The countdown is on! Enter your wines in the prestigious Sommeliers Choice Awards before the January 31st early bird deadline and take advantage of discounted pricing

As the early bird deadline for the Sommeliers Choice Awards approaches on January 31st, now is the time to enter your wines and enjoy a reduced entry fee of just $100 per wine. This prestigious competition, now in its 7th edition, offers wine producers a unique opportunity to present their wines to America's top sommeliers, wine directors, and on-premise buyers.

With judging day set for March 19th and winners announced on June 10th, the competition is your chance to gain invaluable feedback and recognition from an expert panel. The Sommeliers Choice Awards are specifically designed to benchmark wines based on their quality, value, and food parability—qualities that are critical when selecting wines for restaurant wine lists and menus. You can also save big by entering multiple products at discounted rates. Avail a 10% discount for 4 to 9 entries; 15% discount for 10 to 14 entries and 20% discount for 15 or more entries.

The Sommeliers Choice Awards stands apart by using a rigorous blind-tasting process conducted by top sommeliers and wine buyers. Each wine is scored for quality, value, and food pairing potential before a final packaging assessment is made. You’ll receive detailed feedback, giving you insight into how your wine compares across multiple criteria, with scores averaged from a distinguished panel that includes Master Sommeliers, renowned wine directors, and buyers.

Why Enter?

Winning at the Sommeliers Choice Awards provides a major boost for your wine brand. Recognition here can open doors to new distribution channels, restaurants, bars, and more. Plus, winning wines will be showcased across Beverage Trade Network’s media platforms like the Chicago Drinks Guide and the San Francisco Drinks Guide, reaching an engaged audience of industry professionals.

In addition to Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, the competition also honors special categories, including:

Own-Label Restaurant of the Year

Winery of the Year by Country

Winery of the Year by Wine Style

Wine of The Year By Varietal

Wine of the Year By Country

Wine of the Year

Wine of the Year - BTG (By The Glass)

White Wine of the Year

White Wine of the Year - BTG (By The Glass)

Red Wine of the Year

Red Wine of the Year - BTG (By The Glass)

Sparkling Wine of the Year

Sparkling Wine of the Year - BTG (By The Glass)

Rosé Wine of the Year

Rosé Wine of the Year - BTG (By The Glass)

Judging Panel Includes:

Jill Zimorski MS, DipWSET, Master Sommelier and Adjunct Professor, DePaul University

Jesse Becker MS, Master Sommelier at Veritable Wines & Estates KG, Chicago

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

Ira Harmon MS, Master Sommelier and Fine Wine Specialist at Vin Sauvage, Las Vegas, NV

Brian Koziol MS, Master Sommelier and Complex Director Food & Beverages Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts, Florida

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

Morgan Harris MS Master Sommelier and Head Sommelier at Saison Hospitality, San Francisco

Kyungmoon Kim MS Master Sommelier

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

Matthew Citriglia, Matthew Citriglia FKA MS (Master Sommelier) and Director of Education at Southern Glazer Wine and Spirits

Pablo Braida, MS Master Sommelier

Rachel Lowe Director of Beverage for Levy Restaurants.

Cassandra E. Sakai, Corporate Director of Beverage Operations, Gibsons Restaurant Group

Élyse Lambert MS, Master Sommelier and Fifth Position Best Sommelier of the World 2016

Jane Lopes, Sommelier, Educator, and Author • Co-Founder Legend Imports

Jonathan Ross MS Master Sommelier, Author and Partner at Legend Australian Wine Imports

Lee Schlesinger, MBA, DipWSET Vice President, Portfolio Management & Education at Winesellers Ltd

Jared Sowinski Director of Beverage at Upward Projects Restaurant Group | Postino WineCafe | Joyride Taco House | Windsor | Federal Pizza

Will Parsons Vice President, Global Portfolio Manager at Parsons Fine Imports, Columbus, Indiana

David Kohl Vice President Portfolio Manager, Chateau & Estates Wine Imports LLC

Jeremy Broto-Mur MS Master Sommelier

View full judging panel here.

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 (Till January 31, 2025)
Regular Pricing - $120 per wine (February 1, 2025, to April 18, 2025)

Enter by January 31st and secure your spot at the Sommeliers Choice Awards for the special early bird pricing. Don't miss the opportunity to have your wines recognized by some of the most influential professionals in the industry. Submit your entries now and take the first step toward elevating your wine brand to new heights!

Sommeliers Choice Awards