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Master Sommelier Peter Granoff Joins as Judge for the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards

Photo for: Master Sommelier Peter Granoff Joins as Judge for the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards

02/01/2024 Master Sommelier Peter Granoff lifts up the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards with 40 years of expertise. From hands-on beginnings to pioneering online wine sales, his journey offers insights into innovation, dedication, and unmatched knowledge.

The 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards is getting even better with the addition of Master Sommelier Peter Granoff. With over 40 years in the business, Peter's journey is like a well-aged wine – complex, nuanced, and truly outstanding.

Image Credits: Peter Granoff

Peter started by doing hands-on work, moving boxes and clearing tables. In 1991, he earned the "Sommelier of the Year" award from the James Beard Foundation, putting him in the spotlight for his great taste and dedication.

In 1995, Peter made a big impact by starting Virtual Vineyards, the first U.S. company to sell wine online. This showed his ability to embrace new ideas and set the stage for changes in the wine industry.

Peter also played a crucial role at the Culinary Institute of America's Professional Wine Studies program, helping aspiring wine professionals develop their skills.

Known as a great speaker, wine educator, and judge, Peter brings more than just knowledge – his humor and unique approach have made him a favorite in San Francisco's wine scene.

As we look forward to the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards, let's raise our glasses to Peter Granoff. His great taste, years of experience, and unique perspective will make the 2024 edition even better.

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

JEREMY SHANKER MS, Corporate Wine Director at Mina Group and Master Sommelier

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.

Looking to grow your wine brand in the on-premise channel of the USA?

The 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards are accepting entries now. It's open for both international and domestic wines. Your entered wines will receive scores, tasting notes, and feedback from expert judges.

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Take advantage of the early bird pricing that's on till January 31, 2024. Here are the winning benefits of entering the 2024 competition and detailed steps on how to enter.

Sommeliers Choice Awards is organized by Beverage Trade Network. Beverage Trade Network (BTN) is a global media and B2B networking platform servicing suppliers, buyers, and beverage professionals in the global beverage industry. BTN also owns BevRoute, a magazine for Importers and Distributors, and runs a lineup of trade shows around the world which includes  USA Trade Tasting in New York,  IBWSS UK  in London,  and IBWSS USA  in San Francisco. Beverage Trade Network also owns and runs the London Wine Competition, London Beer Competition, London Spirits Competition, and USA Wine Ratings.

2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards submissions is now open for domestic and international wines. Enter your Wines now to get the early bird pricing.