Gordon Ramsay has announced the appointment of Lincoln Riley as head sommelier for his new Maze Melbourne restaurants.

Lincoln, who worked for Gordon Ramsay at Boxwood Café in London in 2003, rejoins the Ramsay team in Melbourne, which is led by chef de cuisine Josh Emett and general manager Enda Cunningham.

“Lincoln is an extremely talented sommelier and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the team. His local knowledge is invaluable and I’m delighted for him to be working with Josh Emett – together they’ll create an amazing experience for our guests,” Ramsay said.

Due to open at the end of next month, Maze and Maze Grill will be located at Melbourne’s Crown Metropol.

Riley will be focused on creating the “Sommelier Experience” for one of the private dining areas at maze Melbourne.

Riley has had vast experience in the wine and food industry, both in Australia and Europe, including positions at Hakkasan in London, popular Melbourne restaurant Donovan’s, and most recently as head sommelier at Federation Square’s Taxi Dining Room.

At The Age Good Food Guide Awards last year he was received the Wine Service Award and also Wine List of the Year, for the list he created at Taxi. In 2008, he was awarded with the prestigious Judy Hirst Australian Sommelier of the Year at the Fine Wine Partners/Gourmet Traveller Wine Awards.