Interviews

Meet the Judges 2026: Jeff Van Ham, Certified Sommelier – PROXI Restaurant, Illinois

22/10/2025 | In this feature, we sit down with Jeffrey Van Ham, where he talks about everything from Vegas strip floors to Chicago suburb wine bars, to Texas terroir, glassware that flatters every cuvée, and why an eye-catching label still matters.

Interviews

Meet the Judges 2026: Marsha Wright, Corporate Wine Director – Dineamic Hospitality

22/10/2025 | From corporate cubicles to Greek xinomavro, Marsha Wright explains why vegan wines, week-night price tags, and food-flexible pours are the future of restaurant lists.

Interviews

Meet the Judges 2026: Lee Schlesinger, VP, Portfolio Management & Education – Winesellers Ltd.

15/10/2025 | In this feature, we sit down with Lee Schlesinger, one of the judges for the 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards, to explore how a lifelong curiosity for wine, culture, and education has shaped his journey across the beverage world.

Interviews

Meet the Judges 2026: Paul Solomon, Director of Restaurant Operations – Vistro Prime & Petite Vie

13/10/2025 | In this feature, we sit down with Paul Solomon, one of the judges for the 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards, to explore his journey from Italy’s vineyards to Chicago’s dining scene. 

News

Heather Durham-Birley Joins 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards Judging Panel

07/10/2025 | The Sommeliers Choice Awards proudly welcomes Heather Durham-Birley to its 2026 judging panel, joining an elite group of industry leaders who shape the future of on-premise wine excellence.

News

Kat Hawkins Joins 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards Judging Panel

07/10/2025 | The Sommeliers Choice Awards welcomes Kat Hawkins to its 2026 panel, adding her depth of restaurant wine leadership and market insight to a group that defines on-premise wine excellence.

News

Greg Spalding Joins 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards Judging Panel

07/10/2025 | The Sommeliers Choice Awards is pleased to welcome Greg Spalding to its 2026 judging panel, where his passion, sommelier expertise, and mentorship in the Chicago wine scene will enrich the competition’s pursuit of on-premise wine excellence.

News

Sommeliers Choice Awards Announces First Round of 2026 Judges

29/09/2025 | An elite panel of sommeliers, wine directors, and beverage leaders returns for the 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Producer Profiles

From Vine to Bottle: What Goes on Behind the Scenes at Tagaris Winery

04/09/2025 | How one Washington winery’s hands-on approach to farming and winemaking turns sustainability into flavor and authenticity

Insights

Meet the Expert: Sandra Gomes Rocha Joins the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2026

03/09/2025 | The Sommeliers Choice Awards (SCA) is delighted to welcome Sandra Gomes Rocha, CSW, MBA, as an Expert for Portuguese Wines in the 2026 edition.