With great pleasure and excitement, we welcome Scott Barber, President of Green Pin Wines, as a distinguished judge for the highly anticipated 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards. Scott is a wine maestro whose storied path through the industry's vineyards and cellars has cemented his position as a passionate connector of people and excellent wines.

Scott's credentials as a Master Sommelier, earned in the prestigious Class of 2018, demonstrate his unwavering dedication to mastering the art and science of wine. His experience goes beyond the tasting room, with prominent representation of boutique producers in Napa, Sonoma, and Europe at the distributor level. He has effectively established and strengthened brands using his expert skills, promoting sales growth and broadening the reach of these prestigious businesses.

Scott is an exceptional educator whose influence extends beyond boardrooms to Meadowood, Napa's best wine resort, where he has created and implemented innovative teaching initiatives. His lectures, which travel across the country, have not only informed audiences but have also played an important part in assisting and equipping distribution sales personnel to navigate the complex world of boutique wines.

Scott's capacity to create experiences is not limited to the classroom. His significant expertise in designing excursions in Napa and Sonoma, with a subtle focus on demonstrating the impact of location on wines, has given depth to his already impressive portfolio. Furthermore, his global ties with winemakers and importers have enabled the entry of exceptional wineries into the Texas and California markets, bridging gaps and increasing the diversity of the wine environment.

In his leisure time, Scott willingly shares his expertise and support with aspiring sommeliers, guiding them as they prepare for the prestigious Court of Master Sommelier tests. Scott represents a commitment to providing top-tier service, which stems from his experiences working with culinary superstars such as Stephan Pyles, Thomas Keller, and John Tesar.

As we look forward to the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards, having Scott Barber, a real connoisseur and wine ambassador as a judge is a feather on our cap. His keen palate, extensive knowledge, and enthusiasm for the craft make him an excellent addition to our judging panel.

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

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.