Louella Mathews is the Group Beverage Manager and Sommelier at Trippas White Group and became President of Sommeliers Australia in 2024.

With her career starting with a part-time job in hospitality to supplement her college education. Inspiration from local winemakers and her insatiable interest in wine led her to Rockpool on George, where her career grew and blossomed.

Louella went on to win the prestigious Australia’s Wine List of the Year Sommelier’s Choice Award (2020) during her tenure at Bibo Wine Bar, Sydney as well as judging at various wine shows nationally.

In 2023, Louella became a Len Evans Tutorial Scholar, where she has gained notable recognition for her knowledge and leadership in wine.

Louella also makes wine with her best friend Nadja Wallington under their label ‘The Somm and the Winemaker’.

On becoming President, Louella stated ‘I am deeply honoured to be accepting the role of President of Sommeliers Australia. For those who know me, they know how passionate I am about the wine and hospitality industry as a whole and I look forward to using this passion to lead the next chapter of Sommeliers Australia. Focusing on inspiring a new generation of wine professionals, supporting the role of the Sommelier in the hospitality industry and creating a thriving wine community across Australia that all Sommeliers – and those involved within the wine community – want to be a part of.’