A Peek into the 6th Edition: The Sommeliers Choice Awards (SCA) emerges as an annual wine competition meticulously tailored to equip on-premise buyers and sommeliers with an unwavering compass for handpicking wines worthy of gracing the wine lists of bars and restaurants. What elevates this competition to a class of its own is its distinguished panel of judges, comprising elite sommeliers, on-premise wine procurers, and wine directors hailing from various establishments across Chicago and the United States. The path to becoming a judge involves the rigorous showcasing of expertise within the on-premise realm, ensuring that the evaluation process remains firmly in capable hands.

As we gear up for the 6th edition in May 2024, we take a moment to reflect on what makes this competition so exceptional and gather insights from the judges themselves.

Within the SCA arena, participating wines undergo scrupulous evaluation based on meticulously defined criteria. Here, the spotlight doesn't exclusively illuminate quality; it equally scrutinizes the balance between value for money, harmonious pairing with gastronomic delights, and overall versatility. Judges are attuned to trade prices, rendering their assessments comprehensive and purposeful for potential buyers. As they navigate the realms of wine evaluation, the pivotal query reverberates in their thoughts: "Would we confidently introduce this into our inventory?"

The Sommeliers Choice Awards

The Sommeliers Choice Awards is an annual wine competition designed to provide on-premise buyers and sommeliers with a reliable gauge for selecting wines that deserve a place on bar and restaurant wine lists. What sets this competition apart is its judging panel, which consists entirely of top sommeliers, on-premise wine buyers, and wine directors at various U.S. restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs. To become a judge, these professionals must demonstrate their expertise within the on-premise industry, ensuring that the evaluation process is in capable hands.

Wines participating in the SCA are meticulously judged according to specific criteria. The focus isn't solely on quality but also on value for money, pairing capabilities with food items, and overall versatility. Judges are aware of the trade prices, making their assessments comprehensive and practical for buyers. The central question on the judges' minds as they evaluate wines is, "Would we stock this?"

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What SCA Judges Have To Say About SCA

The judges' feedback on the SCA speaks volumes about the competition's quality and organization. Here's a glimpse of what some of the judges had to say:

Celebrating Wine Diversity

Amber Archer, Assistant General Manager at Wit & Wisdom appreciated the diverse selection of wines.

Recognizing Quality and Value

Scott Barber, President at Green Pin Wines commended the competition's format, emphasizing that it scores wines comprehensively and appreciated the exceptional organization and efficient staff.

A Global Wine Journey

Emily Carlson celebrated the variety of wines from both established wine regions and less conventional sources.

Smoothly Orchestrated

Marija Jovanovic, Estate Sommelier at the Bouchaine Vineyards lauded the competition's impeccable organization and smooth operation.

Embracing Teamwork

Daniel Mason, Food and Beverage Manager and Sommelier at the Big Canyon Country Club enjoyed the teamwork aspect, which allowed judges to discuss wines rather than evaluate them individually.

Seamless and Well-Timed

Cara Patricia, Co-Founder & CEO, Sommelier, and Bottle Club Director DECANTsf found the pace, wine temperature, and overall process to be excellent.

Networking and Variety

Ranier Reglos, General Manager at Social Affair Bar & Lounge cherished the networking opportunities, praised the food and service, and commended the easy-to-follow format and diverse wine selection.

A Modern and Organized Approach

Jared Seitzer, Estate Sommelier at Caldwell Vineyard found the online scoring system organized and efficient, making the tasting process smoother.

Efficiency and Progress

Tiffany Tobey, Wine Director and Sommelier at Tower Club Dallas appreciated the ongoing improvements in the online process and commended the efficient team.

Celebrating Wine Diversity and Presentation

Tom Markakis highlighted the variety of wines, the inclusion of packaging as a judging criterion, and the overall excellent staff and amenities.

Hone Your Tasting Skills

Rachel Lowe, Director of Beverage for Levy Restaurants valued the competition as a way to refine tasting skills and explore a diverse range of wines.

Efficient Solo Judging

Samantha McCrimmon appreciated the structured competition format, which allowed for faster evaluation.

Embracing Technology and Autonomy

Katelyn Peil loved the online scoring system and the self-paced judging format, finding the number of wines manageable.

Variety and Efficiency

Marc R. Kauffman, Head Sommelier for The Sommelier Company, praised the variety of wines and the efficient wine pickup process.

A Beverages Trade Network Endeavor

The Sommeliers Choice Awards stands as a testament to the dedication of the Beverage Trade Network, a global organization committed to fostering connections between beverage producers, brand owners, and discerning buyers. This initiative underscores their unwavering commitment to propelling quality wines to the forefront of the industry.

As we eagerly await the 6th edition of the Sommeliers Choice Awards, anticipation mounts for the innovations, excellence, and delightful surprises that lie ahead. Whether you're a fervent wine connoisseur or a seasoned industry professional be sure to keep a keen eye out for the winners of 2024. They are poised to deliver extraordinary experiences and unveil exciting discoveries in the realm of wines.

Stay tuned for updates, and enroll your wines today for judging on May 21, 2024, in Chicago, as the wine world comes together to celebrate the best in the business at the Sommeliers Choice Awards (SCA). Cheers to another year of excellence!

Conclusion

The Sommeliers Choice Awards isn't just another wine competition; it's a platform where your wines can shine, gain recognition, and earn a place on esteemed wine lists. With a panel of experienced judges, rigorous judging criteria, and a commitment to showcasing the best in the industry, the SCA offers a unique opportunity to elevate your wine brand. As the judges themselves attest, it's a competition marked by diversity, excellence, and outstanding organization. So, if you're in the business of producing exceptional wines, consider entering the SCA and let your wines make their mark in the world of on-premise dining.