Interviews

Meet the Judges 2026: Heather Durham, Brand Manager, Winesellers LTD

20/01/2026 | Durham brings her hospitality and wine expertise to the 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards’ judging panel

Interviews

How Viñedos Don Leo Is Shaping a Modern Expression of Mexican Wine

16/12/2025 | Based in the Parras Valley at 2,100 metres above sea level, Viñedos Don Leo has built its reputation on altitude-driven terroir, disciplined winemaking, and a long-term vision for Mexican wine

Interviews

Meet the Judges 2026: Tiffany Tobey, Sommelier & Wine Director

03/11/2025 | Sommelier and Wine Director Tiffany Tobey shares her journey, inspirations, and insights on wine, hospitality, and the evolving trends shaping the restaurant world in 2026.

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: 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: 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. 

Interviews

Madeira Reimagined: Why This Historic Wine Deserves a Place on Today’s Table

25/08/2025 | We speak with Paul Carayas—North America’s only certified Madeira Wine Educator—on why it’s time to look beyond stereotypes and rediscover fortified wines for modern drinking, pairing, and cellaring

Interviews

Sommeliers Choice Awards Recognize Today Imports for an Uncommon Montepulciano

20/08/2025 | Importer of the Year – Italy goes to a curated, culture-first importer.

Interviews

Hare’s Chase Named Red Wine Producer of the Year at 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards

05/08/2025 | How a small Barossa estate caught sommeliers’ attention in the U.S.