New SipSource data reveals a widening gap between wine and spirits performance, with sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc and the on-premise channel emerging as important bright spots.
New awards and serving-format recommendations reflect the growing role of cans, mini bottles, wine cups, and other individual formats in modern hospitality.
The first group of judges for the ninth edition includes Master Sommeliers, wine directors, and senior professionals from leading U.S. hospitality businesses.
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.
They are dedicated to small production wines, made with minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the winery, truly allowing the fruit to shine through and showcasing their sense of place.
Jordan Winery’s Head Winemaker, Maggie Kruse is the second winemaker in Jordan’s history. Check out what she has to say about decades of fermenting wines in the Alexander Valley.
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