From Master Sommeliers to Wine Directors: Meet the Judges of the Sommeliers Choice Awards

The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards has once again gathered an extraordinary panel of judges to evaluate wines crafted for the on-premise market. This prestigious group includes Master Sommeliers, wine directors, beverage program leaders, and on-premise buyers who shape the wine lists of America’s most celebrated restaurants, bars, and hotels.

These experts are the ultimate tastemakers, selecting wines that define dining experiences and elevate the industry. They bring decades of experience, refined palates, and deep industry insights to the table, ensuring that only the very best wines receive recognition.

A Judging Panel Like No Other

What sets the Sommeliers Choice Awards apart is the unparalleled expertise of its judges. They are not just wine lovers; they are the professionals behind wine programs at Michelin-starred restaurants, national hotel chains, and trendsetting bars. Their decisions impact what is poured in glasses across the United States, making their endorsement a powerful statement for any wine brand.

This year’s panel features some of the most respected names in the wine industry:

• Jill Zimorski MS, DipWSET – A Master Sommelier and Adjunct Professor at DePaul University, Jill is a trusted educator and consultant whose expertise enhances wine lists nationwide.
• Jesse Becker MS – Known for his in-depth knowledge of German and Austrian wines and wine regions, Jesse brings his expertise from Veritable Wines & Estates KG in Chicago, renowned for their premium portfolio of German and Austrian wineries.
• Wayne Belding MS – Partner at Preferabli and the 13th Master Sommelier of the United States, Wayne’s career has spanned from reviewing wine and speaking at prestigious wine events to teaching thousands of sommeliers and industry professionals and authoring a guide for wine consumers—Diving Into Wine.
• Larissa C Dubose – The National Director of Beverages for airport concessionaire Paradies Lagardère’s Dining Division, and the popular wine bar concept Vino Volo, Larissa is a Wine Educator and business-savvy wine and spirits professional.
• Jane Lopes – Sommelier, author, and co-founder of Legend Imports—which specialises in Australian wine—Jane’s diverse background in the field of wine, sales and hospitality has given her a keen perspective into consumer behaviour, allowing her to astutely judge their preferences.
• Élyse Lambert MS – With titles like Best Sommelier America (2009), Best Sommelier Canada (2015) and Best Sommelier of the World (2016), Élyse is an internationally acclaimed Master Sommelier and wine educator, bringing an unmatched depth of knowledge to the panel.

What Makes Their Judging Unique

These judges evaluate wines on criteria that matter most to the on-premise sector: taste, quality, value, packaging, and suitability for restaurant and bar wine programs. They understand what works on a wine list and how to select wines that complement diverse cuisines, enhance guest experiences, and deliver value to both restaurateurs and diners.

Scoring System

Each wine will be blind-tasted first for food pairing, typicity, quality and value score. Once the blind tasting is done, judges will be able to assess the package and a packaging score will be given. Entrants will be able to see a detailed score breakdown giving them clear feedback on how they performed. A final individual judge score for each wine is calculated based on the formula below and an average of the panel is then taken to determine the final score. Each panel will include a master sommelier in the team as a chair.

F (Food Pairing Score) + T (Typicity Score) + Q (Quality Score) + Value Score (V) + Package Score (P) = Sommeliers Choice Awards Final Score.

Medals are then awarded to wines based on the final score.

Double Gold – 96 points and above
Gold – 90-95 points
Silver – 80-89 points
Bronze – 70-79 points

Their decisions are rooted in practicality and expertise, making the awards a true reflection of what succeeds in the real world.

Why Does Their Endorsement Matter?

When your wine is recognized by a panel of judges like this, it isn’t just a medal on a label—it’s a statement of quality that resonates with sommeliers, buyers, and consumers. Their endorsement signals that your wine meets the highest standards of taste, innovation, and on-premise appeal.

Winning at Sommeliers Choice Awards means your wine has been evaluated and approved by the very people who decide what appears on America’s most influential wine lists. It’s an achievement that can open doors to new markets, elevate your brand, and establish your wine as a must-have in restaurants and bars across the country.

A Celebration of Excellence

The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of the wine industry’s best. With judges who are leaders in their field, this year’s awards promise to highlight the wines that define America’s dining experiences.

Key Dates:

Early Bird Ends – January 31, 2025
Registration Closes – April 18, 2025
Warehouse Closes – April 25, 2025
Judging Day – May 19, 2025
Winners Announced – June 10, 2025

Pricing:

Early Bird Pricing – $100 per wine (November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025)
Regular Pricing – $120 per wine (February 1, 2025, to April 18, 2025)

For wineries and importers, this is your chance to put your wines in front of the most influential names in the business. Are your wines ready to impress the experts? Enter the Sommeliers Choice Awards and let America’s top sommeliers decide.