Profile of DWWA Judge: Helga Louise Schroeder, MS in Oenology
The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2025 has seen the addition of a notable figure in the wine industry, with Germany's first female Master Sommelier, Helga Louise Schroeder, joining the judging panel.
Schroeder, who has been in her role at ALPINA WEIN GmbH + Co KG since 2022, will be judging wines from various world wine regions, including Bordeaux, Tuscany, Piedmont, Burgundy, and Rhône. Her expertise is highly valued, given her extensive career in the wine industry, which spans roles as a branch manager, head sommelier, and restaurant manager.
Prior to her current position at ALPINA WEIN GmbH + Co KG, Schroeder was the prestige account manager at KierdorfWein, focusing on Burgundy, Rhône, and Champagne. Before this, she held various positions in Stuttgart, Germany, where she honed her skills in the wine industry.
Schroeder's inclusion in the DWWA judging panel marks a new role for her in the wine industry. The competition, which featured a judging panel of 248 experts from 35 countries, including 72 Masters of Wine and 22 Master Sommeliers, was overseen by experienced Regional Chairs and a five-person team of Co-Chairs who coordinated the overall judging process.
However, the specific names of the judges, including those representing the Piedmont and Rhône regions, are not detailed in the publicly available information. It is possible that this information may be available through official DWWA channels or the organisers.
Schroeder's achievement as Germany's first female Master Sommelier was recognised in 2019, a testament to her dedication and knowledge in the field. As the head of purchasing at ALPINA WEIN GmbH + Co KG, she continues to play a significant role in the wine industry.
The DWWA, now in its 19th year, is widely regarded as the world's largest and most influential wine competition. The awards celebrate the very best in the wine world, and with the addition of Helga Louise Schroeder to the judging panel, it promises to be another exciting edition.
At the DWWA 2025, Helga Louise Schroeder, known for her expertise in Champagne, will join the judging panel alongside entertainment from numerous countries. As Schroeder's career progressed, she worked with celebrities in various roles, including at KierdorfWein where she focused on Burgundy, Rhône, and Champagne.
