Sommeliers Choice Awards announced that Alexander Powell, Master Sommelier and Senior Wine Manager at Grill 23 & Bar, Boston, will be joining us as a judge at the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards in Chicago on May 21st, 2024.

With a decade-long journey in the world of fine wines, Powell has held key positions in well-known restaurants and bars, including Maitre D' at 4 Ways Inn Bermuda, Wine Director of Michael's on Simcoe Toronto, and Wine Director/Manager at the opening of Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto. Notably, he attained the honorable title of Master Sommelier at The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, on August 31st, 2022.

Image: Grill 23 & Bar

Beyond his roles in popular restaurants, Alexander co-created and starred in the local TV series 'The Drink,' showcasing his passion for sharing the intricacies of wine with a broader audience. His passion has made him a sought-after speaker at numerous events in Toronto, solidifying his reputation as a captivating storyteller in the wine industry.

His years of knowledge and unwavering passion for wine will undoubtedly contribute to the evaluation of the finest selections presented at the Sommeliers Choice Awards this May.

Here are some of the judges who will participate in the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards

Wayne Belding MS, Master Sommelier and Partner at Preferably, Colorado. 

Peter Granoff MS, Master Sommelier, Wine Educator, Speaker, Entrepreneur, San Francisco. 

Brian Koziol MS, Master Sommelier at Maverick Beverage Company, Chicago. 

Rachel Lowe, Director of Beverage for Levy Restaurants. 

Lisa Selman CSS, Alchemy Room Beverage Director. 

Kyungmoon Kim MS, Master Sommelier. 

Vincent Morrow MS, Master Sommelier and Wine Director at PRESS Napa Valley, San Francisco. 

Brandon Tebbe, MS, Master Sommelier. 

Serafin Alvarado MS, Master Sommelier and Director of Wine Education at Southern Wine & Spirits. 

Jeremy Shanker MS, Corporate Wine Director at Mina Group and Master Sommelier. Scott Barber, President at Green Pin Wines. 

Larissa C Dubose, National Director Beverages- Dining Division at Paradies Lagardère and Wine Enthusiast Magazine Future 40, Vino Volo National Buyer. 

Brandon Bierlein, Director of Food & Beverage, Talbott Hotel Chicago. 

Guillermo Bravo, Beverage Director at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Chicago. 

Allison Curatolo, Wine Director RPM Italian Las Vegas. 

Anika Ellison, Wine Manager, Swift & Sons Steakhouse, Chicago. 

Jamie Harrison Rubin, Procurement & Placements at Culinary Conservatory. 

Colin Hofer, General Manager of Restaurants, Four Seasons Chicago. 

Jennifer Knott, Director of Beverage for Levy at Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

You can see full list of sommeliers here.

Looking to grow your wine brand in the on-premise channel of the USA?

The 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards are accepting entries now. It's open for both international and domestic wines. Your entered wines will receive scores, tasting notes, and feedback from expert judges.

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Take advantage of the early bird pricing that's on till January 31, 2024. Here are the winning benefits of entering the 2024 competition and detailed steps on how to enter.

Sommeliers Choice Awards is organized by Beverage Trade Network. Beverage Trade Network (BTN) is a global media and B2B networking platform servicing suppliers, buyers, and beverage professionals in the global beverage industry. BTN also owns BevRoute, a magazine for Importers and Distributors, and runs a lineup of trade shows around the world which includes  USA Trade Tasting in New York,  IBWSS UK  in London,  and IBWSS USA  in San Francisco. Beverage Trade Network also owns and runs the London Wine Competition, London Beer Competition, London Spirits Competition, and USA Wine Ratings.