Matteo Furlan is the Head of Wines at The Dorchester, one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels. With a career built in some of the world’s finest hospitality environments, Matteo combines deep technical knowledge with a refined understanding of what excellence looks like in premium on-trade settings.

Holding the WSET Diploma and serving as a certified WSET educator, Matteo brings a rigorous, structured approach to wine evaluation. His experience at the very top of the hospitality sector makes him a highly respected voice on the London Wine Competition judging panel, where wines are assessed not just for quality, but for consistency, balance, and long-term market relevance.

What inspired your journey into wine?

My grandfather was my first and biggest inspiration. He started our family business and has always been a role model for me. Watching his dedication and passion for his work sparked my own interest in wine and hospitality from an early age.

Favourite UK restaurant to enjoy wine

Matteo’s favourite UK restaurant to enjoy wine is Andrew Edmunds, a long-standing London institution known for its timeless cooking and exceptional wine list. The restaurant’s focus on tradition, quality, and thoughtful curation makes it a natural choice for a sommelier who values precision and authenticity.

Favourite UK wine shop

When it comes to wine retail, Matteo turns to Jeroboams, a well-established merchant recognised for its breadth of selection, strong producer relationships, and commitment to quality across all price points.

What is your go-to wine under £20?

Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay — a wine that consistently delivers balance, clarity, and excellent value, making it a reliable and rewarding choice.

Which wine region do you think is underrated?

Tokaji. Beyond its historic reputation for sweet wines, the region produces high-quality dry wines that deserve far greater recognition on the global stage.

What wine trend are you most excited about for 2026?

With global wine consumption decreasing, I believe we will see an overall improvement in quality, as producers focus more on precision, vineyard expression, and making better wines rather than larger volumes.

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

The London Wine Competition gives wineries the opportunity to have their wines judged by a strong panel made up of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and experienced industry buyers — offering feedback that is both authoritative and commercially relevant.

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

Focus on your best wines, and take the feedback seriously. Constructive feedback is a valuable tool that can help wineries improve quality and performance in future editions of the competition.

Closing paragraph

Having your wines judged by Matteo Furlan, Head of Wines at The Dorchester, means placing your wines in front of a decision-maker operating at the highest level of luxury hospitality. Matteo’s approval signals to producers, importers, and distributors that your wines meet the standards required for world-class hotels and elite on-trade programs, where quality, consistency, and refinement are non-negotiable.

Also Read:
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