The Sommeliers Choice Awards is proud to announce the first round of distinguished judges for the 2025 competition. The panel is comprised of some of the most respected and knowledgeable professionals in the wine industry, bringing their diverse backgrounds and expertise to the judging process.

Set to take place in May 2025 in Chicago, the Sommeliers Choice Awards aims to recognize the best wines that are not only superior in quality but also meet the standards of professionals in the restaurant, hotel, and hospitality industry. These awards provide wineries a unique opportunity to showcase their wines to the people who ultimately influence wine purchasing decisions.

The 2025 panel includes top sommeliers, wine buyers, directors, and beverage managers from across the United States. Here are some of the judges that have been selected for the first round:

Jill Zimorski MS, DipWSET Master Sommelier and Adjunct Professor, DePaul University

Jesse Becker MS Master Sommelier

Wayne Belding MS Master Sommelier and Partner at Preferabli, Colorado

Mark Guillaudeu MS Sommelier at Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix

Ira Harmon MS Master Sommelier and Fine Wine Specialist at Vin Sauvage, Las Vegas, NV

Morgan Harris MS Master Sommelier

Kyungmoon Kim MS Master Sommelier

Brian Koziol MS Master Sommelier and Complex Director Food & Beveragen Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts, Florida

Pablo Braida, MS Master Sommelier

Élyse Lambert, MS Master Sommelier and Fifth Position Best Sommelier of the World 2016

Paul Baldi Sommelier at Quince San Francisco

Scott Barber President at Green Pin Wines

Cassandra E. Sakai Corporate Director of Beverage Operations, Gibsons Restaurant Group

Rachel Lowe Director of Beverage for Levy Restaurants.

Joseph V. Micallef Journalist and commentator on food, wines, spirits, and travel. (Forbes)

There are already 10 master sommeliers who will join the panel from all over the USA along with big national chain buyers at the 2025 Judging panel. See the full list of the first round of 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards Judges here.

These individuals have extensive experience in evaluating wines for their taste, value, packaging, and appropriateness for the on-premise sector, making them the ideal judges for this prestigious competition.

Group picture of 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards Judges.

“The Sommeliers Choice Awards has always been about identifying wines that deliver value for money and appeal to the restaurant and hotel industry. This year's judges bring their combined expertise, ensuring that the winning wines will not only stand out in terms of quality but also offer a superb experience for consumers,” said Sid Patel, Founder of the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Wines submitted to the Sommeliers Choice Awards will be judged in categories such as value, quality, packaging, typicity, and food pairing suitability, helping restaurateurs and sommeliers make informed purchasing decisions.

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About Sommeliers Choice Awards:

The Sommeliers Choice Awards is a premier wine competition in the United States, focusing on wines that appeal directly to the on-premise sector. Wines are evaluated by top sommeliers, wine buyers, and industry professionals who judge the wines' overall value for restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues. The competition offers wine producers an exclusive opportunity to connect with on-premise buyers and decision-makers.

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