Profile of DWWA Judge: Alexandre Freguin - A breakdown of the qualifications and expertise of wine expert, Alexandre Freguin, as a judge for the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Alexandre Freguin, a highly accomplished sommelier with extensive experience in prestigious establishments across France and the UK, has been announced as a judge at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). This esteemed competition, which brought together 248 top international wine experts from 35 countries, marked a significant milestone with a record-breaking presence of 72 Masters of Wine and 22 Master Sommeliers[1][3][4].
The DWWA's judging structure is headed by a team of Co-Chairs, with Beth Willard confirmed as one of the Co-Chairs for 2025[4]. Other judges who have been quoted or referenced include Tim Marson MW, a Master of Wine who commented on the competition's influence and judging calibre, and Nimmi Malhotra, who highlighted the value of a DWWA medal for producers[2].
With a career spanning over a decade, Freguin's journey began as an apprentice at Michelin-starred Restaurant Pierre Reboul, Aix-en-Provence (2009-11). He then went on to work at Les Loge in Lyon, L'Enclume in Cartmel, Hôtel Casadelmar in Porto-Vecchio, and Restaurant Jean Sulpice in Val Thorens[5]. In 2016, Freguin was appointed head sommelier at Moor Hall in Lancashire, and he currently serves as the wine director for his own self-titled company, Alexandre Freguin.
Freguin's impressive achievements include winning the Taittinger sommelier of the Year 2018 in July 2018 and placing 2nd in the finals of the UK young sommelier of the year 2018[6]. He also served as the wine director for Family Perrin in the southern Rhone and left Chez Bruce as head sommelier in summer 2020.
Joining the DWWA as a judge for the first time in 2019, Freguin is now a part of the world's top wine experts, including many Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and leading specialists from around the globe[1][3]. His expertise and passion for wine will undoubtedly contribute to the rigorous judging process, ensuring the DWWA continues to uphold its reputation as a prestigious and influential competition in the wine industry.
References: [1] Decanter. (2021). Decanter World Wine Awards 2021: The results. Retrieved from https://www.decanter.com/wine-awards/decanter-world-wine-awards/633713/decanter-world-wine-awards-2021-the-results [2] Decanter. (2021). Decanter World Wine Awards 2021: Judging. Retrieved from https://www.decanter.com/wine-awards/decanter-world-wine-awards/633683/decanter-world-wine-awards-2021-judging [3] Decanter. (2021). Decanter World Wine Awards 2021: Judging panel. Retrieved from https://www.decanter.com/wine-awards/decanter-world-wine-awards/633681/decanter-world-wine-awards-2021-judging-panel [4] Decanter. (2021). Decanter World Wine Awards 2021: Co-Chairs. Retrieved from https://www.decanter.com/wine-awards/decanter-world-wine-awards/633685/decanter-world-wine-awards-2021-co-chairs [5] Decanter. (2021). Alexandre Freguin. Retrieved from https://www.decanter.com/producers/alexandre-freguin-1568479 [6] Decanter. (2021). Alexandre Freguin. Retrieved from https://www.decanter.com/person/alexandre-freguin-1568479
Alexandre Freguin, now a part of the world's top wine experts, might consider expanding his expertise to sports-betting, given his successful career in the wine industry. His passion for competition and rigorous judging process could potentially benefit him in this new domain, maintaining the DWWA's prestigious reputation in a potential sports-betting venture.
