The San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) has long been recognized as one of the most influential and respected wine competitions in the world. Each year, its reputation is upheld by an exceptional panel of experts whose palates, professionalism, and global perspectives ensure that every wine is evaluated with unparalleled rigor and insight.

For the 2025 competition, we are proud to introduce a distinguished group of judges whose combined expertise spans continents, categories, and decades of leadership in the beverage industry.

A global authority in Japanese beverages, Toshio Ueno is the only person in the world to hold the titles of Master of Sake, Master Sake Sommelier, and WSET Sake Educator. As Vice President and Executive Instructor at the Sake School of America, he has played a pivotal role in educating both industry professionals and consumers about the nuance and artistry of sake and shochu.

Recognized as a Sake Samurai and Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, Ueno has devoted his career to advancing Japanese beverage culture across international markets. His profound expertise and advocacy make him one of the most influential voices in the category—bringing invaluable depth to the SFIWC judging panel.

One of only 425 Masters of Wine worldwide, Tim Marson serves as Director of Spirits at Wine.com, the largest online-only wine and spirits retailer in the United States. He oversees the company’s spirits portfolio as well as its French and Italian wine categories—two of the most complex and revered regions in the world.

Marson’s career spans nearly thirty years in both the U.K. and U.S., where he has excelled in buying, selling, judging, and writing about wine and spirits. His achievements include the Worshipful Company of Distillers Scholarship, awarded following his completion of the WSET Diploma in 2000. His breadth of knowledge and marketplace acuity bring a dynamic and deeply informed perspective to the judges’ table.

From the jazz stages of Los Angeles to the forefront of beverage education, Ian Adams has carved a unique and influential path through the world of hospitality. His career took shape at 15 Romolo, where he launched a groundbreaking Sherry pairing and cocktail program that garnered international acclaim.

In 2017, Adams and his team became the first Americans to win the Grand Prize for Best Pairing Menu at the prestigious Copa Jerez international competition—where he also earned the title of Best Sommelier. His work continues to champion the stories and traditions of Sherry and wine, making him a sought-after educator and an insightful, narrative-driven judge at SFIWC.

A visionary in wine marketing and communications, Kimberley Charles brings four decades of experience shaping and elevating global beverage brands. As founder and president of Charles Communications Associates, she is known for her strategic, culturally informed approach and her ability to anticipate industry shifts.

Celebrating 22 years in 2025, her firm is recognized for representing innovative and socially responsible companies that are driving the future of wine. A DipWSET credentialed professional, Charles’ blend of creativity, leadership, and industry fluency enriches the SFIWC judging process with a sharp understanding of brand storytelling, consumer trends, and product positioning.

The 2025 SFIWC judging panel exemplifies the competition’s dedication to integrity, expertise, and global perspective. From Masters of Wine to industry trailblazers in sake, Sherry, spirits, and marketing, these judges reflect the evolving landscape of the beverage world. Their collective insight ensures that medal-winning wines are not only exceptional—but recognized by some of the most respected and qualified palates in the industry.