The week reminded us why SommCon is more than a conference. It’s a place where the beverage industry comes together to learn, share, and grow.


For three unforgettable days, buyers, suppliers, sommeliers, educators, and beverage leaders from across the country came together to connect, taste, and learn in San Diego. The energy across the conference was undeniable – immersive, connected, and community-driven. Attendees left with actionable insights and a renewed sense of mentorship and belonging.


Setting the Stage


The conference opened with Shifting Ground, Rising Opportunity: Navigating What’s Next in Wine & Spirits, presented by Datassential and led by Colleen McClellan. The keynote was a full house, with McClellan engaging the room with humor while delivering actionable insights. Sessions throughout the week referred back to it, calling it the perfect setup for their conversations.


New Pre-Conference Programming


Before the first keynote, attendees had the chance to participate in brand-new pre-conference roundtable discussions. These intimate sessions were a hit – rooms were full, the dialogue was candid, and the peer-to-peer learning created a sense of camaraderie that carried throughout the week.


Exploring Global Regions & Varietals


Across the first two days, attendees embarked on a journey through global wine regions and varietals. The Wild Heart of Italy – Unveiling Terroir, Tradition, and Innovation with Tanya Morning Star brought Abruzzo’s terroir to life, while Golan Heights Winery: Exploring the Influence of Volcanic Soils & Elevation showcased how site and elevation shape wines in surprising ways. These sessions underscored the diversity of terroir and the balance of tradition and innovation shaping today’s wines.


Immersive Tastings & Fan Favorites


SommCon has become known for its hands-on learning, and this year was no exception. Blind Taste Like a Master of Wine, led by Lindsay Pomeroy MW, was one of the most talked-about sessions of the week, leaving attendees thinking like examiners. Your Brain on Wine with Maurice DiMarino quickly became a fan favorite, sparking conversations about how our genetics and environment influence what we taste.


On day three, A Close-up of Estate Fruit: Interactive Tasting to Decipher Terroir presented by The SOMM Journal deepened understanding of provenance and place through comparative tasting. Wine, Water & Food Pairing Harmonization delivered a powerful reminder that even the simplest element – water – can transform a tasting experience.


Professional Development & Insights


Sessions went beyond the glass to tackle leadership, branding, and market strategy. In Shifting Tastes: How Multiple Generations Are Reshaping the Beverage Landscape, Erik Segelbaum, Regina Sanz, and Elise Cordell offered concrete strategies to better connect across age groups. The Experience Multiplier: How Sensory Branding Can Future-proof Your Wine Business, led by Neeta Mittal, was immersive and unique, introducing a new way of thinking about consumer connection.


Leadership was reimagined in Failing Faster to Lead Better with Rawnica Dillingham, where setbacks were reframed as tools for growth. Supplier education made its debut this year with Navigating the Three-Tier System: Insider Strategies for Launching Successful Alcohol Brands and What Investors Want: Positioning Your Beverage Brand for Growth and Acquisition – both packed with practical takeaways for emerging and growing brands.


Conversations on the Main Stage


The Floor to Feed session brought together Cristie Norman, Cha McCoy, Tiffany Tobey, The Angry Somm, and LuciaLovesWine for a lively discussion on building influence online. The caliber of talent was matched by the buzz in the room, with conversations continuing well beyond the session.


Tastings, Connections & Community


The Beverage Expo was the heartbeat of SommCon. The floor was buzzing with buyers, producers, and suppliers connecting at every booth, while podcasts and live interviews captured the excitement in real time. The Bottle Blitz was a highlight of the trade tasting – structured like industry speed dating, it connected some of the nation’s top buyers directly with suppliers for focused, quality connection time.


Celebrating Excellence


SommCon proudly partners with The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel Magazine on education, competitions, and content. This year, the conference closed with something entirely new—the inaugural Imprint Awards Ceremony. Attendees celebrated leaders and change-makers across six categories. Meet the 2025 winners here.


The Common Thread


Across all three days, the throughline was clear: SommCon is more than a conference. It’s a community. Every session offered not just inspiration, but actionable takeaways. Every tasting turned into an opportunity for discovery. Every conversation sparked a connection that will carry forward long after the final glass is poured.


Save the Date for 2026

Washington, DC – April 12–14, 2026
San Diego, CA – November 3–5, 2026