The highly anticipated Concours d’Spirits and Concours d’Vin wine and spirits competition series from SommCon returns September 10-12, 2023. As the deadline for submissions approaches, the competition promises to bring together the finest wines and spirits from around the world for a celebration of exceptional craftsmanship and innovation.
The deadline to enter the 2023 competition is Friday, August 14.
Produced by SommCon and presented by The SOMM Journal, the wine and spirits competition provides medal winners with unique opportunities to leverage their award including print and digital promotion to a national trade audience.
Medal winners will be unveiled and honored at SommCon’s annual conference and beverage trade show in September with an exclusive tasting opportunity for professional alcohol beverage buyers, decision makers, and industry influencers. Medal winners also have opportunities to amplify their award as an exhibitor at the Beverage Expo at SommCon and via online product showcase on SommGo, SommCon’s on-demand streaming service for wine, beer, and spirits education and training.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform for talented winemakers and distillers to showcase their finest creations,” said Michelle Metter, producer of SommCon. “The Concours d’Spirits and Concours d’Vin competitions not only highlight the diversity and artistry in the wine and spirits industry but also celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work tirelessly to produce exceptional beverages.”
The esteemed panel of judges, comprising leading sommeliers, industry experts, and renowned critics, is set to blindly assess each submission meticulously, recognizing the unparalleled qualities that set the best apart from the rest.
The judging process will take place behind closed doors in a professional and controlled environment, adhering to the highest standards of integrity and fairness. Judges will evaluate each entry based on factors such as taste, aroma, balance, complexity, and overall quality. The competition welcomes a vast array of categories, including red wines, white wines, rosé, sparkling wines, whiskies, brandies, vodkas, tequilas, RTD cocktails, non-alcoholic spirits, and more.
Judges for the 2023 competitions include:
- Annette Alvarez-Peters | Founder, annette a.p. Wine & Spirits Inc
- Rick Arline II | Director of Wine, Hotel Per La
- Xander Brown | Whiskey Educator, GMR Marketing
- Will Costello MS | Export Manager, Miller Family Wine Comapany
- Maurice DiMarino | Beverage Director, Cohn Restaurant Group
- Tom Fischer | Editor-In-Chief, BourbonBlog.com
- David Glancy MS | Certified Wine Educator, Founder of San Francisco Wine School
- Tahiirah Habibi | Wine & Culture Expert, The Hue Society
- Eliza Hoar | Youngblood
- Geoff Labitzke MW | General Manager, Hamel Family Wines
- Haley Moore | Founder, Acquire
- Whitney Pope | Wine Educator, WHIT + WINE
- Lisa Redwine | Wine Director, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
- Jesse Rodriguez, M.Ed. | National Sales + Ambassador, FUTO
- Erik Segelbaum | Chief Vinnovation Officer / Owner Partner, SOMLYAY LLC / SWIG Partners…and more to come
- Jackie Summers | Activist, James Beard Finalist, JackFromBrooklyn
- …and more to come
Producers interested in entering the competition should submit their wines or spirits for evaluation no later than Friday, August 14.
