SommCon Launches Imprint Awards to Honor Leadership in Wine & Spirits
The Imprint Awards are a new annual program celebrating the individuals and institutions shaping the future of the beverage industry.
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The Latest on the Blog...
Regional Exploration
Heroic Harvests: Extreme Viticulture in Challenging Spanish Sites
Oppressive heat. Arid wind. Rocky soil. Vertiginous grades, heavy rain, and roaring rivers. Lava. Lava! No one said viticulture was easy—but does it have to be this hard?
Great Bubbly From Italy: Why You Should Be Drinking Trentodoc Sparkling Wines
Visionary winemaker Giulio Ferrari introduced the chardonnay grape and the Metodo Classico method of production that represents the backbone of Trentodoc appellation’s wines.
Discover Lugana: Italy’s Best Kept Oenological Secret
You may have heard about Lugana as a delicate, yet mineral wine from Northern Italy, but you don’t realize what Lugana really is, until you get there.
Education and Training
Wine and the Experience Economy: Examples from Oregon
Carl Winston of SDSU’s School of Hospitality explores wine through a visit to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
SommCon Conference & Expo Returns to San Diego, September 10-12, 2023
SommCon 2023 Conference & Beverage Expo will take place September 10-12, 2023 featuring three days of education, training, and networking.
SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo to Host Craft Beverage Expo’s 2024 Women in Craft Forum
SommCon to host Craft Beverage Expo’s Women in Craft Forum in San Diego, California, October 5-7, at Town & Country Resort.
All Posts
SommCon Launches Imprint Awards to Honor Leadership in Wine & Spirits
The Imprint Awards are a new annual program celebrating the individuals and institutions shaping the future of the beverage industry.
Community as Collective IQ: How SommCon Builds a Smarter Beverage Industry with Neeta Mittal
Neeta Mittal explores a powerful idea that community is a collective IQ – one that accelerates ideas, safeguards tradition, and drives the industry forward.
SommCon DC Summit: Two Days of Connection, Education & Inspiration
Over the course of two powerful days, buyers and sommeliers from across the East Coast gathered to connect, learn, taste, and tackle the questions shaping the future of the industry.
Why The Beverage Industry Needs to Gather Now More Than Ever With Jesse Rodriguez
More than a conference. Jesse Rodriguez on why events that foster mentorship, peer-to-peer dialogue, and shared learning are more essential now than ever before – events like SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo.
Registration Now Open for 2025 SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo in San Diego
Registration is officially open for the 2025 SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo, returning to San Diego September 7–9, 2025!
SommCon Announces 2024 Concours d’Spirits and Concours d’Vin Wine and Spirits Competition Winners
WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 CONCOURS D’SPIRITS AND CONCOURS D’VIN 196 Medals Awarded in SommCon’s Competition of Domestic and International Wine & Spirits presented by The SOMM Journal.
Women to Watch: Robin McBride (McBride Sisters Wine Company) and Marian Leitner-Waldman (Archer Roose Wines) Join Roster for Women in Craft Forum During SommCon
SommCon Announces Roster for Women in Craft Forum
SommCon Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Twenty-Two Wine & Spirits Professionals and Up-And-Comers Awarded Emerging Leaders and Professional Merit Scholarships
SommCon Welcomes Alcohol Beverage Buyers to San Diego for New Hosted Buyer Program During Fall Conference & Beverage Expo
SommCon welcomes alcohol beverage buyers to San Diego for new Hosted Buyer program during fall conference and beverage expo.
Top Beverage Industry Leaders Converge In San Diego For Wine, Beer, And Spirits Education Summit
The agenda is now available for SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo, October 5-7, 2024 at the Town & Country Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA.
Erika Benfield: How SommCon Scholarship Fueled Success
Erika Benfield credits the 2023 SommCon scholarship with opening numerous doors, fostering invaluable connections, and providing the essential knowledge that has significantly contributed to the success of her new wine shop, Frederick’s Wine Room, in Florida.
Call For Speakers At Women In Craft Forum at SommCon
SommCon is partnering with Women in Craft Forum to bring a cultivated community of producers, owners, distributors, retailers, and media.
