blind-tasted and judged in categories according to varietal or style, not by region, using the same 100-point system as used on WineAlign.

Each wine earning the requisite points will get a medal.

Wines with the top scores in the entire awards will be awarded a Platinum medal (approximately 1% of the total entries). Gold medals = 91+ points, Silver medals = 90 – 89 points, Bronze medals = 88 – 87 points

The 2019 Judges (in alphabetical order)

Co-Head Judges David Lawrason and Anthony Gismondi

Anthony Gismondi
British Columbia
Co-Head Judge
WineAlign, Vancouver Sun, Gismondi on Wine
Follow on Twitter @TheSpitter
Follow on Instagram @anthony.gismondi
(bio)

David Lawrason
Ontario
Co-Head Judge
WineAlign, Toronto Life, Ottawa Magazine
Follow on Twitter @DavidLawrason
Follow on Instagram @davidlawrason

Jacky Blisson
Quebec
Freelance writer, speaker, wine educator, www.jackyblisson.com
Follow on Twitter @jackyblisson
Follow on Instagram @jackyblisson
(bio)

Michelle Bouffard
British Columbia
Radio Canada, Equis Magazine, Véro Magazine, CAPS-BC President, Author (Dis-moi qui tu es, je te dirai quoi boire)
Follow on Twitter @michellebwine
Follow on Instagram @michellebouffard
(bio)

Sara d’Amato
Ontario
WineAlign, Chatelaine, President of CAPS (Ontario Chapter)
Follow on Twitter @SaradAmato
Follow on Instagram @saradamatokilley
(bio)

Dr. Janet Dorozynski
Ontario
WineAlign
Follow on Twitter @WineTrackMind
Follow on Instagram @winetrackmind
(bio)

Nadia Fournier
Quebec
WineAlign, Chacun son Vin, Guide du Vin, L’actualité
Follow on Twitter @NadiaFournier
Follow on Instagram @nadia_fournier
(bio)

Michael Godel
Ontario
WineAlign, godello.com, Wine Director at Barque Smokehouse
Follow on Twitter @mgodello
Follow on Instagram @mgodello
(bio)

Dr. Jamie Goode
United Kingdom
Author, The Sunday Express, wineanorak.com
Follow on Twitter @JamieGoode
Follow on Instagram @drjamiegoode
(bio)

DJ Kearney
British Columbia
Wine and Spirits Education Trust, New District
Follow on Twitter @djwines
Follow on Instagram @djwines
(bio)

Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson
Manitoba
Winnipeg Free Press
Follow on Twitter @bensigurdson
Follow on Instagram @bensigurdson
(bio)

Alanna McIntyre
Halifax
Bishop’s Cellar
Follow on Instagram @alanna.mcintyre
(bio)

Sharon McLean
British Columbia
Instructor, judge
Follow on Twitter @urban_vines
Follow on Instagram @sharon_a_mc
(bio)

Katy Moore
Ontario
Sommelier, Katy Moore Wines,
Follow on Twitter @katymoore60
Follow on Instagram @katymoore60
(bio)

Brent Muller
Victoria
Vessel Wine Shop
Follow on Instagram @brent.muller
(bio)

Rhys Pender, MW
British Columbia
Wine Plus+
Follow on Twitter @WinePlus
Follow on Instagram @rhyspendermw
(bio)

Craig Pinhey
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Telegraph Journal, Quench Online, Co-Author (Wine Lover’s Guide to Atlantic Canada)
Follow on Twitter @frogspadca
Follow on Instagram @brufrog
(bio)

Heather Rankin
Nova Scotia
Obladee Wine Bar
Follow on Twitter @curlyluddite
Follow on Instagram @curlyluddite
(bio)

Treve Ring
British Columbia
WineAlign, Gismondi On Wine, Meininger’s Wine Business, SIP Northwest, Scout, Quench, World of Fine Wine, Wine & Spirits, Wine Enthusiast
Follow on Twitter @Treve_Ring
Follow on Instagram @trevering
(bio)

Brad Royale
Alberta
Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts
Follow on Twitter @BradRoyale
Follow on Instagram @bradroyale
(bio)

John Szabo, MS
Ontario
WineAlign, Wine & Spirits Magazine, Author (Pairing Food and Wine for Dummies, Volcanic Wines, Salt, Grit and Power), www.johnszabo.com
Follow on Twitter @JohnSzabo
Follow on Instagram @johnszaboms
(bio)

Bruce Wallner, MS
Ontario
Sommelier Factory
Follow on Twitter @MasterSomm
Follow on Instagram @mastersomm

Questions or comments?  Contact us:  [email protected]