在纽约马奎斯万豪酒店举行的2022年纽约葡萄酒体验活动的第一天清晨，Wine Spectator庆祝活动正式拉开帷幕。编辑兼出版商马文·R·尚肯走上领奖台，为他“深爱的朋友”托马斯·马修斯宣布了2022年《葡萄酒观察家》杰出服务奖的获得者之一。托马斯自1988年加入该刊物以来，一直担任执行主编20年，成功将读者群扩大至超过300万名葡萄酒爱好者，使其成为全球阅读量最大的葡萄酒杂志。他不仅是该杂志长期担任西班牙葡萄酒首席品酒师，更是帮助发展葡萄酒体验并支持西班牙葡萄酒在世界舞台上的崭露头角。他还与Wine Spectator一同建立了慈善基金会，已为酒店和葡萄酒行业筹集超过3500万美元的奖学金和助学金。

Shanken向人满座的人群宣布最新获奖者，他回忆起第一次见到Matthews是在巴黎的一家酒店房间里。当时他提供了一份工作，让Matthews于1988年全职加入伦敦办事处一年后被提升至纽约分社。在1999年的寻找新执行主编过程中，“汤姆”并非最初考虑的人选，但 Shanken ultimately chose Matthews, who wrote a letter to him expressing his interest in the position. Shanken praised Matthew's leadership qualities and commitment to the magazine's future development.

As Matthews took the stage, he received a standing ovation. He humbly accepted the award, acknowledging that he was not deserving of such recognition. He praised past winners like Robert Parker for their contributions to the industry and expressed gratitude towards Shanken and Wine Spectator for giving him opportunities to grow professionally.

Matthews also gave credit to his wife Sara, a talented photographer whose work has been exhibited on three continents. He commended Shanken for his high standards and challenging nature that inspired him throughout his career.

In conclusion, Matthews expressed love and appreciation for Shanken as they parted ways as friends forever.