Applications Now Open For Sommcon’s 2024 Scholarship Program
SommCon is proud to announce its ongoing commitment to fostering the next generation of industry leaders through its annual scholarship program.
Laura Algieri’s Transformative Journey through SommCon Scholarship
Laura Algieri’s journey at SommCon 2023 was an extraordinary odyssey that transformed her burgeoning career in the wine industry.
Tasting Room Spotlight featuring John Morris Tasting Room Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles
The Tasting Panel Magazine goes behind the scenes with the managers, owners, and operators representing the country’s top tasting rooms and the brands behind them. We sat down for a Q&A with Tasting Room Manager, John Morris at Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles.
SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo to Host Craft Beverage Expo’s 2024 Women in Craft Forum
SommCon to host Craft Beverage Expo’s Women in Craft Forum in San Diego, California, October 5-7, at Town & Country Resort.
Tasting Room Spotlight featuring Shelly Zanoli Proprietor and Tasting Room Manager at Zanoli Wines in Paso Robles
Tasting Room Spotlight Q&A with Shelly Zanoli, Proprietor and Tasting Room Manager of Zanoli Wines in Tin City – Paso Robles, California
SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo Returns to San Diego, October 5-7, 2024.
SommCon 2024 Conference & Beverage Expo will take place October 5-7, 2024 featuring three days of education, training, and networking.
Tasting Room Spotlight featuring Amanda McNeil Director of Hospitality at Hourglass Winery in Napa Valley
The Tasting Panel Magazine explores the inner workings of some of the top tasting rooms across the country, delving into the roles of managers, owners, and operators, as well as the brands they represent. We sat down for a Q&A with Amanda McNeil, Director of Hospitality at Hourglass Winery in Napa Valley.
Tasting Room Spotlight featuring Stefanie Longton, General Manager of Bennett Lane Winery in Calistoga, CA
The Tasting Panel went behind the scenes with the country’s top managers, owners and operators of tasting rooms and the brands behind them. Learn what it takes to create experiences for discerning wine consumers and, as sommeliers, what you should know when these wines find their way on your lists.
Meet the Winners from The SOMM Journal Award of Excellence in Wine and Spirits from SommCon 2023 Concours d’Vin & Concours d’Spirits Competition
The SOMM Journal, in partnership with SommCon 2023, announced the winners of the highly coveted Award of Excellence in the categories of best wine supplier and best spirits supplier.
Tasting Room Spotlight featuring Lisa Redwine General Manager of Burtech Family Vineyard
Tasting Room Spotlight Q&A with Lisa Redwine the General Manager of Burtech Family Vineyard in San Diego County, CA
SommCon 2023 Announces Record-Breaking Registration Numbers
SommCon®, the leading conference for wine and adult beverage professionals, proudly announces its most successful event to date, with the highest registration numbers in five years. It featured the new Beverage Expo, that showcased 75 exhibiting companies showcasing hundreds of new brands, products and innovations creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.
SommCon Announces 2023 Concours d’Spirits and Concours d’Vin Wine and Spirits Competition Winners
This year SommCon® kicked off the 17th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival weekend with Concours d’Spirits, presented in partnership with The SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel Magazine.
The Meaning of Mentorship by Annette Alvarez-Peters
Mentorship is a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth, and beyond having a positive impact on others, it’s also personally fulfilling.
Beverage Trade Show Brings Together Alcohol Beverage Industry for the First Time in Southern California, Unprecedented for West Coast
The only West Coast trade show bringing together the entire alcohol beverage market, SommCon Beverage Expo debuts September 11-12, 2023.
SommCon Announces Recipients of 2023 Emerging Leaders and Professional Merit Scholarships
This year, SommCon awards 35 scholarships recipients to individuals chosen for their passion for the wine and spirits industry and potential to shape its future.
Award-Winning Wines & Spirits to be Unveiled During SommCon in September
The highly anticipated Concours d’Spirits and Concours d’Vin wine and spirits competition series from SommCon returns September 10-12, 2023.
