Beverage Trade Network, a leading platform connecting the global beverage industry, is thrilled to announce the upcoming edition of the Sommeliers Choice Awards, set to take place in Chicago. This renowned competition is slated to be held in May, attracting top wine industry professionals, sommeliers, and wine buyers from across the globe.

The Sommeliers Choice Awards have earned a sterling reputation for recognizing wines that resonate with sommeliers and wine directors, making it an influential competition in the industry. The event is designed to identify wines that cater to the evolving tastes of consumers and uphold superior quality standards, as judged by some of the most esteemed sommeliers and wine experts.

"We are excited to bring the Sommeliers Choice Awards to Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culinary and wine scene," said Sid Patel, Founder of Beverage Trade Network. "This event will offer an incredible opportunity for both domestic and international wine brands to showcase their finest offerings and gain recognition among industry-leading sommeliers."

The awards aim to evaluate wines based on their drinkability, value, packaging, and overall presentation, providing valuable insights for consumers and trade professionals seeking exceptional wines.

As part of the event, esteemed sommeliers and industry influencers will form the judging panel, evaluating wines through a rigorous blind-tasting process. Award-winning wines will receive prestigious accolades and exposure within the industry, enabling brands to leverage their achievements in marketing campaigns and consumer outreach.

The Sommeliers Choice Awards in Chicago will feature an esteemed judging panel, diverse wine tastings, educational seminars, and networking opportunities, offering an unparalleled platform for wine brands to gain visibility and credibility in the market.

From left to right: Mark Guillaudeu MS, Jeremy Shanker, and Serafin Alvarado as its 2024 judges making it a total of 14 master sommeliers coming in the 2024 judging panel. Each panel will have a master sommelier.

Here are some of the judges who will participate in the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Wayne Belding MS, Master Sommelier and Partner at Preferably, Colorado

Peter Granoff MS, Master Sommelier, Wine Educator, Speaker, Entrepreneur, San Francisco

Brian Koziol MS, Master Sommelier at Maverick Beverage Company, Chicago

Rachel Lowe, Director of Beverage for Levy Restaurants

Alexander Powell MS, Master Sommelier and Senior Wine Manager at Grill 23 & Bar, Boston

Lisa Selman CSS, Alchemy Room Beverage Director

Kyungmoon Kim MS, Master Sommelier

Vincent Morrow MS, Master Sommelier and Wine Director at PRESS Napa Valley, San Francisco

Brandon Tebbe MS, Master Sommelier

Serafin Alvarado MS, Master Sommelier and Director of Wine Education at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

Scott Barber, President at Green Pin Wines

Larissa C DuBose, National Director of Beverages, Dining Division at Paradies Lagardère and Wine Enthusiast Magazine Future 40, Vino Volo National Buyer

Brandon Bierlein, Director of Food & Beverage, Talbott Hotel Chicago

Guillermo Bravo, Beverage Director at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Chicago

Allison Curatolo, Wine Director RPM Italian Las Vegas

Anika Ellison, Wine Manager, Swift & Sons Steakhouse, Chicago

Kristin Francesco, Sommelier at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, Chicago

Jamie Harrison Rubin, Procurement & Placements at Culinary Conservatory

Colin Hofer, General Manager of Restaurants, Four Seasons Chicago

Jennifer Knott, Director of Beverage for Levy at Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Josh King, Director of Food and Beverage, Virgin Hotels, Chicago

John Maraffa, Corporate Beverage Manager, Morton's The Steakhouse | Strip House Steakhouse & Cocktail Lounge | Morton's Grille

Jon McDaniel, Founder & CEO of Ottantadu

Tiffany Tobey, Owner and Sommelier, Tiffany's Toast, Dallas, Texas

View the full panel of the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards judges here.

Participating in the Sommeliers Choice Awards presents an invaluable opportunity for wine brands to gain exposure and credibility among influential sommeliers and key decision-makers within the wine industry. Winning a medal at this esteemed competition serves as a seal of approval, signaling to the market that your wine has impressed some of the most discerning palates in the country.

Moreover, accolades received from the Sommeliers Choice Awards can be leveraged by brands in marketing initiatives, promotional campaigns, and consumer outreach programs. The recognition garnered from this competition elevates a brand's prestige, aiding in forging lasting impressions among wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

For wine producers aiming to make a mark in the American market, the Sommeliers Choice Awards stands as an exceptional opportunity to present their finest wines to the top sommeliers in the country. It's not just a competition; it's a gateway to gaining visibility, credibility, and accolades that resonate across the American wine landscape. 

Here’s all the information you need to enter your wines before the January 31, 2024, early bird deadline.

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