Professional Expertise and Editorial Work
Kateryna Yushchenko is a wine judge, journalist, and educator working across wine, travel, and sustainability. She writes for Drinks+, covering international competitions, tasting systems, wine regions, and decision-making processes in the industry. She also runs Judge.Wine, a professional blog on blind tasting, judging practices, and behind-the-scenes insights from wine competitions.
She is the Wine Director of BeWine, one of the most visible professional wine platforms in Eastern Europe. Her work there includes curating tastings, building educational programmes, and collaborating directly with producers, importers, and institutions. Kateryna’s approach combines editorial insight with practical experience, making her contributions to wine education both authoritative and grounded.
Education and Masterclasses
Kateryna holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and works as a WSET educator, teaching professionals and advanced enthusiasts with a focus on tasting structure rather than theory alone.
She also delivers masterclasses on Sherry and Port, explaining ageing, oxidation, and stylistic decisions.
Practical Experience and Judging
Her practical experience spans small wineries in Ukraine, including pét-nat production and cellar work, as well as international projects such as cognac blending at Maison Camus in Cognac.
An active international wine judge, Kateryna has evaluated wines from dozens of countries at major competitions, including Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Mundus Vini, Berliner Wine Trophy, International Wine Challenge, Vini Portugal, and Concurso Bacchus.
She moves seamlessly between tasting rooms, classrooms, wineries, and trade events, prioritizing clarity, structure, and honest evaluation over trends.