SommCon Beverage Expo: Newly Expanded Trade Show For Import, Distribution, On And Off Premise Buyers Debuts During West Coast Conference
The only West Coast trade show bringing together the entire alcohol beverage market, SommCon Beverage Expo debuts September 11-12, 2023.
The SommCon Scholarship Experience with Lynn Dowdell
It feels good to invest in yourself doing what you love and to be given an opportunity to become great at it.
SommCon Conference & Expo Returns to San Diego, September 10-12, 2023
SommCon 2023 Conference & Beverage Expo will take place September 10-12, 2023 featuring three days of education, training, and networking.
Sustainability, Mindfulness and Wine – A Message of Hope, A Call to Action
A message of hope: Sommelier Chiara Shannon explores how people, place, and purpose are at the core of sustainability in wine.
The Evolution of Dry January & How One Brand Found Success in the Emerging Non-Alcoholic Trend with Matthew Kaner
Matthew Kaner talks Dry January and how it’s a huge opportunity to get in front of new customers and capitalize on marketing that can create a snowball of momentum big enough to permeate the culture in a lasting way.
The Non-Alcoholic Trend & Your Beverage List with Master Sommelier Will Costello
Master Sommelier Will Costello says non-alcoholic is coming, and in a big way. The way to get ahead of this trend is to fully embrace it.
SommCon 2022 Wine & Spirits Competitions Medalists Announced
This year SommCon® kicked off the 17th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival weekend with Concours d’Spirits, presented in partnership with The SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel Magazine.
The Results Are In! Concours d’Spirits Medalists Announced
This year SommCon® kicked off the 17th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival weekend with Concours d’Spirits, presented in partnership with The SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel Magazine.
Côtes du Rhône’s Vision for Sustainable Viticulture
Wine regions across the globe are facing climatic changes and societal expectations to protect the environment.
Riesling by Region: Comparing German Riesling to its International Counterparts
With over 23,000 hectares planted to Riesling in Germany alone, fully exploring the country’s array of Rieslings is no small feat.
Three Reasons to Celebrate German Riesling with Wines of Germany
German Riesling has long been among the world’s most celebrated and sought-after wines, and for good reason.
Orvieto DOC: Home to one of the Greatest White Wines of Italy
Umbria is one of the most picturesque areas in all of Central Italy and home to one of the greatest white wines of Italy: Orvieto DOC.
SommCon’s Concours d’Spirits presented by The SOMM Journal Launches Spirits Education Webinar Series
SommCon’s Concours d’Spirits presented by The SOMM Journal introduces a spirits webinar series featuring today’s leading producers and distillers.
Dynamic Provence: Terroir Through Rosé Colored Glasses
At the forefront of research and development for promoting diversity in its wines, Vins de Provence rosé has risen in popularity.
Take Your Wine Education to New Heights at SommCon Spring 2021 Virtual Summit
We are excited to announce the spring SommCon Virtual Summit which will take place March 22-24, 2021.
SommCon Launches On-Demand Wine Education with SommGo
SommGo by SommCon is a subscription service and e-learning platform that provides wine, beer, and spirits education on-demand.
Beyond Tempranillo: Exciting Reds from Spain’s Lesser-Known Varieties
There’s a whole universe of unique native grapes waiting to be explored in Spain’s often overlooked subregions and terroirs.
10 German Grape Varieties Every Somm Should Know
With over 140 varietals ranging from Acolon to Zweigeltrebe, here are 10 German grape varieties every somm should know.
Brunello Harvest Live at Castello Banfi
Join us for an educational webinar at Castello Banfi in Montalcino and a rare preview of what we’ll be able to taste upon release in 2025.
The SOMM Journal’s Global Wine Tasting Series Produced by SommCon, Created in Partnership National Geographic
SommCon is hosting a global wine tasting series, Geographical Digest, in partnership with The SOMM Journal and National Geographic Books.
Côtes du Rhône, It Takes a Village!
Travel with SommCon and Rhône Valley Vineyards to France during our free educational webinar, Côtes du Rhône.
