Daniele Palomba is a sommelier and wine professional whose career has been shaped by hands-on experience in demanding restaurant environments, where wine must consistently deliver both quality and guest satisfaction. His work across on-trade settings has given him a clear understanding of how wines are selected, positioned, and ultimately judged by consumers.

Daniele’s approach to wine evaluation is practical and grounded. He values precision, typicity, and drinkability, with a strong focus on how a wine performs beyond the tasting room — on the table, with food, and in competitive hospitality programs.

What inspired your journey into wine?

Inspired by the culture of wine itself—the history, artistry, and craftsmanship behind every bottle. My journey into wine began through hospitality. Working on the floor, I became increasingly interested in how wine contributes to the guest experience and how the right bottle can elevate a meal. Over time, learning from colleagues, tasting widely, and studying wine more formally helped turn that interest into a profession.

Favourite UK restaurant to enjoy wine

Daniele enjoys restaurants that balance thoughtful cooking with intelligent wine curation. One of his favourite places in the UK to enjoy wine is Ten Cases, where ingredient-driven cuisine is paired with a focused and characterful wine list that celebrates both classic and lesser-known regions.

Favourite UK wine shop

When buying wine in the UK, Daniele prefers independent merchants with strong selection and knowledgeable teams. He often visits Hedonism Wines, known for its extensive range across regions and styles, as well as its commitment to quality at multiple price points.

What is your go-to wine under £20?

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi — a wine that offers freshness, structure, and clear regional identity, while remaining versatile and excellent value for money.

Which wine region do you think is underrated?

Campania - Italy. The region produces a wide range of high-quality wines with strong typicity and food-friendly profiles, yet it is still often overlooked in favour of more established Italian regions.

What wine trend are you most excited about for 2026?

Sustainability: Lighter packaging significantly cuts carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to reduce wine’s environmental impact.

From a judge’s perspective, what makes the London Wine Competition stand out?

The London Wine Competition stands out because it judges wines in a way that mirrors real market conditions. Evaluating wines on quality, value, and packaging together provides producers with feedback that is genuinely useful for commercial success.

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One piece of advice you’d give wineries entering the London Wine Competition

Be honest about your positioning. Enter wines that clearly match their price point and market, and make sure quality, value, and presentation are aligned.

Closing paragraph

Having your wines judged by Daniele Palomba means receiving feedback from a judge whose perspective is shaped by the realities of modern hospitality. Daniele’s evaluation signals to producers, importers, and buyers that a wine is balanced, authentic, and capable of performing on contemporary wine lists where both quality and value matter.

Also Read:
Meet the Judges: Joanna Nerantzi
Meet the Judges: Elizabeth Mellish
Meet the Judges: Yves Desmaris, Senior Sommelier at Galvin La Chapelle