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Johann Kwon

Advanced Sommelier - Court of Master Sommeliers (Master Sommelier Candidate) Executive Head Sommelier at Black Sheep Restaurants

Johann is a South Korean-born sommelier with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and wine industry. He has worked in various countries, including Korea, Afghanistan (ISAF-NATO), India, Japan, the USA, New Zealand, Italy, and Hong Kong. Johann used to work as Executive Head Sommelier at Black Sheep Restaurants for over 6 years and recently joined one of Asia's biggest private wine club projects, 'Club Batard,' as Head Sommelier.

To broaden his understanding of the wine & hospitality business, Johann has obtained several wine and hospitality-related qualifications, including the A.S.I. (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale) Diploma, WSET Level 3 Sake, WSET Level 3 Wine & Spirits, FWS, and F&B Management from Cornell University. In 2023, Johann passed the Advanced Sommelier exam provided by CMS (Court of Master Sommeliers) and is currently preparing for his first attempt at the Master Sommelier exam.

Key Dates

Super early bird pricing ends on March 31, 2025

Judges

Meet our judges

The China Wine Competition judges are carefully selected by us and include Master Sommeliers, Top Sommeliers, On-Trade Wine Buyers and Wine Directors of China who all serve or buy wine for their business and are involved in developing wine lists.

The mission and philosophy of the China Wine Competition is to award wines that make a great addition to restaurants wine menus and by the glass programs. The judges are top sommeliers and on-trade wine buyers from China who understands the chinese palate.

These judges are here to highlight top wines the Chinese consumers can drink in restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs.

Judges

Meet our 2025 Judges

Tom Baxter

Sotheby’s Deputy Director, Private Sales Manager and MW Candidate

Dirk Chen

Director of Wine, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Sam Lau

Savor Group Director of Operations & Wine