For sommeliers, curating a wine list is both an art and a science. It’s about finding the perfect balance between quality, variety, and customer appeal. One way to ensure a well-rounded and attractive selection is by featuring wines that have won at the Sommeliers Choice Awards. This competition, judged by industry experts, focuses on identifying wines that excel in both quality and market appeal, making them an excellent choice for any sommelier aiming to enhance their wine program.

Understanding the Sommeliers Choice Awards: A Benchmark for Quality

The Sommeliers Choice Awards (SCA) is a prestigious international wine competition designed specifically with the needs of sommeliers and on-premise buyers in mind. Unlike many other wine competitions that focus on retail markets, the SCA evaluates wines based on their suitability for restaurant wine lists. Judges consider five key criteria:

1) Quality: The overall balance, complexity, and expression of the wine.

2) Typicity: How well the wine represents its varietal and region.

3) Value: Whether the wine offers good quality at its price point.

4) Food Pairability: How well the wine complements a range of dishes.

5) Packaging: The design and appeal of the bottle, which can influence customer perception.

This thorough evaluation ensures that only the best wines are awarded, making them ideal candidates for restaurant wine lists.

Reasons to Stock SCA Winners: What Makes Them Stand Out

1. Assurance of Quality and Expertise

Every wine that wins at the Sommeliers Choice Awards has been rigorously judged by experienced sommeliers, wine directors, and industry experts. These judges bring their expertise from working in top restaurants and hotels, ensuring that the selected wines meet the highest standards. By adding SCA winners to their lists, sommeliers can trust that these wines have been vetted for excellence in taste and quality​.

View judges speaking about the winning wines here and why you as a sommelier should consider these wines.

2. Wines That Drive Sales: Consumer-Friendly Selections

One of the key aspects that sets the SCA apart is its focus on the question, "Would we stock this?" This emphasis ensures that the winning wines are not only technically excellent but also have strong consumer appeal. The judges consider whether customers would be likely to order a second glass, making these wines perfect for by-the-glass programs​. By stocking these wines, sommeliers can increase customer satisfaction and boost repeat sales.

3. Enhanced Credibility and Prestige

Featuring award-winning wines can significantly elevate the reputation of a restaurant's wine program. When customers see that a sommelier has curated a list that includes SCA winners, it signals that the establishment values quality and expertise. This can attract discerning diners who seek out highly rated wines and appreciate the efforts of a sommelier in crafting a refined wine experience.

No.1 overall: 2021 Franz Keller vom Löss Pinot Noir

4. Diverse and Unique Offerings for Every Palate

The Sommeliers Choice Awards brings together wines from a wide array of regions and varietals, including lesser-known areas that offer unique expressions. With category-specific awards like Best Cabernet Sauvignon, Best Sparkling Wine, or Best Emerging Wine Region, sommeliers can diversify their lists by featuring hidden gems alongside well-established favorites​. This variety allows sommeliers to introduce their customers to new flavors and stories, enriching the dining experience with a diverse selection.

5. Perfect Pairings for Elevated Dining Experiences

Food pairability is a crucial judging criterion at the SCA, making their winners particularly suited for restaurant settings. These wines are chosen for their ability to complement different cuisines and enhance the flavors of various dishes. By including SCA-winning wines on their list, sommeliers can offer expertly paired options that elevate the overall dining experience. This not only impresses guests but also encourages them to explore new pairings.

Check the top wines that you can stock in your restaurants here

How Sommeliers Can Leverage SCA Winners to Boost Business

1. Marketing and Promotion

Adding the “Award-Winning” label to a wine list can be a strong marketing tool. Restaurants can highlight SCA winners on their menu or through special tasting events, which can attract wine enthusiasts and boost overall sales. This distinction can also be shared through social media and newsletters to build excitement among regular patrons and draw in new guests​.

2. Offering Unique Tasting Flights

Sommeliers can create tasting flights featuring several SCA-winning wines. This allows customers to sample different varietals and regions while being assured of quality. Tasting flights are a popular option for guests looking to explore new wines, and featuring award winners can increase interest and satisfaction​.

3. Educating the Staff and Customers

Ambassadors of the Sommeliers Choice Awards, with their deep regional knowledge, often provide insights about the winning wines, which can be shared with restaurant staff during training sessions. Educated staff can then confidently recommend these wines to customers, enhancing their dining experience and increasing sales through informed suggestions.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-61]]

Conclusion: Elevate Your Wine Program with Award-Winning Wines

Adding winners of the Sommeliers Choice Awards to your wine list is a smart move for any sommelier. It provides a seal of quality, ensures that the selections resonate with consumers, and brings an opportunity to diversify and elevate the wine offerings. These wines, carefully judged for their suitability in restaurant settings, can become the backbone of a successful wine program, attracting new guests, delighting regulars, and solidifying the restaurant’s reputation for excellence. In a competitive industry, stocking SCA winners can be the difference that sets your wine program apart.

Also Read:
Stock This Sauvignon Blanc: Saint-Bris Sauvignon
Stock This Sparkling Red Wine: Marchese Manodori
How Award-Winning Vineyards Are Adapting to Climate Change