Joanna Nerantzi is a wine professional whose career combines structured wine education with hands-on trade experience. Her work across tasting, evaluation, and communication has shaped a disciplined and thoughtful approach to wine assessment, where technical accuracy and market relevance go hand in hand.

Joanna approaches judging with clarity and consistency. She places strong emphasis on balance, varietal expression, and stylistic integrity, while always considering whether a wine delivers on its promise at its given price point. This measured, analytical perspective makes her a valued judge on the London Wine Competition panel.

What inspired your journey into wine?

My interest in wine grew through study and tasting, as I became increasingly fascinated by how geography, climate, and human decisions shape a wine’s final expression. Over time, this curiosity developed into a professional path focused on understanding, evaluating, and communicating wine in a clear and meaningful way.

Favourite UK restaurant to enjoy wine

Joanna enjoys restaurants where the wine list is thoughtfully curated and supports both education and enjoyment. One of her favourite places in the UK to enjoy wine is Noble Rot, where classic foundations are combined with a progressive and carefully selected wine offering.

Favourite UK wine shop

When buying wine in the UK, Joanna values merchants with a strong educational ethos and well-structured selections. She often visits Hedonism Wines, recognised for its member-focused approach, quality-driven range, and commitment to transparency.

What is your go-to wine under £20?

A high-quality Bodegas Albamar, 2024 Albariño, and Rias Baixas DO, wines that offer freshness, drinkability, and a strong sense of place while consistently delivering excellent value.

Which wine region do you think is underrated?

Alsace. The wines are incredible & great value, but it seems they can be appreciated only by wine lovers and the wine industry. 

What wine trend are you most excited about for 2026?

Emerging wine regions are taking over wine lists by the glass.

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

An award in the London Wine Competitions doesn't just mean a wine is excellent; it means it truly connects with the finest professionals of the UK wine industry. Personally, I seek wines that hold a complete conversation. I am a strong supporter that quality is the story a wine tells. Its value is the resonance of that story. And its packaging is the cover that begs to be opened or captured, either through moments of enjoyment or through a camera. 

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

We always evaluate the wines through the eyes of any given customer—whether a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast—choosing from a shelf or a wine list. 

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Closing paragraph

Having your wines judged by Joanna Nerantzi means receiving feedback from a judge whose perspective is grounded in education, precision, and real-world relevance. Joanna’s evaluation signals to producers, importers, and buyers that a wine is well-balanced, clearly defined, and positioned to succeed in competitive trade and consumer settings.

Also Read:
Meet the Judges: Elizabeth Mellish
Meet the Judges: Dan Belmont, Director & Wine Buyer at Good Wine Good People
Meet the Judges: Yves Desmaris, Senior Sommelier at Galvin La Chapelle