Vincenzo Arnese is a judge at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).
Vincenzo ArneseVincenzo Arnese
Vincenzo Arnese, who is from Napoli, developed a deep interest in wine at a young age, thanks to his grandfather’s homemade wine, which he first tried at the age of five. This moment had a profound impact on him, leading him to pursue a career in hospitality and specialize in sommellerie while attending hospitality school in Stresa, Italy.
Following his studies, Vincenzo worked for several prestigious hotels in Switzerland, England, and Australia, starting in 2008 at The Waterside Inn in Bray. In 2012, he moved to Melbourne, Australia’s culinary capital, and worked in some of the city’s most prestigious establishments, including Vue de Monde, one of Australia’s top gastronomic restaurants.
Vincenzo relocated to London and took the position of Head Sommelier & Wine Buyer with Heston Blumenthal in 2013. He was subsequently appointed Head Sommelier at the world-renowned three Michelin star Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.
In 2023, Vincenzo became the Wine Director at Raffles London at The OWO, where he designed the Wine List for Mauro Colagreco.
He has graduated with his WSET Diploma and successfully passed the Advanced examination of the Court of Master Sommelier. He was the winner of the Bellavita/UKSA ‘Best Sommelier UK’ in 2015 and the Runner-up of the 2019 UK Ruinart Sommelier Challenge. He was crowned Taittinger’s UK Sommelier of the Year in 2022 and Best Sommelier 2023 for GQ Food and Drink Awards.
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