The USA Wine Ratings competition brings together some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the wine industry to evaluate wines on quality, value, and packaging. As part of our "Meet the Buyers" series, we delve into the journeys and perspectives of the esteemed judges, offering insights for winemakers and brands on what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive market.

This time, we introduce Greg Richtarek, Wine Manager at Safeway Stores. Greg’s journey into the wine world is one of passion, curiosity, and dedication. Here’s what he shared about his career path, judging criteria, and advice for wine brands.

Greg’s entry into the wine industry stemmed from a shared love of fine wine with his wife. After retiring from a career in high tech, Greg sought a new challenge and began working in a tasting room. His enthusiasm and expertise quickly earned him the position of tasting room manager, and he eventually took on roles as the full-time director of marketing at a winery and assistant winemaker.

Now, as a wine and spirits manager at Safeway Stores, Greg continues to bring his passion and experience to his role, connecting consumers with great wines and sharing his expertise in the selection process.

When it comes to judging wines, Greg focuses on two primary aspects: quality and value. “Packaging is too subjective,” he notes, preferring to let the wine itself and its price point take center stage. For Greg, a wine must offer balance and deliver on its promise, regardless of its packaging design.

Greg Richtarek, Judge at USA Wine Ratings

Greg’s passion for wine is deeply tied to California’s diverse wine regions. He is particularly drawn to the wines of Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Anderson Valley, and much of Sonoma. These regions produce some of the most distinctive and high-quality wines in the world, and Greg hopes to see entries that highlight their unique terroir in this year’s competition.

While Greg acknowledges the influence of packaging on consumer perception, he emphasizes the importance of readability and clarity. “Unfortunately, packaging has too much influence on the consumer,” he explains. “If I can’t read the label, that has a negative impact.” For Greg, clear and accessible information is essential for a wine to make a lasting impression.

USA Wine Ratings judges wine on Quality, Value, and Packaging

For winemakers aiming to succeed at the USA Wine Ratings, Greg’s advice is straightforward but impactful: “Just make a well-balanced wine and price it right.” Achieving harmony in flavor, structure, and price is key to resonating with both judges and consumers.

Greg Richtarek’s journey showcases the passion and expertise that USA Wine Ratings judges bring to the table. By understanding their criteria and perspectives, wine brands can refine their offerings to better connect with today’s discerning market.

If you’re ready to showcase your wines to experts like Greg, submissions for the 2025 USA Wine Ratings are now open. Take advantage of Super Early Bird pricing, which ends on December 10, 2024, to enter your wines at a reduced rate.

Stay tuned for more interviews in our "Meet the Buyers" series, where we continue to explore the fascinating journeys of judges who shape the future of wine evaluation.

Also Read:
Meet the Buyer: Emily Carlson, Wine Buyer at Last Bottle, Inc.
Meet the Buyer: Insights from Jusden Aumand, USA Wine Ratings Judge
How Jeff Slankard, Wine Director at Barons Market, Evaluates Wine