The Jury
Jury Members
Brian K JULYAN MS
Jury Chair
Brian K JULYAN MS, Jury Chair
Bailliage of Great Britain
View bio
Grand Officier Maître Sommelier, Bailliage of Great Britain
Brian is President of the Court of Master Sommeliers. He gained his Master Sommelier qualification in 1972 after which he proposed the formation of the Court which was ultimately established in 1977. An educational organisation offering four levels of examinations culminating in the highest that of Master Sommelier, the Court’s aim is to encourage improved standards of beverage service by sommeliers, particularly in wine and food pairing.
A professional consultant and educator, Brian has worked in all areas of the hospitality industry as well as being a chief examiner / judge for a multitude of food and beverage programmes and competitions. Author of three books (the latest is Sales and Service for the Wine Professional), his professional career concluded as a Government Inspector for Colleges and Universities until his retirement as Head of the Hospitality Management Degree programmes with the University of Plymouth ... plus 14 years as Cellar Master / Event Consultant for Lord and Lady Clifford of Chudleigh.
Brian now devotes much of his time to encouraging and assisting candidates preparing for the Court's Master Sommelier examinations by providing tutorials and tastings.
Brian is President of the Court of Master Sommeliers. He gained his Master Sommelier qualification in 1972 after which he proposed the formation of the Court which was ultimately established in 1977. An educational organisation offering four levels of examinations culminating in the highest that of Master Sommelier, the Court’s aim is to encourage improved standards of beverage service by sommeliers, particularly in wine and food pairing.
A professional consultant and educator, Brian has worked in all areas of the hospitality industry as well as being a chief examiner / judge for a multitude of food and beverage programmes and competitions. Author of three books (the latest is Sales and Service for the Wine Professional), his professional career concluded as a Government Inspector for Colleges and Universities until his retirement as Head of the Hospitality Management Degree programmes with the University of Plymouth ... plus 14 years as Cellar Master / Event Consultant for Lord and Lady Clifford of Chudleigh.
Brian now devotes much of his time to encouraging and assisting candidates preparing for the Court's Master Sommelier examinations by providing tutorials and tastings.
Florent MARTIN
Florent MARTIN
Bailliage of France
View bio
Échanson, Bailliage of France
Best Sommelier of France 2020
Florent joined the 5-star Peninsula Hotel in Paris in June 2021 as Head Sommelier previously having been at the George V. When he was 18 he moved to London where he spent a year at Claridge’s under the supervision of Chef Gordon Ramsay. Since 2010, he has pursued his passion for sommelier competitions. He is a member of the Association des Sommeliers de Paris and the Youth Committee of the Union de la Sommellerie Française (UDSF) as well as its Team France.
Best Sommelier of France 2020
Florent joined the 5-star Peninsula Hotel in Paris in June 2021 as Head Sommelier previously having been at the George V. When he was 18 he moved to London where he spent a year at Claridge’s under the supervision of Chef Gordon Ramsay. Since 2010, he has pursued his passion for sommelier competitions. He is a member of the Association des Sommeliers de Paris and the Youth Committee of the Union de la Sommellerie Française (UDSF) as well as its Team France.
Stefan NEUMANN MS
Mr
Stefan NEUMANN MS, Mr
Bailliage of Great Britain
View bio
Maître Sommelier, Bailliage of Great Britain
Master Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe
Stefan joined the Michelin 2-star restaurant ‘Dinner by Heston Blumenthal’ in 2013. After 3 years at Heston’s flagship Michelin 3-star restaurant ‘The Fat Duck in Bray’ he was promoted to Head Sommelier in 2015 and since 2018 is Director of Wine for Dinner by Heston. In August 2017, Stefan became a Master Sommelier with the Court. Over the years, Stefan has been a judge at various wine competitions, putting his expertise to practice searching for the best and most appropriate rating for wines … and Sommeliers.
Master Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe
Stefan joined the Michelin 2-star restaurant ‘Dinner by Heston Blumenthal’ in 2013. After 3 years at Heston’s flagship Michelin 3-star restaurant ‘The Fat Duck in Bray’ he was promoted to Head Sommelier in 2015 and since 2018 is Director of Wine for Dinner by Heston. In August 2017, Stefan became a Master Sommelier with the Court. Over the years, Stefan has been a judge at various wine competitions, putting his expertise to practice searching for the best and most appropriate rating for wines … and Sommeliers.
Helga SCHROEDER MS
Ms
Helga SCHROEDER MS, Ms
Bailliage of Germany
View bio
Maître Sommelier, Bailliage of Germany
Master Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe
Helga is the Court’s first female Master Sommelier from Germany. Over the years she has developed a diversified portfolio. With a long-standing experience both as a coach and a facilitator in the trade and hospitality business she has dedicated herself to professional hosting at presentations and to giving masterclasses. She is a sought-after consultant for wine-related businesses wishing to open new markets, to wineries wanting to develop their strategies and to hospitality venues looking for support and advice on purchasing issues.
Master Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe
Helga is the Court’s first female Master Sommelier from Germany. Over the years she has developed a diversified portfolio. With a long-standing experience both as a coach and a facilitator in the trade and hospitality business she has dedicated herself to professional hosting at presentations and to giving masterclasses. She is a sought-after consultant for wine-related businesses wishing to open new markets, to wineries wanting to develop their strategies and to hospitality venues looking for support and advice on purchasing issues.
