The Sommeliers Choice Awards is thrilled to announce the second batch of Regional and Category Ambassadors and Experts for the 2025 edition. These Ambassadors play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between outstanding wine regions and the global market, elevating the winners of the competition to international acclaim. With their deep regional expertise, these Ambassadors will guide both trade professionals and consumers in better understanding and appreciating the wines they represent.

Here are the newly announced Ambassadors for the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards 

Zane Holscher: Regional and Category Ambassador for Argentina

Zane Holscher transitioned from a distinguished 21-year military career to the world of winemaking by purchasing a vineyard with his wife, Mindy, in the Uco Valley, Argentina. Their brand, VINUV, has grown from producing premium wines to importing select wines from small, outstanding producers in the region. Zane's commitment to showcasing the best of Argentina’s wine culture makes him an essential ambassador for this vibrant wine-producing country. Learn more about Zane Holscher and VINUV.

Daniel Satola: Regional and Category Ambassador for Hungary

Daniel Satola is the founder and co-owner of Credo Imports, a company he established in 2019 with a vision to bring small production fine wines from family-owned producers in Europe to the U.S. market. After discovering his passion for wine in Germany, Daniel realized that many exceptional European wines were not available in the U.S. He now focuses on importing varieties from small, lesser-known regions, making him a valuable ambassador for Hungarian wines at the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Jesse Becker MS: Regional and Category Ambassador for Austria and Germany

Jesse Becker has been deeply involved in the world of German and Austrian wines since 2008. As the US Sales Manager for Veritable Wines & Estates, Jesse oversees a premium portfolio of German and Austrian wineries, many of which are family-run estates and VDP members. His extensive experience and role as a VDP Ambassador make him the perfect fit for representing Austria and Germany in the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Katja Scharnagl: Regional and Category Ambassador for Austria, Germany, and Slovenia

Katja Scharnagl's journey from Austria’s Wachau Valley to New York City’s Michelin-starred Le Bernardin is a testament to her dedication and passion for wine and hospitality. Currently, the beverage director of Koloman, a contemporary French restaurant in New York, Katja brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as an ambassador. Her deep understanding of Austrian, German, and Slovenian wines will undoubtedly enrich the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Paul Baldi: Regional and Category Ambassador for the Champagne Region

Born and raised in the Champagne region of France, Paul Baldi is a sommelier with a deep love for wine and an insatiable curiosity. Currently working at a 3-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco, Paul enjoys visiting wineries, meeting winemakers, and sharing the stories behind each bottle with guests. His mission is to make the world of wine more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and his expertise in Champagne makes him an invaluable ambassador for this iconic region.

Michael Hoefling : Regional and Category Ambassador for Sustainability

Michael Mighetto Hoefling, a Bay Area native, is one of the emerging tastemakers in the region’s vibrant wine scene. A UC Davis graduate with a passion for agriculture and beverages, Michael launched his career in the wine industry in the early 2000s. His impressive resume includes Sommelier roles at some of the Bay Area’s finest restaurants and hands-on experience at world-class wineries. Currently, he advises private clients at Vinfolio in Napa, bringing his deep expertise and refined palate to the Sommeliers Choice Awards as a Regional and Category Ambassador. Michael's extensive knowledge and experience make him a key figure in promoting wines from his region on an international stage.

Why Participate in the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards?

The Sommeliers Choice Awards are designed to reward wines that are a great fit for on-premise channels like restaurant wine lists and by-the-glass programs. Judged by top sommeliers and wine directors, the competition evaluates wines based on food pairability, typicity, quality, value, and packaging. Winners gain significant recognition in the industry, helping them to stand out in a crowded market.

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Take Advantage of Super Early Bird Pricing

Submissions for the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards are now open, with a Super Early Bird pricing of just $80 per wine available until October 31, 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for wineries to showcase their products to a global audience and receive valuable feedback from industry experts.

Enter your wines now to secure your place in the competition and take the first step towards international acclaim.

Both international and domestic wine submissions are now open. International wineries without U.S. importers will receive assistance with shipping and obtaining COLA waivers.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your brand and connect with key decision-makers in the wine industry.

This second batch of Ambassadors is poised to make the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards one of the most exciting and influential wine competitions on the global stage. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we get closer to the event!

Header Image: Second Batch of Sommeliers Choice Awards Regional and Category Ambassadors