Celebrating the Future of Hospitality: IWSC Emerging Talent Shortlists Announced

The IWSC Emerging Talent Awards shine a light on rising stars across the drinks and hospitality world. These awards honour individuals showing creativity, leadership, and a drive to build a more innovative and inclusive industry.

We’re proud to announce the next two 2025 shortlists in our Emerging Talent Awards, today Emerging Talent in Bartending and Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality. With 124 applications across six categories in 2025, the submissions this year were stronger than ever, both in quantity and quality. It's exciting to note that the applications were more international than ever before.

Emerging Talent in Bartending 

Sponsored by William Grant & Sons

The final shortlist for the Emerging Talent in Bartending award was selected for the clarity, creativity and purpose demonstrated in each entrant’s submission. The judges were particularly impressed by the way each candidate combined technical skill with a forward-thinking approach to the industry.

Dylan Brentwood (Canada) was recognised for his passionate advocacy around mental health and education in the hospitality sector. Through his initiatives, Pretty Bird Drinks and Hummingbird Mental Health, Dylan has created platforms that support bartender wellbeing, mentorship, and access to professional opportunities—particularly for underrepresented groups.

Mari Chierchia (UK) stood out for her remarkable journey from chef to bartender. In just two years, she has earned major accolades and helped position her bar, Daddy Marmalades in Glasgow, as one of the UK’s top 50. She also impressed judges with her efforts to promote greater inclusivity in cocktail competitions, particularly around neurodivergent access and representation.

Martha Markham (UK) was praised for her engaging, personality-driven video, which captured her vibrant approach to bartending. Her application highlighted her advocacy for colleagues managing chronic pain and her dedication to improving long-term accessibility and sustainability within the industry, work that judges described as both thoughtful and urgently relevant.

Ryan Sweeney (Australia/UK) submitted a concise and compelling entry that resonated strongly with the panel. Their work focuses on creating safe, inclusive spaces for queer and marginalised communities in the world of whisky. Initiatives like Drag and Drams, a queer-led whisky tasting event, exemplified Ryan’s commitment to breaking down barriers in a traditionally exclusive category.

Each of these finalists represents a different facet of what the future of bartending could, and should, look like: inclusive, innovative, and driven by purpose.

Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality 

Sponsored by Silverhand Estate (MDCV)

The finalists for the Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality award represent a wide spectrum of talent, vision and impact across the global wine scene. Each brings a unique approach to service, education and leadership, reflecting the evolving future of wine hospitality.

Adam Saun (UK) has been recognised for his thoughtful and evolving approach to wine hospitality, as well as his advocacy for neurodiversity within the industry. A sommelier at Claridge’s, Adam impressed judges with the maturity of his submission and his clear dedication to creating more inclusive, supportive environments for both colleagues and guests. His ongoing efforts to raise awareness of neurodivergent experiences in hospitality demonstrated both leadership and a forward-thinking mindset.

Joanna Nerantzi (UK) earned her place on the shortlist for her strong technical foun5 Hertford Street, Joanna has consistently demonstrated a commitment to mentoring others and building collaborative, supportive teams. Judges praised the sincerity and clarity of her application, which reflected her drive to create meaningful change in the culture of wine service.

Maria Boumpa (UK) stood out for her well-rounded skill set and the strength of her ideas. Her application was rich in detail and demonstrated both creative vision and practical leadership. With experience across some of London’s leading restaurants, Maria showed the judges that she is not only technically accomplished but also actively shaping the future of wine hospitality through education, team development and thoughtful service.

Tinashe Terah Musora (South Africa) was praised for the inspirational journey from Ugandan refugee to respected wine educator in South Africa. His work with the Pebbles Project and his commitment to training and mentoring others—often in under-resourced communities—moved the judges and reflected a deep sense of purpose. Tinashe’s story is one of resilience, generosity and vision, and exemplifies the very spirit of this award.

Vanessa Stoltz (UK) was shortlisted for her fresh, authentic approach and her commitment to sustainable wine education. Vanessa’s application and video were described as vibrant and original, with a strong personal voice. Her passion for less conventional wine styles and sustainable viticulture brought a distinctive edge to her submission, and her enthusiasm left a lasting impression on the panel.

Yoann Camail (UK) impressed judges with his dynamic, community-focused leadership. His submission showcased a balance of creativity, empathy and progressive thinking. Particularly impactful was his commitment to mentoring staff from underrepresented backgrounds and supporting colleagues who have faced personal challenges. His focus on inclusion and second chances demonstrated a compassionate and forward-looking approach to wine service.

About the Judges

In the Bartending category, our expert panel were Shannon Tebay, Anna Sebastian, Ian McLaren, Oscar Perry, and Zoe Cunliffe. Each brings deep industry knowledge and a passion for supporting the next generation of bartenders.

For Wine Hospitality, judges Beatrice Bessi, Nina Basset, and Agnieszka Swiecka brought a wealth of experience in wine service, education, and mentoring. Their insight was key in selecting this year’s finalists. Oscar Perry (Bartending 2024) and Beatrice Bessi (Wine Hospitality 2024) are both former winners of an IWSC Emerging Talent Award.

