Sommelier Smackdown

Description

Professional Sommeliers come together in a challenge for the sharpest palate! When it comes to tasting blind, who will be the best?

But that's not all. Not only do you get to watch, learn, and absorb how the Pro's do it--you will be tasting the SAME WINES blind right along with them!

Who will be the top taster in 2025? It could be you! Join us and find out.

The 2025 Competitors:

Kelly Cornett, A Cork in the Road

Eric Crane, Empire Distributors

Elizabeth Dames, The Perlant

Jacob Gragg, Ca' del Bosco

Joe Herrig, Georgia Crown

Janeen Jason, VinoTeca

Eric Palmer, Republic National Distributing

Briana Pope-Pettis, Court of Master Sommeliers

Peter Poulos, Highland Fine Wine

Adam Pucillo, Revana Family Vineyard

Rob Van Leer, Vino Venue

Brian White, The Epicurean

Chelsea Young, The Oenophile Institute

Past Champions:

2011 Ryan Mullins

2012 Justin Amick

2013 Ryan Mullins

2014 Caleb Hopkins

2015 Ryan Mullins

2016 Juan Cortes

2018 Ryan Mullins

2019 Brian White

2020 Kacey Ivey

2021 Adam Pucillo

2022 Peter Poulos

2023 Eric Crane

2024 Eric Crane

Experience will include:

A series of blind tastings (6 - 8) with commentary 

Top-notch wines

All AWS events with wine ALWAYS include Chef's choice of light nibbles