2026 WINE JUDGE AND PANEL MEMBERS
Sue Bell - Chief Judge
Winemaker – Bellwether Wines
Sue Bell is one of Australia’s most respected winemakers, known for producing elegant,
climate-appropriate wines with a focus on fragrance, texture and drinkability. While
grounded in classic varieties, she is also passionate about emerging Mediterranean styles and
innovative winemaking.
Based at Bellwether Wines in South Australia’s Coonawarra region, Sue has over 27 years of
experience working across Australia and internationally in California and Bordeaux. A
graduate of Adelaide University in Oenology, she has built a highly regarded reputation
within the Australian wine industry as both a winemaker and wine show judge.
Sue was Dux of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial and regularly judges and chairs regional
and national wine shows throughout Australia. Her career accolades include Australian
Society of Viticulture & Oenology Winemaker of the Year (2014), a Gourmet Traveller
Winemaker of the Year nomination (2021), and South Australian Woman of the Year (2024).
Livia Maiorana - Senior Judge
Winemaker - South by South West
Livia Maiorana is the co-founder and winemaker behind South by South West Wines,
established in 2016 with a focus on small-batch wines from emerging Italian and alternative
varieties. Based in Margaret River, the winery farms two organic vineyards and operates a
weekend cellar door in Karridale.
South by South West was shortlisted in the Young Gun of Wine Top 12 in 2019, winning the
People’s Choice Award, and was later named a finalist in Halliday’s Dark Horse Winery of
the Year Awards in 2022.
Livia has been actively involved in wine judging since 2022, serving as a Senior Judge at the
Perth Royal Wine Show, Wine Show of Western Australia, Halliday Chardonnay & Cabernet
Challenge and the WA Boutique & Single Vineyard Wine Show. She also serves on the
Margaret River Wine Show committee and previously represented small producers on the
Wines of Western Australia Board
CYNDAL PETTY – SENIOR JUDGE
Wine Writer, Critic & Presenter
Cyndal Petty is a Western Australian wine writer, critic, presenter and former sommelier,
known for her modern and culturally driven approach to wine communication. Formerly
Group Sommelier across seven hospitality venues, she now works across wine judging,
media and live events.
Cyndal contributes to leading publications including Halliday Magazine, Broadsheet, Sitchu,
Winepilot and the WA Good Food Guide, and regularly hosts wine masterclasses, panels and
industry events across Australia. She is also a respected wine show judge, participating in
leading regional and national wine shows.
TIM FEARON – ASSOCIATE JUDGE
Owner & Winemaker – Fearon Wines
After nearly a decade working across Margaret River wineries, Tim Fearon and his partner
relocated to the Ferguson Valley in 2023 to establish Fearon Wines. Passionate about the
Geographe region, Tim strongly believes in its potential to produce world-class wines from
its diverse landscapes and unique vineyard sites.
Tim’s winemaking philosophy is deeply site-driven, focused on capturing a pure expression
of place, season and variety. His approach to wine judging combines technical precision with
an appreciation for creativity, character and regional identity, particularly with emerging
alternative varieties suited to Australia’s changing climate.
Tim is a committee member of the Geographe Wine Association, has judging experience at
regional wine shows, and was a finalist in the 2026 Young Gun of Wine competition.
ULRIKA LARSSON – ASSOCIATE JUDGE
Direct Sales & Brand Manager – Clairault Streicker Wines
Ulrika Larsson is the Direct Sales and Brand Manager at Clairault Streicker Wines in
Margaret River, a role she has held for the past 15 years. With extensive experience across
direct-to-consumer sales, brand development and premium wine tourism, she is highly
regarded for delivering exceptional wine experiences and championing the Margaret River
wine region.
Originally from Europe, Ulrika brings an international perspective alongside a deep passion
for Western Australian wine and the people behind it. She has judged at the Margaret River
Wine Show and the WA Boutique & Single Vineyard Wine Show, and has served on the
Margaret River Wine Show Committee since 2018.
In 2020, Ulrika was awarded Australian Women in Wine Cellar Door Manager of the Year in
recognition of her leadership and contribution to wine tourism and customer experience