SommCon honors six trailblazers with the 2025 Imprint Awards – recognition that celebrates impact, vision, and leadership across wine and spirits. The winners were revealed during the closing ceremony of SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo 2025, in a room buzzing with energy, gratitude, and celebration.
One of several new experiences added to SommCon programming this year, the Imprint Awards were created to shine a light on the people and organizations leaving a meaningful mark on the beverage industry. Each award represents a distinct area of impact – empowering new voices, elevating the craft, and reimagining how the industry connects and grows.
From rising talent and veteran educators to digital curators and forward-thinking businesses, this year’s recipients reflect the shared values of mentorship, innovation, and purposeful progress.
SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR
Natalie Martinez, Addison at The Grand Del Mar
EMERGING LEADER AWARD
Kriis Alyse Wilson, The Collective Unlimited
IMPRINT AWARD
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com
INNOVATION AWARD
Tablas Creek Vineyard
BRIDGE AWARD
San Francisco Wine School
VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
Julia Coney, Wine Consultant, Wine Writer & Co-Host of Just Getting Better Podcast
“This year’s winners are more than leaders in their space – they are builders of community, challengers of convention, and connectors of people,” said Michelle Metter, Founder and Director of SommCon. “It’s an honor to celebrate their imprint on our industry, and a privilege to create a platform that uplifts the work they’re doing.”
After an open call for nominations and public voting to determine the finalists, hundreds of submissions were received from across the industry. Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process combining 40% public vote and 60% review by the SommCon Advisory Board. The 2025 Imprint Awards are supported by The SOMM Journal, with winners featured in its upcoming December issue.