Dive behind the scenes with our expert judges in our latest interview series. Join sommelier Beki Miller, whose career has adorned notable institutions from Napa to the Bay Area, and now at Caramà by Wolfgang Puck, as she takes you on an informative journey through the wine business. Come along as we have an exclusive conversation with Beki about her impressive career path and her most recent selection as a judge for the USA Wine Ratings.

Can you share a bit about your journey into the world of wine?

As an Advanced Sommelier, I spent 15 years living and working in Napa and the San Francisco Bay Area before relocating to Las Vegas to run the beverage program for Wolfgang Puck's newest restaurant, Caramà. Prior to my move to Las Vegas, I was the sommelier at Wit & Wisdom, which was awarded the Best New Restaurant Wine List in the World during my tenure. I've also worked at renowned restaurants like La Toque, In Situ, and Alexander's Steakhouse.

Image Source: Caramà by Wolfgang Puck, LA

The USA Wine Ratings are known for their holistic judging criteria. In your opinion, what sets these criteria apart, and how do they align with what today's trade and consumers are looking for?

Every aspect of the wine is judged by its packaging, varietal correctness, and deliciousness. The judges for this competition are also experienced wine professionals who understand wine, both from the perspective of consumers and what the trade is looking for in a bottle.

Considering the diverse aspects of wine assessment—such as quality, value for money, and packaging—how do you balance these elements during judging, and which do you find most challenging to evaluate?

Packaging is challenging to judge because a bottle that looks great on a retail shelf may not have the same appeal in a restaurant setting.

Competitions often highlight trends within the wine industry. Based on your experience as a judge, can you identify any emerging trends that are gaining traction?

Lower ABV levels are trending, as is the desire among consumers to have more thoughtfully grown grapes. Organic and low-intervention wines are more popular with younger consumers.

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From your perspective, how significant is the impact of winning a medal at the USA Wine Ratings for a wine brand, especially for smaller or emerging wineries?

With so many wines available globally, anything that stands out is important. A higher-scoring wine from this competition would get the bottle, brand, or region on the radar of wine buyers.

Feedback from judges is a crucial component of the USA Wine Ratings. How do you approach giving constructive feedback to entrants, and why do you believe this feedback is valuable for them?

Thoughtful feedback about tasting notes, price points, and packaging may help inform decisions about future vintages of the wines that are judged.

Stay informed with USA Wine Ratings for exclusive updates. Explore the latest wine trends, medal-winning criteria, and the impact of recognition. Discover the importance of participating in our competition. Submit your entry before June 20, 2024, for expert feedback and recognition.