Sommeliers Find "Red" in Top Wine & Spirits Awards at 2025 Sommelier Challenge(September 29, 2025) It's a new day post-pandemic, and sommeliers do more than just recommend and open wines tableside at your favorite restaurant. Economics have them branching out into other areas of the wine and spirits industy like managing restaurant beverage programs, working for wineries, wholesalers and retailers, or in tourism jobs. One thing remains the same, though - the skilled palate required to "wear the pin" of certification. The 2025 Sommelier Challenge judges come from lots of places in the industry, and that mix of experience had a wide range of wines and spirits rising to the top at this year's blind judging. While it's not unusual for a red wine to take top honors at a competition, it is somewhat rare to have a red sparkling wine and a spirit aged in a red wine barrel rise to the top at a single event.  The 2024 Saint Enzo L'Originale Lambrusco sparkling red wine (96 points) from Italy wowed the Somms with its bone-dry style and rich berry characteristics to win Imported Wine of the Year. Taking Domestic Wine of the Year accolades was the 2019 Noceto Aglianico from Amador County's Shenandoah Valley AVA, with a score of 97 points. (photo: Director's Award Winners, Wine)
.jpg) In the spirits judging, a new take on Tequila landed top honors. The Celosa Rose Tequila Joven Rosa was awarded Spirit of the Year honors, with the judges giving it a perfect 100-point score.
Of course, white and pink wines, as well as white and brown spirits, also managed to take home plenty of awards. I’m sure you’ll find some delicious offerings as you peruse our complete results here, including all of our wine and spirits Platinum, Gold and Silver Award winners, and in-depth reviews of our Platinum Award winners. You can also see my reviews of Platinum Award winners at WineReviewOnline and SpiritsReviewOnline. And when you're out shopping be sure to check the shelf talkers for our awards - they are a sure sign that you're about to have a fine experience. Thanks to all of our entrants. Here’s to celebrating more award winners in 2026 at the 19th Sommelier Challenge International Wine and Spirits Competition. Cheers! Rich Cook
Competition Director |
