Court of Master Sommeliers

McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund Unveils 2024 Initiatives to Advance Women's Professional Development and Increase Diversity in the Wine & Spirits Industry and Hospitality

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

NAPA VALLEY, Calif., March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund, the philanthropic arm of their renowned wine company dedicated to advancement of women in the wine industry and beyond, is proud to announce its ambitious initiatives for 2024. Rooted in the core values of professional development, mentorship, and academic pipeline enhancement, these initiatives represent a significant step forward in fostering a more equitable and representative wine community. Since 2019, the SHE CAN Fund has empowered underrepresented individuals and communities to pursue and succeed in wine-related careers. This year's applications will launch on April 15th and remain open until May 31st, accessible through the SHE CAN Fund website. Awards will be granted in June.

Key Points: 
  • Since 2019, the SHE CAN Fund has empowered underrepresented individuals and communities to pursue and succeed in wine-related careers.
  • This year's applications will launch on April 15th and remain open until May 31st, accessible through the SHE CAN Fund website .
  • "The SHE CAN Fund initiatives underscore our unwavering commitment to creating pathways for diverse talent to thrive in the wine industry.
  • The McBride Sisters' SHE CAN Fund remains committed to its mission of evolving the industry from within and looks forward to the transformative impact of its 2024 initiatives.

Benchmark Wine Group Names Jay James, MS As Its New President

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 12, 2023

NAPA, Calif., Sept. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Benchmark Wine Group is pleased to announce that it has named Master Sommelier Jay James as its next President. Jay brings nearly four decades of experience in all tiers of the fine and rare wine industry.

Key Points: 
  • Wine industry veteran Jay James has been named President of top rare, back-vintage retailer, distributor, and importer
    NAPA, Calif., Sept. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Benchmark Wine Group is pleased to announce that it has named Master Sommelier Jay James as its next President.
  • Jay brings nearly four decades of experience in all tiers of the fine and rare wine industry.
  • "We selected Jay based on his unique experience in service, distribution, production and retail in the top-end, wine rare wine space, said David Parker, Owner and Chairman of Benchmark Wine Group.
  • He then joined the country's largest wine distributor Southern Wine and Spirits (now Southern Glazer's) in Nevada, where he became Vice President of their fine wine division.

Stellar Lineup of Chefs and Wine Experts Grows for Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 14, 2023

Galveston, Texas - July 13, 2023 – With each announcement of new additions to the 2023 Galveston Island Wine Festival lineup, anticipation for the Labor Day weekend festivities builds.

Key Points: 
  • Galveston, Texas - July 13, 2023 – With each announcement of new additions to the 2023 Galveston Island Wine Festival lineup, anticipation for the Labor Day weekend festivities builds.
  • Set against the picturesque backdrop of Moody Gardens, this year's festival promises to be a celebration of exceptional flavors, enticing aromas, and unforgettable experiences.
  • "We are delighted to welcome Chef James Lundy and Chef Paul Miller to this outstanding lineup of culinary talents for the Galveston Island Wine Festival," said John Zendt, CEO of Moody Gardens.
  • The 2023 Galveston Island Wine Festival is set to take place over Labor Day weekend at Moody Gardens.

Breakthru Beverage Expands Aspect Fine Wine Strategy

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 13, 2023

 NEW YORK, July 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Building off the overall success of the company's fine wine solution, Breakthru Beverage Group announced further investments in its Aspect Fine Wine strategy across its Mid-Atlantic footprint and into Missouri. These enhancements extend the company's investment in this space across its footprint. Nationwide, consumers continue to seek out fine wine as the category has grown steadily since 2018, according to industry data. Aspect represents the company's most successful customer-facing luxury investment and is responsible for more than 48% increase in fine wine sales growth since its launch.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, July 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Building off the overall success of the company's fine wine solution, Breakthru Beverage Group announced further investments in its Aspect Fine Wine strategy across its Mid-Atlantic footprint and into Missouri.
  • Aspect represents the company's most successful customer-facing luxury investment and is responsible for more than 48% increase in fine wine sales growth since its launch.
  • "In less than three years since we launched Aspect, we have consistently outperformed key category trends across our footprint resulting in exciting share gains for our partners," said Daren Cliff, Breakthru Beverage Group Senior Director Aspect Fine Strategy.
  • "We pride ourselves on being proactive and recognized the growing fine wine movement early on which enabled us to navigate the shifts between on-premise and retail extremely well and capitalize on that opportunity with Aspect," said Adam Pizer, Breakthru Beverage Group VP Wine Business Development.

High Quality Wines from Naked Wines Awarded 68 Medals at Decanter World Wine Awards 2023

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 6, 2023

NAPA, Calif., July 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Naked Wines , the second largest 100% direct-to-consumer wine business in America, has won 68 awards at the Decanter World Wines Awards (“DWWA”) 2023, the world’s largest and most influential wine competition.

