The Sommeliers Choice Awards proudly welcomes Heather Durham-Birley, Kat Hawkins, and Greg Spalding to its 2026 judging panel — a trio of accomplished wine professionals who bring education, leadership, and service excellence to the competition.
A sommelier born and raised in the Champagne region of France, Paul Baldi brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table, sharing strategies to elevate Champagne programs and boost sales
When asked about her philosophy on wine pairing, her immediate response is “never compromise the integrity of the pairing based on the origin of a wine.”