Unheard Voices in Wine Part 2: Be the Change
In part two of this two-part series, panelists discuss what diversity and inclusion initiatives look like at companies across the wine industry and elsewhere.
Traversing Chile and Argentina
Explore the geography that affects the nuances of Argentina and Chile’s wine regions with SommCon, The SOMM Journal, and Tasting Panel Magazine.
Managing Career Uncertainty: Part 2
Learn from former somms about opportunities available and as well as obstacles they faced along the way.
Unheard Voices in Wine: Part 1
This two-part series will discuss issues relating to black professionals in the wine industry and how allies can help create a more diverse and inclusive environment moving forward.
Managing Career Uncertainty: Part 1
Learn from former somms about opportunities available and as well as obstacles they faced along the way.
Icons of California
Hear directly from winemakers and proprietors of unique California properties.
Iconic Wine Regions of Italy
Learn not only what makes Italy an iconic place for wine, but what distinguishes each province, region, village, and hillside from the others.
Global Terroir
Join us for a 90-minute trip to California, Washington, Uruguay, France, Italy, Mexico and beyond!
U.S. Wine Market Update: A Regional Perspective
Hear from wine marketing boards across the United States with updates on their regions including innovations, changes in regulations, and more.
Wine and Spirits Education Resources to Level Up During COVID-19
SommCon has organized a list of educational resources you can access from home during COVID-19.
Survival Mode: Resources & Innovations for Beverage Professionals Navigating Life During COVID-19
Survival Mode: Resources & Innovations for Beverage Professionals Navigating Life During COVID-19 is a free online educational seminar for beverage industry professionals.
A Modern-Day Classic: Inside Portugal’s Wine Renaissance
Portuguese wines often called “trendy” and “under-the-radar,” are billed as new, modern, and alternative options for more classic wines.
Winners Announced for 2019 Concours d’Spirits
SommCon® is proud to announce the medal award winners of the inaugural Concours d’Spirits competition.
Exploring Southeast Asian Vineyards
From Indonesia to the Philippines, to the world-class wineries at Myanmar — we’ll discuss some of the must-visit vineyards in Southeast Asia.
How Medi-Tasting Can Enhance Your Wine Tasting Experience
In an industry of frequent indulging, tasting, and sharing of delicious wines, being mindful of what we’re tasting can become as fatigued as the palate.
Exploring The Great Pinot Noir: Burgundy, Champagne, and Willamette Valley
At SommCon San Diego, Charles Curtis MW will host a fascinating seminar featuring Pinot Noirs from iconic regions, including Burgundy, Champagne, and Willamette Valley.
Alto Adige: A Harmony of Contrasts
Nestled in the northeast corner of Italy, amidst the Dolomites and the Italian Alps, one will find a quite refreshing wine region – in both spirt and style: Alto Adige.
Franciacorta: The Region, The Method, The Wine
From the rolling hills of Brescia, Franciacorta is a picturesque region with stunning sparkling wines that stand out above the rest.
Cava’s Aging Requirements Explained
The length of time spent in the bottle after fermentation defines the four categories that Cava is labeled under: Traditional, Reserva, Gran Reserva, and Cava de Paraje Calificado.
Four Grapes to Watch in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country
Thousands of different grape varieties are grown, and there are so many different styles of wine to explore.
Heroic Harvests: Extreme Viticulture in Challenging Spanish Sites
Oppressive heat. Arid wind. Rocky soil. Vertiginous grades, heavy rain, and roaring rivers. Lava. Lava! No one said viticulture was easy—but does it have to be this hard?
Great Bubbly From Italy: Why You Should Be Drinking Trentodoc Sparkling Wines
Visionary winemaker Giulio Ferrari introduced the chardonnay grape and the Metodo Classico method of production that represents the backbone of Trentodoc appellation’s wines.
Discover Lugana: Italy’s Best Kept Oenological Secret
You may have heard about Lugana as a delicate, yet mineral wine from Northern Italy, but you don’t realize what Lugana really is, until you get there.
