Celebrating Excellence in Wine & Spirits
Honoring the visionaries, innovators, and leaders shaping the future
2026 nominations open in May.
Winners will be revealed at the Imprint Awards Ceremony during SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo this September in San Diego.
SommCon Imprint Awards
The first annual SommCon Imprint Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, organizations, and ideas shaping the future of the industry. Through these awards, we celebrate leadership, innovation, and the power of community:
- Recognizing rising talent and seasoned pioneers
- Amplifying voices driving the industry forward
- Inspiring the next generation of beverage professionals
The celebration will take place on September 9 at Rancho Bernardo Inn, during one of the industry’s largest professional gatherings, SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo.
This is your chance to be recognized among the change makers, innovators, and leaders whose whose passion, dedication, and vision are shaping the future of wine and spirits.
2026 Award Categories
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoring a lifetime of impact through mentorship, leadership, and service to the industry.
Emerging Leader Award
Recognizing a rising star who is shaping the future of the beverage industry through leadership, passion, and innovation.
Outstanding Beverage Program
An on-premise restaurant, bar or venue whose beverage program demonstrates exceptional curation, deep expertise, and commitment to the guest experience, setting a new standard of excellence in its market.
Retailer of the Year
An off-premise retailer whose passion for wine, spirits, or beer goes beyond the transaction, building community, inspiring consumers, and elevating the culture of the industry in their market.
Sommelier of the Year
Celebrating an exceptional sommelier whose deep expertise, passion for education, and unwavering commitment to service not only elevate the guest experience, but inspire a new standard of excellence.
Educator of the Year
Honoring an educator who ignites passion for the beverage industry through exceptional teaching, mentorship, and a commitment to elevating the next generation of knowledgeable, skilled professionals.
Media Professional of the Year
Recognizing a journalist, content creator, broadcaster, or storyteller whose work authentically champions the wine, spirits, beer, or hospitality industry and shapes how the broader public engages with it.
Community Impact Award
Recognizing an individual or non-profit whose dedication to service bridges the beverage industry and the communities it serves, creating meaningful and lasting change beyond the glass.
Important Dates
JULY 24
Nominations
Close
AUGUST 14
Semifinalists Announced
& Public Voting Opens
AUGUST 31
Public Voting
Closes
SEPTEMBER 8
Finalists
Announced
NOVEMBER 5
Winners Celebrated
at SommCon
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Who can submit a nomination for the SommCon Imprint Awards?
Anyone in the beverage or hospitality industry is welcome to submit a nomination. Whether you’re a colleague, friend, customer, or simply an admirer of someone’s work, we encourage you to highlight their impact.
What is the deadline to submit an Imprint Awards nomination?
The submission deadline is July 2, 2025
Can I nominate myself or my own organization?
Yes! Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. Don’t hesitate to share your own story of impact and innovation.
Is there a fee to submit a nomination?
No, there is no fee to submit a nomination for the SommCon Imprint Awards.
Can I nominate more than one person or organization?
Absolutely! There is no limit to the number of nominations you can submit. We encourage you to nominate as many deserving individuals or organizations as you like.
What information is required for a nomination?
Each nomination will ask for details about the nominee’s work, impact, and contributions to the beverage industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to share supporting materials (like links, articles, or images) that showcase their achievements.
How are winners selected?
The SommCon Board of Advisors reviews all nominations and selects a group of semifinalists for each award category. The public is then invited to vote on these semifinalists to determine the finalists. After public voting concludes, winners for each category are selected based on a weighted final score (40% public voting / 60% advisory board evaluations).
When and where will the winners be announced?
Winners will be celebrated at the SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo on September 9, 2025, at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.
Can I attend the awards celebration if I’m not a finalist?
Yes! The awards celebration is part of the SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo, and all registered attendees with a full conference pass are welcome to join. We encourage everyone in the industry to come together and celebrate the achievements of their peers.
How can I sponsor or partner with the awards program?
We welcome sponsorship inquiries! Please contact us directly at partner@sommconusa.com for more information.