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Jon McDaniel

Head of Wine Education at Scout & Cellar, Chicago, IL

Jon McDaniel is one of the most recognized wine educators and professionals in America. He was Food + Wine Magazine’s Sommelier of the Year, on Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers and has been knighted in both Piemonte and Verona, Italy. Having worked in every aspect of the wine industry, he brings expertise and enthusiasm to both the consumers and wine trade. He is winemaker of Amos Cellars in Sonoma, a Professor of Hospitality and Economics at Roosevelt University in Chicago and Harvard Business School, and most recently, Jon was a founding member of the United Sommeliers Foundation, raising funds for unemployed wine professionals. 

Meet the other judges

Ira Harmon MS

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

Jane Lopes

Sommelier, Educator, and Author • Co-Founder Legend Imports

Brian Koziol MS

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