We are delighted to announce that Chris Hackett, the accomplished Sales Manager at Lionstone International, has joined the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 as our Regional and Category Ambassador. With his impressive track record and deep expertise in the wine industry, Chris will be representing the regions of Portugal along with South America, France, and California, bringing his vast knowledge to this prestigious role.

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 6 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. 

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.

Meet Chris Hackett: The Sales Maestro Behind Lionstone International

Chris Hackett is a highly respected figure in the wine industry, currently serving as the Sales Manager at Lionstone International, a leading wholesaler and importer with a strong presence in New York, Ohio, and California. With eight years of experience, Chris has played a pivotal role in elevating Lionstone's wholesale business, driving over $8.5 million in sales in New York State alone. His ability to manage a diverse portfolio of over 700 wines, catering to both retail and restaurant trades, has made him a key player in the industry.

Lionstone International, established in 1990 by Nicholas Lucca and Edward Jack, is renowned for its innovative solutions and expansive portfolio, which spans more than 30 countries. The company's offerings include wines from iconic regions like Napa and Portugal, as well as exclusive labels such as Jets Uncorked. Chris has a particular passion for Portuguese wines, curating a selection of over 50 offerings from esteemed producers like Casa Santos Lima and the Van Zeller family’s Port houses. His expertise in Portuguese wines is unparalleled, making him a trusted source for retailers and restaurateurs seeking quality selections.

About Lionstone International

Established in 1990 by Nicholas Lucca and Edward Jack, Lionstone International emerged as a prominent import and distribution entity within the alcoholic beverage industry. Our founding vision was centered on introducing innovative solutions to the prevailing market challenges. Lionstone specializes in the meticulous sourcing and importation of premium wines from diverse global origins. 

Holding permits for wine distribution and licensed wholesaling in key regions within California, New York, and Ohio, we offer an extensive array of high-quality wines across varying price points. Central to our ethos is the spotlighting of winemakers, wineries, and vineyards worldwide, showcasing their craftsmanship and dedication. Additionally, we specialize in curating bespoke wine portfolios tailored explicitly for wine clubs, further amplifying our commitment to excellence and diversity.

One of the key driving forces behind Lionstone International's success is its exceptional team, led by Sales Manager Chris Hackett. With over a decade of experience in the wine industry, Hackett has consistently demonstrated a passion for delivering unparalleled service and expertise to clients. His deep understanding of the wine market and commitment to exceeding customer expectations make him an invaluable asset to Lionstone International.

Some of the wine brands from Portugal Chris are growing in the USA market. You can see the entire list of wine brands that Lionstone represents here. If you are a sommelier or a retail buyer in the USA or even a state distributor and are looking for some amazing wines from Portugal, Sommeliers Choice Awards highly recommends you work with Lionstone and Chris as we push the category and start building awareness on these wines and region.

Lionstone International services in NY OH and CA.

A Passionate Advocate for Wine Education

Chris's dedication to the wine industry extends beyond his sales achievements. He holds a WSET II certification and a winemaking certification from Cornell University, showcasing his commitment to continual learning and expertise. His enthusiasm for the ever-evolving wine industry drives him to help his customers explore and enjoy Lionstone International's diverse portfolio, which can be easily accessed on www.lionstone.com, where registered customers can view pricing, check availability, and place orders online.

Testimonials from Chris's clients highlight his helpful and knowledgeable approach, making him an invaluable partner in the buying process. Whether assisting a retailer with a new selection or guiding a restaurant in curating its wine list, Chris's expertise is consistently praised.

You can check the Instagram handle for Lionstone and see how they are growing the wines from Portugal.

The Sommeliers Choice Awards Regional and Category Experts Program

The Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 proudly introduces the Regional and Category Experts Program, a prestigious initiative that brings together industry leaders and influencers to promote excellence and innovation in the global beverage industry. This program offers participants the opportunity to network, gain global recognition, and explore commission opportunities while championing the regions and wine categories they are passionate about.

As a Regional and Category Ambassador, Chris Hackett will represent Portugal, South America, France, and California, sharing his insights and knowledge with the international wine community. His extensive experience and passion for these regions will undoubtedly enhance the program and provide valuable perspectives to those looking to deepen their understanding of these diverse wine landscapes.

We are excited to welcome Chris Hackett to the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 and look forward to the contributions he will bring as a Regional and Category Ambassador. Stay tuned for updates on his initiatives and insights as we continue to promote excellence in the world of wine.

More about Wines from Portugal

J.M. Fonseca Twin Vines Vinho Verde was the best wine from Portugal, Terras Lusas Branco White Reserva and Dona Paterna Alvarinho Trajadura were the other top 2 wines from Portugal in the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Portugal has many wine regions, each known for their different wines, and here are the main regions that the Sommeliers Choice Awards would like to highlight:

Vinho Verde: Produced in the Minho region of northwest Portugal, these wines are known for their low ABV, tart flavor, and slight effervescence. They come in white and rosé varieties.

Alentejo: Located in southern Portugal, this region is known for its exceptional red and white wines, and has a long history of winemaking.

Douro: Home to Port wine, this region is also known for its high-quality dry, unfortified red wines. The city of Oporto, located at the mouth of the Douro River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, is famous for its Port Houses, which include Taylor, Dow, Croft, and Burmeister.

Madeira: This tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean is known for its iconic fortified wines, which are second only to Port wine in prominence.

Dão: Located in the Centro region of Portugal, this is one of the oldest established wine regions in the country, though it was only officially established in 1908.

Bairrada: Located in northern Portugal, this region is known for its well-colored red wines, as well as its excellent local red and white sparkling wines.

Portugal is one of the countries on the list of the world's great wine producers. Recognized for its wines with great personality and unique characteristics. If you are a sommelier or a wine trade professional, we encourage you to check the Wines of Portugal education page where you can learn a lot about how to market wines from Portugal. Created in 2010, the Vinhos de Portugal (Wines of Portugal) brand incorporates the main values and differentiating characteristics of our wines and is the result of a collective effort to see the unquestionable quality of Portuguese wines recognized internationally. You can discover and learn about Wine Styles from Portugal here.

This is a great opportunity for wine producers from Portugal to enter the wines in the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards and get their wines in front of wine importers like Chris Hackett as a judge and also to learn from Chris how to sell and promote Portuguese wines to Sommeliers of USA.