Swiss Cider Awards

Marco Manfrini is Italy's first accredited pommelier, a title he proudly earned in 2019. With a passion for cider that dates back to 2011, Marco has become a leading figure in the industry. He is the president and founder of the Associazione Pommelier e Assaggiatori di Sidro, dedicated to promoting and educating about cider across the country. Marco works closely with producers, retailers, and training institutions, offering his expertise and insights to elevate the craft of cider making. His journey in the world of cider has been marked by a deep commitment to quality and innovation, making him a respected name in the community.

Lilla Fülöp is a renowned sommelier and wine educator based in Switzerland. As a certified sommelier and WSET educator, she has over a decade of experience in major U.S. cities and now oversees wine programs for over 10 hotels across three countries as the Corporate Head Sommelier for Grand Metropolitan Hotels. Lilla is also a dedicated educator, teaching future hospitality leaders at top Swiss hotel schools and running her own startup focused on wine education and consulting. Her passion for wine is evident in her masterclasses, WSET courses, and tastings, where she shares her expertise in three languages. Recently, Lilla has a long standing interest in cider, exploring its rich history and diverse flavors, further enriching her extensive knowledge of beverages.

Natalia Wszelaki, also known as Cider Explorer, is a leading figure in the world of cider. An accomplished cider blogger and expert, she brings her passion to life as an international cider judge. Natalia has a special interest in ciders from lesser-known regions like Czechia and Croatia. Over the years, she has judged at top events such as Cider World, the World Cider Awards, and the International Natural Cider Competition Madeira. She also hosts "Not-from-concentrate" Instagram Live Sessions, where she delves into significant cider topics. Dedicated to exploring and promoting cider from all across Europe, Natalia is on a mission to elevate cider culture and highlight the craft and quality behind this beloved beverage.

Marc Checkley is an award-winning content producer, brand consultant, and journalist specializing in the wine, food, and luxury travel industries. Originally from New Zealand, Marc is a WSET-qualified wine professional and a specialist in champagne and sparkling wines. He regularly hosts wine and education events across the Asia-Pacific, U.K., and Switzerland, where he is currently based. Marc is also an international wine (and cider) judge and a Champagne Master, known for his engaging storytelling and expertise in the field.

Joanna Abendroth, DipWSET, is a passionate wine expert and educator based in Switzerland. Originally from Poland, Joanna's journey with wine began among the vines that grew around her family home1. After moving to Switzerland in 2016, she immersed herself in the local wine culture, participating in grape harvests and pursuing WSET courses. Today, Joanna works as the Zurich Store and Events Manager at Terravigna and as a lecturer at Zürich Wine Academy1. She is dedicated to making wine approachable for all, rejecting snobbery in favor of inclusivity. Joanna's expertise and enthusiasm make her a beloved figure in the Swiss drinks community.

Martina Wilhelm is a rising star in the wine industry, currently house Sommelier at Restaurant Wöschi as well as working as a consultant at Terravigna. Martina is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her passion for wines, particularly those which sparkle as well as local Swiss and Austrian. A (not so) secret Cider enthusiast, she loves pairing menus with this often-underestimated beverage.

Tawanda Choruma is the passionate founder of ZimKaffee, a Swiss-based coffee company dedicated to showcasing the rich flavors and unique qualities of Zimbabwean coffee and with a mission to bring the hidden gem of Zimbabwean coffee to the world. At ZimKaffee, Tawanda and his team offer a range of coffee masterclasses, providing an immersive experience that takes participants on a journey from bean to brew. Tawanda's dedication to quality and education has made ZimKaffee a beloved destination for coffee enthusiasts and novices alike. A not so secret Cider lover, he brings his expertise and passion to the Swiss Cider Award Panel, and a few of the winners to ZimKaffee.

Dorit Schmitt is a distinguished sommelier and wine educator based in Germany. Originally from Neumarkt, she moved to Baden-Württemberg to be closer to the things she loves most: beautiful surroundings, fine wines, and exquisite cuisine. Dorit is a Diplom-Kommunikations-Designerin and a true "Genussmensch" (connoisseur of fine things). She is passionate about creating memorable wine experiences and educating others about the art of wine tasting and pairing. In addition to her expertise in wine, Dorit has developed a keen interest in cider. She frequently incorporates cider into her tastings and educational sessions, highlighting its diverse flavors and rich history. Dorit's dual passion for wine and cider, along with her enthusiasm and expertise, make her a beloved figure in the wine and cider community.

Christina Hilker is a passionate sommelier and wine educator based in Germany. Known for her deep appreciation of wine as both a pleasure and an art form, Christina believes in "reading" wine to uncover its history and background1. She has extensive experience in preparing and moderating wine events for both companies and private individuals, with a focus on regions like Württemberg, Baden, Alsace, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and New Zealand. Christina also enjoys exploring the world of cider, often incorporating it into her tastings and educational sessions to highlight its diverse flavors and rich history. Her dedication to wine and cider education makes her a beloved figure in the beverage community.