Why Generation Z Wants Authentic Drinks Education
The eldest of Generation Zs are turning 21, and as they do, the time is now for the hospitality industry to begin adapting.
5 Minutes with Woody Van Horn
An integral member of Team SommCon, Woody Van Horn spends 5 minutes with SommCon producer, Michelle Metter to talk cannabis, education, and the evolution of SommCon.
Provence Rosés in the Spectrum of Global Rosés
As rosé continues to become a more regular part of wine drinkers’ diets, how can Provence maintain its stature?
Israeli Wine: Drinking the Mediterranean
Despite their general lack of familiarity, there are many Israeli wines capable of electrifying the palates of discerning American wine consumers.
Burgundy Buying
The importance of Burgundy in wine education and the testimonials of experts quickly inspire a deep desire to experience these great wines.
Pinot for the Long Haul: Longevity in the Willamette Valley
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a vibrant example of a Pinot region whose producers are eager to dispel the myth that New World Pinot doesn’t age.
The Flip Side of Champagne
Most think of champagne as a sparkling wine, which is understandable because most of it is, but not all.
The Secret is in the Sand
Master Sommelier, Will Costello, researches sand and soil at wineries around the world in an effort to replicate the magic of highly allocated wine, Château Rayas.
A Taste of Provence, Home to the World’s Finest Rosés
Provence is a magical place and, befittingly, home to the world’s finest Rosés – to which all others are compared and of which you can’t help but sip and smile.
Episode 2: Passionate About Portugal with Eugenio Jardim
On this episode, Sommelier and Wine Educator, Eugenio Jardim, shares how he got his start in the wine industry and why he fell in love with Portugal.
Episode 1: The Journey to Master of Wine with Lindsay Pomeroy
On this episode, we sit down with newly accredited Master of Wine, Lindsay Pomeroy to discuss her journey to MW.
Dry White Bordeaux – Bordeaux’s Best Kept Secret
To some Dry White Bordeaux might seem like a bit of an oxymoron. Isn’t Bordeaux all about red wine? Well, sort of, but not completely.
European Garnacha/Grenache Producers’ Best Practices and Their Terroirs
In Europe, wine producers farm the best terroirs for the ancient and noble Garnacha and Grenache grapes, to reach the fullest potential of these regions’ terroirs.
Beaujonomie
Beaujolais is so much more than Nouveau, encompassing 12 particular appellations, all of which produce wines of character.
Discover the Loire Valley Wines
The Loire Valley is one of France’s most diverse wine region and produces exemplary wines in every style.
Why Franciacorta Should Have Its Own Section on Your List
As Franciacorta stands alone as a high-quality producer of wine, it only makes sense to list these wines in their own category.
Winemaker or Somm – Who Has it Better?
The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association takes a close look at what it really takes to work a harvest in Southern California.
Mastering the Language of Languedoc
The tide of rosé wine coming into the U.S. continues to rise, with France and specifically Provence being major contributors.
The Vinho Verde of Today
Ask most wine drinkers the first thing that comes to their mind when they hear the words “Vinho Verde”, and you’ll likely get “spritzy” and “young.”
Six Rules of Thumb (for Successful Restaurant Wine Programs)
Randy Caparoso discusses six rules of thumb for successful restaurant wine programs that will always keep you on the straight and narrow, wherever you may be.
5 Minutes With Lindsay Pomeroy
San Diego’s Lindsay Pomeroy, one of less than 20 Masters of Wine in the United States discusses her journey to this prestigious designation.
Exploring the Medoc Region
Mary Dardenne, Wine Tourism Specialist, explores the rich history, tradition, and innovation of the Medoc region.
How to Make Money on “Off” Days
Dave Rudman, WSET, discusses misconceptions about making money in the bar and restaurant industry and tips to help your beverage business thrive.
The Joys of Wine Education
Lisa Redwine, Advanced Sommelier, discusses her journey to becoming a wine educator and the value of continuing education.
Garnacha Goes Global
Master Sommelier Bob Bath discusses the wide range of Garnacha/Grenache dominant wines and other influential producing regions from all over the world.
