Sommelier Smackdown
The 14th Annual
Master of Ceremonies, Ryan Mullins
Summary:
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