Why enter your wines in Sommeliers Choice Awards?

The Sommeliers Choice Awards is a premier competition dedicated to the on-premise sector. Judged by an elite panel of top sommeliers, wine directors, and on-trade beverage buyers, this competition recognizes the finest wines crafted for restaurants, bars, and hotels across the USA and beyond.

This is your opportunity to showcase your wines to a highly influential audience that employs the Sommeliers Choice Awards results to shape and elevate their wine programs. From upscale fine dining establishments to casual eateries seeking wines offering exceptional value, your participation could place your brand at the forefront of the on-trade industry.

The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards boasts a distinguished panel of judges comprising the United States’ renowned wine experts, including Master Sommeliers, wine directors, and influential on-premise buyers. These professionals are pivotal in shaping wine programs across the nation’s top restaurants, bars, and hotels, ensuring that only the finest selections reach consumers. Their collective expertise guarantees that the awards uphold the highest standards of excellence in the wine industry.

View the full list of judges here

Among the esteemed judges are:

• Jill Zimorski MS, DipWSET: Master Sommelier and Adjunct Professor at DePaul University.
• Jesse Becker MS: Master Sommelier at Veritable Wines & Estates KG, Chicago.
• Wayne Belding MS: Master Sommelier and Partner at Preferabli, Colorado.
• Mark Guillaudeu MS: Master Sommelier and Sommelier at Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix.
• Ira Harmon MS: Master Sommelier and Fine Wine Specialist at Vin Sauvage, Las Vegas, NV.
• Morgan Harris MS: Master Sommelier and Head Sommelier at Saison Hospitality, San Francisco.
• Kyungmoon Kim MS: Master Sommelier.
• Brian Koziol MS: Master Sommelier and Complex Director of Food & Beverage at Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts, Florida.
• Paul Baldi: Sommelier at Quince, San Francisco.
• Pablo Braida MS: Master Sommelier.
• Miranda Breedlove: National Director of Bars and Wine Programs at Hyatt Lifestyle Operations.
• Jeremy Broto-Mur MS: Master Sommelier.
• Larissa C. Dubose: National Director of Beverages – Dining Division at Paradies Lagardère and Wine Enthusiast Magazine Future 40, Vino Volo National Buyer.
• Matthew Citriglia: Former Master Sommelier and Director of Education at Southern Glazer Wine and Spirits.
• Cassandra E. Sakai: Corporate Director of Beverage Operations at Gibsons Restaurant Group.
• Mark Gallagher: Experienced Sommelier and Mixologist.
• Jared Givens: Director of Restaurants, Bars, and Events for the Thompson Dallas, Hyatt Hotels.
• Chris Hackett: Sales Manager and Warehouse Manager at Lionstone New York.
• Kat Hawkins: Wine Director at Miru, Tre Dita, and the St. Regis Bar, St. Regis, Chicago.
• Lawrence Kobesky: Head of Food and Beverage Expert at FullG Capital, Chicago.

In special winner showcase videos, judges also speak about winning wines and why a sommelier should consider it.

These judges provide their unparalleled insights and discerning palates to ensure that the Sommeliers Choice Awards remain a benchmark for quality and innovation in the wine industry. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and passion to identify wines that truly stand out in the competitive U.S. market. Their endorsement is a mark of excellence that can elevate your brand’s reputation and visibility.

Winning at the Sommeliers Choice Awards doesn’t just add a medal to your label – it opens doors to new markets and opportunities. Past winners have seen:

• Increased demand from restaurants and bars eager to feature award-winning wines.
• Stronger brand credibility, endorsed by America’s top sommeliers.
• Global recognition, positioning your wines as must-haves in the on-premise sector.

Is Your Wine Ready to Shine?

Entering the Sommeliers Choice Awards gives your wine the chance to be tasted, evaluated, and celebrated by those who truly understand what it takes to succeed in the on-premise market. If you believe your wine has the quality, value, and character to captivate the best sommeliers in the USA, this is your opportunity to prove it.

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)

Submit your entry today and let your wine take center stage at the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards. The ultimate question is: Will your wine be the one they’re talking about this year?