Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025, a leading wine competition that happens annually in Chicago introduces a global movement through its global brand ambassador education program, offering a unique opportunity for sommeliers, wine directors and wine trade buyers to learn about the regions and categories.

By establishing ambassadors, category champions and experts in key global drinks markets it hopes it can carry that message through their individual personalities and personal networks. One of the main ways Sommeliers Choice Awards aims to grow the region and category sales is by education. The webinars are aimed to educate the trade on how to introduce the category or region to your restaurant guests and grow wine sales from that category for your business.

They are also aimed at educating producers around the world on how USA wine market works and how wineries can work with USA importers, distributors and sommeliers effectively.

Here are the upcoming webinars planned by webinars that wineries and wine trade professionals around the world can sign up for free.

1) How Fine Portuguese Wines Can Grow In USA

How Fine Portuguese Wines Can Grow In USA (26th Sep, 2024) by Sandra Rocha: Join us for an in-depth webinar on 'How Fine Portuguese Wines Can Grow in the U.S. Drinks Market.' This session will delve into strategies for increasing the presence of Portuguese wines, exploring market trends, consumer preferences, and distribution opportunities. Whether you're a winemaker, producers, or enthusiasts, you'll gain valuable insights on how to successfully position and expand the reach of Portuguese wines in the competitive U.S. market. RSVP link.

2) Boosting Tourism & Cellar Footfall for Napa & Sonoma Wineries

Boosting Tourism & Cellar Footfall for Napa & Sonoma Wineries (22nd Nov, 2024) by Gladys Boeing: Join us for a comprehensive webinar on 'How Napa and Sonoma Wineries Can Boost Tourism and Increase Cellar Footfall.' We’ll explore actionable strategies to enhance visitor experiences, attract more tourists, and drive higher foot traffic to your cellars. Learn from industry expert Gladys Boeing about the latest trends in wine tourism, effective marketing techniques, and innovative approaches to creating unforgettable winery visits. Whether you’re looking to enhance your brand presence or increase your direct-to-consumer sales, this session offers valuable insights to help you thrive in these iconic wine regions. RSVP link.

3) How Sangiovese Wineries Can Grow In USA

How Sangiovese Wineries Can Grow In USA (25th Sep, 2024) By Marc Kauffman: Join us for an insightful webinar on 'How Sangiovese Wineries Can Grow in the U.S. Drinks Market.' Discover effective strategies for increasing the visibility and appeal of Sangiovese wines in the competitive U.S. market. We’ll cover market trends, consumer preferences, and innovative approaches to marketing and distribution. Whether you’re a winery owner, importer, or distributor, this session will provide valuable insights into expanding your reach and driving growth for Sangiovese wines. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and enhance your market presence! RSVP link.

4) Meet Top Portugal Winemakers & Boost Wine Sales

Meet Top Portugal Winemakers & Boost Wine Sales (17th Oct, 2024) by Chris Saraiva: Join us for a webinar on "Meet Leading Portugal Winemakers and How to Sell Portugal Wines." Discover strategies for boosting the visibility and appeal of Portuguese wines in the U.S. market. We’ll cover market trends, consumer preferences, and innovative approaches to marketing and distribution. Whether you're a winery owner, importer, or distributor, this session offers valuable insights to expand your reach and drive growth for Portuguese wines. RSVP link.

Sommeliers Choice Awards is an international wine competition organized by Beverage Trade Network that helps wine producers around the world grow in the on-premise channels of the USA market. 

The main objective of the competition is to benchmark wines that are great for restaurant wine lists and for by-the-glass programs. Sommeliers Choice Awards was created with a clear vision to create a wine competition that truly reflects the expertise and preferences of sommeliers, and to reward wines that are a great fit for on-premise channels and wine consumption. The wine competition has grown consistently over the last 7 years and now has become one of the most important wine competitions in the USA for wine brands that are looking to set them apart for on-premise channels.

Why are Sommeliers Choice Awards different? 

Wines are judged in five categories: food pairability, typicity, quality, value, and packaging. Judges consider two overarching questions whilst considering these five categories: “Would we stock this?” and "Will the consumer buy the second glass?" In essence, then, the entire focus of the awards is finding wines that are a great fit for wine lists and by-the-glass programs. 

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Sommeliers Choice Awards has created a reputation for bringing on-premise trade buyers wines that are a great fit for wine lists and by-the-glass programs. Sommeliers can see the winning wines and use them to curate their wine lists.

International and domestic submission is now open. Wineries and wine brands are encourage to submit their wines in the 2025 competition now to get the early rates and benefits. Check out why enter your wines in the competition and key dates and pricing here.