James Bube, Master Sommelier and Wine Director at Hogsalt in Chicago, is the most recent addition to our team of judges for the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Jim's work as Wine Director at Hogsalt involves handling the intricate process of wine buying for a network of 20 restaurants, following an 18-year experience in the industry. Prior to his current role, he held top management positions at Illinois' third-largest wholesaler and managed a seven-state import territory.

Image: Hogsalt

A dedicated advocate for mentorship in the wine industry, Jim has been instrumental in organizing an annual, immersive, two-day hospitality and tasting boot camp that attracts participants from across the United States. His dedication to education and collaboration exemplifies his outlook for the industry's future.

In addition to his employment at Hogsalt, Jim is a Board member and Treasurer of the Second City Sommeliers Tasting Group in Chicago, which strengthens his position in the local wine world. Notable achievements include finishing second in the 2016 National TopSomm and winning the 2017 Guildsomm Online Competition, firmly establishing him as one of the industry's most sought-after sommeliers.

We are delighted to have Jim as a judge for the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards, where his keen taste for great wine and industry knowledge will definitely contribute to the meticulous selection process.

Here are some of the judges who will participate in the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

WAYNE BELDING MS, Master Sommelier and Partner at Preferably, Colorado

PETER GRANOFF MS, Master Sommelier, Wine Educator, Speaker, Entrepreneur, San Francisco

BRIAN KOZIOL MS, Master Sommelier at Maverick Beverage Company, Chicago

RACHEL LOWE, Director of Beverage for Levy Restaurants.

ALEXANDER POWELL MS, Master Sommelier and Senior Wine Manager at Grill 23 & Bar, Boston

LISA SELMAN CSS, Alchemy Room Beverage Director

KYUNGMOON KIM MS, Master Sommelier

VINCENT MORROW MS, Master Sommelier and Wine Director at PRESS Napa Valley, San Francisco

BRANDON TEBBE, MS, Master Sommelier

SERAFIN ALVARADO MSm Master Sommelier and Director of Wine Education at Southern Wine & Spirits

SCOTT BARBER, President at Green Pin Wines

LARISSA C DUBOSE, National Director Beverages- Dining Division at Paradies Lagardère and Wine Enthusiast Magazine Future 40, Vino Volo National Buyer

BRANDON BIERLEIN, Director of Food & Beverage, Talbott Hotel Chicago

GUILLERMO BRAVO, Beverage Director at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Chicago

ALLISON CURATOLO, Wine Director RPM Italian Las Vegas

ANIKA ELLISON, Wine Manager, Swift & Sons Steakhouse, Chicago

KRISTIN FRANCESCO, Sommelier at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, Chicago

JAMIE HARRISON RUBIN, Procurement & Placements at Culinary Conservatory

COLIN HOFER, General Manager of Restaurants, Four Seasons Chicago

JENNIFER KNOTT, Director of Beverage for Levy at Chicago Symphony Orchestra

JOSH KING, Director of Food and Beverage, Virgin Hotels, Chicago

JOHN MARAFFA, Corporate Beverage Manager, Morton's The Steakhouse | Strip House Steakhouse & Cocktail Lounge | Morton's Grille

JON MCDANIEL, Founder & CEO of Ottantadu

TIFFANY TOBEY, Owner and Sommelier, Tiffany's Toast, Dallas, Texas

View the full panel of the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards judges here.

To explore the possibilities and showcase your wines to America's top sommeliers, here’s all the information you need to enter your wines before the January 31, 2024, early bird deadline.

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