Martin Kristek lives and works in Ostrava, Moravia – “part of the Czech Republic which lies close to the Polish and Slovakian borders”.
Originally a cardiologist by training, Martin now works as independent wine judge, wine critic and wine writer – he mentions in particular his contribution to Hugh Johnson´s World Atlas of Wine and the Czech edition of the 2009 Decanter. In 2002 Martin founded Ostrava Wine Aficionados K.A.H.A.N. and obtained the Sensoric Examination Certificate in Czech Republic. In 2003 Martin added to this the EU Wine Judging Certificate and has since then been a regular judge at wine competitions across Central Europe. Also in 2003 he founded Cuvee Ostrava - one and only annual international wine contest taking place in Northern Moravia.
Martin fell in love with sherry when he took the opportunity to attend training for Sherry Educators in 2006. Since then he organized dozen of sherry tasting across Czech Republic (Prague, Brno, Ostrava) and written articles about sherry for magazines like Beverage and Gastro, Decanter (Czech edition), Víno Revue, and is always excited to come and experience sherry wines on home soil!