Key Points: 
  • NAPA, Calif., July 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Naked Wines , the second largest 100% direct-to-consumer wine business in America, has won 68 awards at the Decanter World Wines Awards (“DWWA”) 2023, the world’s largest and most influential wine competition.
  • In total, the company’s exclusive wines, created by independent winemakers who are funded by Naked Wines, received two gold, eighteen silver, and forty-nine bronze medals.
  • By selling directly to consumers, Naked Wines enables wine drinkers to enjoy high quality wines at a fraction of the cost.
  • We are so proud of our winemakers for receiving the distinguished recognition from Decanter World Wines Awards,” said Nick Devlin, CEO of Naked Wines.

Sicilia DOC Celebrates a Successful Event Series in New York with its First Ever US Activation Dedicated to Wines of Sicily

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 28, 2023

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Sicilia DOC consortium recently concluded its first week-long event activation in New York celebrating wines of Sicily among media and trade professionals. The institution, officially represented by President, Antonio Rallo, and board member, Alessio Planeta, presented the island's mosaic of flavors and the versatility of Sicilia DOC wines, engaging a wide audience of over 200+ wine professionals, including key opinion leaders, importers, retailers and restaurateurs.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Sicilia DOC consortium recently concluded its first week-long event activation in New York celebrating wines of Sicily among media and trade professionals.
  • Guests dined over the distinguished plant-based menu and a top selection of Sicilia DOC wines.
  • Mark will hold the title of 2023 Sicilian Wine Maestro, and will attend the fall trip to Sicily organized by the consortium.
  • Sicilia DOC's Brand Ambassador and wine expert, Jeff Porter, hosted the tasting lunch together with Rallo and Planeta.

Exhibitor Tables Are Full for the 3rd Edition of the Volcanic Wine Conference to be Held on June 21st in New York City at City Winery

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 13, 2023

The day's seminars will coincide with the Grand Tasting, which will be ongoing from 11:30 am -- 4:00 pm. With the response from exhibitors and the caliber of this year's speakers, space in the seminars is at a premium, and early registration is recommended. Organizers, Colangelo & Partners, and John Szabo see this response from producers as a sign of ongoing interest in volcanic wines, leading to success for the International Volcanic Wine Conference as well as producers working in these extraordinary regions.

Key Points: 
  • Taking place from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm on June 21st at City Winery, this year's edition will showcase the wines of over 15 unique volcanic regions with a packed room of wineries.
  • Taking an even deeper dive into the volcanic wines of Santorini is the 1:15 pm masterclass, "The South Aegean Volcanic Arc and the Genesis of Santorini's Singular Winelands."
  • This seminar is presented by Geologist Dr. Christos Kanellopoulos, Winemaker/Oenology Professor Yiannis Paraskevopoulos & John Szabo MS, and sponsored by the "Santorini Volcanic Terroir" Program.
  • The day's seminars will coincide with the Grand Tasting, which will be ongoing from 11:30 am -- 4:00 pm.

US WINES HIT NEW HIGHS AT DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2023

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 7, 2023

LONDON, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oregon Pinot Noir is among the world's Top 50 wines at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards in 2023, as newly released results highlight several first-time wins for US wines and showcase the breadth and depth of winemaking talent across the country.

Key Points: 
  • LONDON, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oregon Pinot Noir is among the world's Top 50 wines at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards in 2023, as newly released results highlight several first-time wins for US wines and showcase the breadth and depth of winemaking talent across the country.
  • Full results have been revealed from the 2023 competition, which saw a record 18,250 wines from 57 countries judged by leading international experts.
  • A total of 236 specialist judges from 30 countries took part in DWWA 2023, including 16 Master Sommeliers and 53 Masters of Wine.
  • Meanwhile, a Texas red wine made from Aglianico won Silver: Uplift Vineyards, Aglianico 2020 from Texas Hill Country AVA.

Sommelier Education Undergoes Transformation: SOMM Annual Report Reveals Surprising Trends and Challenges for the 21st Century

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 22, 2023

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SOMM , a leading sommelier education authority, has released its annual review of sommelier education with insights from top sommeliers, wine educators, and winemakers nationwide.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, May 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SOMM , a leading sommelier education authority, has released its annual review of sommelier education with insights from top sommeliers, wine educators, and winemakers nationwide.
  • In 2023, SOMM received 1148 experts serving as sommelier judges for the report.
  • This comprehensive view of the sommelier trade in the 21st century reveals some surprising trends and challenges.
  • The SOMM report provides a unique and insightful view into the world of sommeliers, their education, and certification.

88 Tactical Announces Grand Opening of New Founders Club Restaurant

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, December 3, 2022

"The restaurant expansion will allow us to take the dining experience and quality of food to the next level for our members."

Key Points: 
  • "The restaurant expansion will allow us to take the dining experience and quality of food to the next level for our members."
  • The grand opening of 88 Tactical's new Founders Club restaurant is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 2.
  • 88 Tactical has retained top culinary professionals with decades of experience and a multitude of accolades to provide a quality dining experience for guests.
  • These exciting enhancements are sure to elevate the entire dining experience at 88 Tactical to a whole new level.