A Climat is Worth a Thousand Words…
Learn about the Bourgogne region with Master Sommelier, Jay Youmans and get a preview of the SommCon session, Everything You Never Dared to Ask About Bourgogne’s Climat
How Many Emotions can a Rhône Valley Vineyard’s Wine Awaken?
Find out what makes a Rhône Valley Vineyard’s Wine so emotionally pleasing from Christophe Tassan, Wine Director & Sommelier at The Battery in San Francisco.
Portugal: The Secret Is In The Blend
Wines of Portugal US Ambassador, Eugenio Jardim explores the recent rush of enthusiasm towards “unknown” U.S. wine region, Portugal.
VIRGINIA COMES OF AGE | In Praise of the Girl Next Door
Sommelier, Jason Tesauro explores the Virginia wine region, and its coming of age.
Five Minutes With Gretchen Thomas
Gretchen Thomas | Wine & Spirits Director, Barteca Restaurant Group Get to know SommCon presenter and panelist, Gretchen Thomas. What led you to a career in wine? I went to the Culinary Institute of America for Culinary School and fell in love with wine during wine studies in my second year. I received a scholarship…
SommCon Expands to Washington, D.C.
SommCon® launches in Washington, D.C. July 22-24, 2018, bringing together beverage industry professionals of all levels to discuss.
How To: Elevate Your Wine Program Without a Floor Somm
Certified Cicerone and Sommelier, Jeff Josenhans offers tips and advice to elevate your wine program without a floor somm.
Failure: The “F Word” No One Talks About
Advanced Sommelier, Lisa Redwine talks finding silver linings in “failure” as part of her journey towards the Master Sommelier Certification.
Getting Centered: Preparing for Somm Journal’s Central European Wine Panel
Wine Editor, Jesse Birschbach familiarizes herself with Central European wine, starting with Croatian wines.
Don’t be a Samelier
Maurice DiMarino | Certified Sommelier and Certified Cicerone The beverage industry has changed dramatically and gets more complex each year. Sommeliers who went through testing 20 years ago had a very different experience than those testing today. It has forced young sommeliers to look past France and Italy and discover wines from Croatia, Brazil, and…
How to Revive a Failing Wine Placement
Master Sommelier, Will Costello offers tips to revive a failing wine placement and draw attention to wines being disregarded by guests.
Wine and the Experience Economy: Examples from Oregon
Carl Winston of SDSU’s School of Hospitality explores wine through a visit to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
One Million of You, Tasting Wine
Remember when you first started tasting wine? I mean really taste.
Of Tropes and Traps
Los Angeles panel lays the groundwork for – and discovers the pitfalls of – blind tasting.
Are Short Wine Lists Truly Back in Style?
Randy Caparoso, The Somm Journal “Water, water, everywhere,” wrote Coleridge, “nor any drop to drink.” That’s how I’ve always felt about the palatability of big wine lists—in my book, anything over 150 selections. Way back in the late 1970s I read about Kevin Zraly, who said, “Eighty percent of our wine sales always came from…
Full Disclosure: Additives in Wine
Why is wine so different from other consumer goods? Why isn’t wine held to the same requirements to which other packaged goods must adhere? There are two sides to this argument.
Atmosphere Engineer
Woody van Horn | General Manager, Bracero Cocina de Raiz As we look at our field of work, one of the duties that sets sommeliers apart from the rest of the wine industry is the act of service, which goes hand-in-hand with hospitality. I would raise the point that a strong element of service is in…
Finding Opportunities Starts with Marketing Yourself Online
You could have an encyclopedic knowledge of wine to make your guests feel at ease, but if you aren’t marketing yourself, opportunities could pass you by.
Taking the Leap
As a Sommelier and Wine Director I would have never thought that I would do anything but create wine lists, educate staff and guests, and the experience the nightly thrill of taking care of a guests from the beginning of a dinner to the end.
Passion or Glory: The Role of the Sommelier
Over the last 10 years there has been a real increase with Sommeliers/ Wine Directors and Beverage Managers that now have a specialized job. I have been fortunate enough to hold all three of these positions.