Chicago, USA – June 2026 — The 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards have officially announced their top Recommended By The Glass wines, highlighting bottles that stood out for their exceptional hospitality appeal, versatility, value, and drinkability in restaurant and on-premise settings.

The Best Wine By The Glass recognition at the Sommeliers Choice Awards celebrates wines that judges believe will perform exceptionally well in restaurants, bars, hotels, and hospitality venues where wines are served by the glass. These wines are selected not only for quality, but also for balance, approachability, consumer appeal, and strong commercial potential in hospitality programs.

Taking the top honor in 2026 is Sandy Giovese from Giovese Family Wines (Italy), which earned an impressive 96 points and was named the Top Recommended Wine By The Glass at this year’s competition.

Crafted from Sangiovese and Trebbiano, the non-vintage Italian wine impressed the judging panel with its overall appeal for restaurant wine lists and by-the-glass programs.

Other Top Wines Recommended By The Glass In 2026

Several wines from across Italy, France, Germany, and the United States were also recognised by the judging panel for exceptional by-the-glass suitability.

96 Points

L'inattendue 2018 — Champagne Henriot (France) — Chardonnay

95 Points

Sasso Bisciaio 2023 — Tenuta La Pineta (Italy) — Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero

Schloss Vollrads Kabinett Riesling 2023 — Delicato Family Wines (Germany) — Riesling

94 Points

King Estate Pinot Gris 2024 — King Estate Winery (USA)

Brunello di Montalcino 2021 — San Polo (Italy)

Château Cap de Faugères 2019 — Château Cap de Faugères (France)

Chateau Fillon Cuvee Premiere 2023 — Chateau Fillon (France)

93 Points

Archer Roose Wines Pinot Grigio — Archer Roose Wines (Italy)

Bouchard Ainé & Fils Héritage du Conseiller Pinot Noir 2024 — Boisset Collection (France)

Chateau Fillon "Life Is" Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 — Chateau Fillon (France)

Maison Saleya Rosé 2025 — Kobrand Fine Wine & Spirits (France)

Wine Spots Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2024 — Wine Spots Cellars (USA)

92 Points

Gavi 2024 — Elio Filippino (Italy)

Tenuta Polvaro Pinot Grigio 2024 — Arel Group Wine & Spirits (Italy)

Cotes du Rhone Rouge Les Champauvins 2022 — Domaine Grand Veneur (France)

Gamay Noir 2024 — Bacus Vineyards (USA)

Falesco Vitiano Bianco 2024 — Famiglia Cotarella (Italy)

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At the Sommeliers Choice Awards, wines marked as “Recommended By The Glass” receive a special distinction from the judging panel, made up of Master Sommeliers, sommeliers, wine directors, beverage buyers, and hospitality professionals. The designation identifies wines that are especially suited for by-the-glass programs due to their quality, drinkability, food-friendliness, and value in hospitality settings.

For restaurants, bars, and beverage buyers, these recommendations serve as a trusted guide to wines that are likely to resonate with consumers while delivering strong menu performance.

The complete list of 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards winners and By The Glass recommendations can be viewed on the Sommeliers Choice Awards website.

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2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards Winners Announced