The Jury
Jury Members
Salvatore Castano
Chair
![](https://common.chainedesrotisseurs.com/competitions/jury/portraits/Salvatore-Castano.jpg)
Salvatore Castano, Chair
Bailliage of Great Britain
Officier Maitre Sommelier
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Officier Maître Sommelier, Bailliage of Great Britain
Salvatore started to work in hospitality as a summer job in Sicily at the age of 15. After graduation, he made the decision to travel and work at restaurants around the world. By working in several top hotels and restaurants, Salvatore says he naturally became very curious about wines and spirits. He decided to take few courses and improve his knowledge. When he arrived in London, Salvatore encountered Sommeliers who had already started the Court of Master Sommeliers programme and so his rise through the ranks commenced. Salvatore commented, "The first thing that I learned when I became a Sommelier was to always be humble and never forget the past."
Salvatore started to work in hospitality as a summer job in Sicily at the age of 15. After graduation, he made the decision to travel and work at restaurants around the world. By working in several top hotels and restaurants, Salvatore says he naturally became very curious about wines and spirits. He decided to take few courses and improve his knowledge. When he arrived in London, Salvatore encountered Sommeliers who had already started the Court of Master Sommeliers programme and so his rise through the ranks commenced. Salvatore commented, "The first thing that I learned when I became a Sommelier was to always be humble and never forget the past."
Tamas Czinki
Jury Member
![](https://common.chainedesrotisseurs.com/competitions/jury/portraits/Tamas-Czinki.jpg)
Tamas Czinki, Jury Member
Bailliage of Hungary
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Maître Sommelier, Bailliage of Hungary
Master Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
Tamás was the first Hungarian Master Sommelier. Based in Budapest, he works both as Wine Director for Felix Kitchen and Bar and a consultant for Culinaris Wholesale where he is developing an extended portfolio of fine wines. He has been a judge in both national and international Sommelier competitions over the last five years. Previously Tamás spent nearly 10 years in the UK where he worked as a Head Sommelier at the Michelin starred Northcote Manor in Lancashire under the leadership of Managing Director Craig Bancroft. In 2018, Tamás was a double runner-up: in the Bailliage of Great Britain’s Jeunes Sommelier Competition and in the “Best Sommelier of UK” final.
Master Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
Tamás was the first Hungarian Master Sommelier. Based in Budapest, he works both as Wine Director for Felix Kitchen and Bar and a consultant for Culinaris Wholesale where he is developing an extended portfolio of fine wines. He has been a judge in both national and international Sommelier competitions over the last five years. Previously Tamás spent nearly 10 years in the UK where he worked as a Head Sommelier at the Michelin starred Northcote Manor in Lancashire under the leadership of Managing Director Craig Bancroft. In 2018, Tamás was a double runner-up: in the Bailliage of Great Britain’s Jeunes Sommelier Competition and in the “Best Sommelier of UK” final.
Kristen Larsen-Robert
Jury Member
![](https://common.chainedesrotisseurs.com/competitions/jury/portraits/Kathrine-Larsen-Robert.jpg)
Kristen Larsen-Robert, Jury Member
Bailliage of Great Britain
Maitre Sommelier
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Maître Sommelier, Bailliage of Great Britain
Master Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
Kathrine gained her MS credential from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2013, the same year that she was named UK Young Sommelier of the Year. In 2014 she was named UK Sommelier of the Year. Her career in hospitality began in 2002 interning for a number of Michelin 1 and 2-star restaurants, while at the same time studying at Copenhagen Hospitality College. Career highlights include being Head Sommelier at Pont de la Tour, Orrey, and Zuma restaurants in London and for the last nine years she has been Head of Fine Wines for Enotria Wine Merchants. Originally from Copenhagen, she lives in London. She is married to Clement Robert MS who won the 2010 International Final held in Santander, Spain.
Master Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
Kathrine gained her MS credential from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2013, the same year that she was named UK Young Sommelier of the Year. In 2014 she was named UK Sommelier of the Year. Her career in hospitality began in 2002 interning for a number of Michelin 1 and 2-star restaurants, while at the same time studying at Copenhagen Hospitality College. Career highlights include being Head Sommelier at Pont de la Tour, Orrey, and Zuma restaurants in London and for the last nine years she has been Head of Fine Wines for Enotria Wine Merchants. Originally from Copenhagen, she lives in London. She is married to Clement Robert MS who won the 2010 International Final held in Santander, Spain.
Eugenia Lemos Queiroz
Jury Member
![](https://common.chainedesrotisseurs.com/competitions/jury/portraits/Eugenia-Queiroz.jpg)
Eugenia Lemos Queiroz, Jury Member
Bailliage of Portugal
Sommelier
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Échanson, Bailliage of Portugal
Genny Queiroz, wine professional at Origens restaurant in Évora, was awarded the Best Female Sommelier of 2023 by the W-Awards, in addition to winning the gold medal in the Fernando Ferramentas National Championship. Her career started during university and since then, Eugénia has been involved with tourism and hospitality, leading her to formal education in sommellerie. She sees the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition as a valuable platform for those starting in the career, aligned with the Chaîne’s values of striving for excellence, providing opportunities for growth and professional appreciation. The awards and her involvement reflect not only her personal commitment but also the positive impact on Portugal's wine scene.
Genny Queiroz, wine professional at Origens restaurant in Évora, was awarded the Best Female Sommelier of 2023 by the W-Awards, in addition to winning the gold medal in the Fernando Ferramentas National Championship. Her career started during university and since then, Eugénia has been involved with tourism and hospitality, leading her to formal education in sommellerie. She sees the Jeunes Sommeliers Competition as a valuable platform for those starting in the career, aligned with the Chaîne’s values of striving for excellence, providing opportunities for growth and professional appreciation. The awards and her involvement reflect not only her personal commitment but also the positive impact on Portugal's wine scene.