Judging
Date
July 28, 2025
Warehouse
Deadline
June 28, 2025
Winners
Announcement
August 12, 2025
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.
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
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
Get rated by Quality, Value, and Packaging by the top trade buyers in the USA. The final submission deadline is International Submission Closes - May 31, 2025
Domestic Submission Closes - June 30, 2025. Here is how to enter.