Greg Spalding discovered his love for wine when, at the suggestion of his then-girlfriend (now wife), he traded a beer for a glass of wine — a moment that set the course for the last 15 years of his life.

He is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, and currently pursues the full Master Sommelier certification. Greg is an active member of Chicago’s sommelier community and is involved with Second City Sommeliers, an organization focused on mentoring wine professionals in tasting, service, and beverage knowledge.

Greg is especially passionate about Italian wines and dreams of relocating to Tuscany to immerse himself in Chianti Classico. When not immersed in wine, he spends time with his dog Winnie, his cat Zelda, and plays drums in a rock band. 

What Greg Brings to the Panel

At SCA, wines are judged on criteria such as quality, value, food pairability, typicity, and packaging. Greg’s deep tasting experience, mentorship role, and commitment to service give him a well-rounded perspective. His history of guiding other wine professionals means he understands both the technical and human dimensions of judging.

His passion for Italian varietals and his commitment to excellence will enrich the panel’s ability to evaluate wines not just for their immediate appeal, but for how they resonate with sommeliers and guests in real service environments.

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About the 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards

Wine producers and wineries seeking feedback from leaders like Greg Spalding are encouraged to enter their wines into the 2026 Sommeliers Choice Awards. This is your chance to show your wines to sommeliers, buyers, and trade influencers who shape the U.S. on-premise market.

Submit by October 31, 2025, to lock in Super Early Bird pricing and guarantee your wine is part of this elite judging lineup.

Enter Your Wines Here

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