What’s Next

The 2025 Emerging Talent Awards celebrate a forward-thinking generation of drinks professionals. Congratulations to all the shortlisted candidates.

Stay tuned, shortlists for Emerging Talent in Wine and Emerging Talent in Spirits will be announced this Friday. Winners across all categories will be revealed the week of 4 April. Each winner receives a £2,500 travel bursary to support their continued professional development.

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Talent in Bartending Shortlist: About the candidates

Dylan Brentwood (Canada) is Bar Director at Bar Kismet in Halifax who blends over a decade of bartending, mentorship, and cocktail innovation. With top honours from BAR5 Day and the International Sommelier Guild, he’s earned national recognition in Diageo World Class and Bacardi Legacy. Passionate about elevating Atlantic Canada’s hospitality, Dylan leads with knowledge, warmth, and a mission to bring regional excellence to the global stage. (@prettybirddyl)

Mari Chierchia (United Kingdom) is a chef-turned-bartender. She co-founded Daddy Marmalades in Glasgow, where she’s made waves with her inventive, story-driven cocktails. In just two years behind the bar, she’s won SLTN’s Spirit of the Sixties and Mixologist of the Year. Mari champions neurodivergent inclusion in competitions and pushes for broader access to hospitality education across Scotland, blending culinary craft with advocacy and heart. (@mariworksinabar)

Martha Markham, (United Kingdom) bartender at Swift Soho, brings passion, precision, and people-first energy to the craft. A UK and global winner of the No.3 Unrivalled Classics competition, she’s become a rising voice for accessibility and sustainability in the industry. With roots from Liverpool to London, Martha is dedicated to mentorship, thoughtful hospitality, and reshaping the future of bartending—one drink at a time. (@marthamaymarkham)

Ryan Sweeney (Australia/United Kingdom) Melbourne-based whisky bartender brings global experience to the glass as Morris Whisky’s Australian ambassador. Formerly a UK trade negotiator, they now host masterclasses, create whisky-driven cocktails, and advocates for inclusion in the spirits world. From Soho Whisky Club’s Drag & Drams to panel talks with industry leaders, Ryan’s mission is clear: make whisky culture more connected, creative, and welcoming. (@thepourandpatter)

Talent in Wine Hospitality Shortlist: About the candidates

Adam Saun (United Kingdom) is currently Assistant Head Sommelier at Claridge’s, where he combines scientific rigor with a refined palate. With a background in biochemistry and top honours across multiple wine education programs, including the WSET Diploma, he brings analytical precision and warmth to the world of wine. Adam is celebrated for leading impactful wine training programs and delivering exceptional guest experiences in one of London’s most iconic venues. (@adamsaun)

Joanna Nerantzi (United Kingdom) is a London-based sommelier who blends elite training with international experience, currently leading the wine program at 5 Hertford Street. An Advanced Sommelier and Certified Sake Sommelier, she has held senior roles at Maison Estelle, 67 Pall Mall, and Santorini’s finest resorts. Recognised among the UK’s Top Sommeliers and supported by the Curious Vines “Road to MS” award, Joanna is a standout for her wine knowledge and dedication to mentoring the next generation. (@jo.somm_)

Maria Boumpa (United Kingdom) serves as Wine Director at Da Terra in London, where she has risen through the ranks of fine dining with distinction. A WSET Diploma student and Advanced Sommelier, she made waves in 2024 as IWSC’s UK Sommelier of the Year (3rd place), winner of the Innovation Award for low/no-alcohol service, and one of the UK’s Top 5 Female Sommeliers. Her bold approach blends hospitality excellence with forward-thinking innovation. (@maria_boumpa)

Tinashe Terah Musora (South Africa) is Head Sommelier at Creation Wines in South Africa, and is redefining wine excellence in the region. A certified wine judge and WSET Diploma student, Tinashe has been honoured with the Luminary Award in Wine Tourism and named among South Africa’s “30 Under 30” wine leaders. His mission is to share Africa’s vibrant wine culture through expert pairings, warm hospitality, and a deep-rooted passion for terroir. (@tinache_terah)

Vanessa Stoltz (United Kingdom) is Head Sommelier at Michelin-starred Restaurant Pine in the North East of England, where she has helped build one of the UK’s most acclaimed wine programs. A Certified Sommelier and WSET Level 3 graduate, Vanessa was crowned one of Harpers’ Top 20 UK Sommeliers and named “One to Watch” by Sommelier Edit. Fluent in French, German, and English, she brings a global perspective to her craft and a grounded warmth to every guest interaction. (@vanessa.stoltz)

Yoann Camail (United Kingdom), as Head of Wine & Beverage at The Walcot Group, has turned a small café into a six-venue hospitality collective driven by wine culture and team development. A WSET Diploma student and recipient of the Rising Star Wine Buyer Award, he has pioneered in-house training programs, created house wines, and fostered sustainable growth. Yoann’s work exemplifies how strong leadership and creativity can reshape local hospitality. (@walcotgroup)