Award Categories

Judges will award Sommelier Silver honors to wines that demonstrate above average character for the wine type and place of origin. Sommelier Gold honors will be awarded to wines that rise above a straightforward recommendation.

Sommelier Platinum awards will be reserved for wines nominated for Best of Show in these categories: sparkling, rose, white, red and dessert. All judges will participate in the tasting evaluation and vote for Best of Show and Wine of the Year.
Judges will taste all wines blind, but may ask for information about place of origin or grape varieties included in a blend. Producer, price and vintage will not be disclosed until the close of the competition. The Director may, at his discretion, recognize outstanding performances by an individual winery or importer following tabulation of all results. Awards will be announced at www.SommelierChallenge.com and by regular mail.

Entering

A complete entry is comprised of six (6) 750ml bottles, or eight (8) 375ml bottles. Distilled spirits entries such as brandy or grappa require two (2) 750ml bottles.  For larger format containers, contact us for quantities needed.

Grape varieties, residual sugar, appellation, vineyard designation, proprietary names, vintage and retail price must be listed on the entry form with each entry.  The wine name, vintage and appellation will appear on the award certificate and published results, so should be given as it appears on the wine label.   Residual sugar must be stated as a percentage.

Please fill out the entry form completely, accurately and legibly.  Use of your own form (Word or Excel) is acceptable if it includes ALL the required information.  Horizontal/landscape orientation please.  Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. 

The winery's telephone number, email address and contact person are important. Winners will be notified after the end of the Competition by email, telephone or regular U.S. mail.  Results will be posted on this website and others soon after the competition.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to enter each wine in the proper category. If a category does not exist for your wine, leave the category field blank and the Director will assign the wine to the correct category or create a new category, if necessary, using the varietal composition and residual sugar level as a guide.    You may include tech sheets or other information that might help us determine the correct category.  Wines entered in the wrong category will be moved to the correct category by the Director. 



Entry Fees

$65 per entry received by July 27, 2010
$75 per entry after July 27, 2010

Make checks payable to Sommelier Challenge. Payment can also be made by Visa, Master Card and American Express.

Mail Entry Form and fees (not wine) to:
Sommelier Challenge
302 Washington St.  #139
San Diego, CA  92103


Alternative Entry Methods:
Enter by fax: 619-294-4878
Attention: Robert Whitley

Enter by email: SommelierChallenge@yahoo.com

Ship Wines Only to:

Sommelier Challenge
The Westgate Hotel
1055 Second Avenue
San Diego, CA  92101

Deadline for Entries:   EXTENDED, IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO ENTER!