USA Wine Ratings has announced its first round of judges for its 10th edition, bringing together professionals whose experience spans wine buying, retail management, sourcing, distribution, and hospitality. Judging will take place on July 26, 2027.

For wineries looking to grow in the United States, the panel offers a commercially relevant perspective. These professionals understand the decisions behind building wine selections: how quality compares with price, what packaging communicates, and why consumers choose one bottle over another.

Retail Expertise at the Judging Table

Among the announced judges are Tim Marson MW of Wine.com, Steve Beckner, CSW, of Grocery Outlet, Nancy Sabatini of Binny’s Beverage Depot, Karli Massie of Jimbo’s, Greg Richtarek of Safeway Stores, and Susan Lin MW of Belmont Wine Exchange. Together, they bring experience across online wine sales, value-focused grocery retail, specialty stores, and fine wine.

The panel also includes Eduardo Dingler, Vice President of Wine at Wine Access, whose work involves sourcing and selecting wines for the online retailer, and Debbie Zachareas, Owner, Partner, and Wine Buyer at Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, who brings extensive independent retail and consumer education experience.

Jeff Slankard, Wine and Beer Director at Barons Market, adds more than 30 years of retail wine experience in San Diego. Meanwhile, Bob Paulinski MW, Founder and Managing Partner of Moxie Wine Group, brings a career that includes senior roles at Sam’s Club, Southeastern Grocers, BevMo and Coles.

The announced lineup combines retail buying expertise with perspectives from importing, distribution, hospitality, education and consulting.

First Round of Judges Announced for 2027

USA Wine Ratings has announced its first round of 28 judges for 2027, featuring buyers and wine professionals from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Wine.com, Safeway, Grocery Outlet, Binny’s Beverage Depot and other leading businesses.

Michael Garcia — District Manager, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Tim Marson MW — Category Director, Wine.com

Greg Richtarek — Wine & Spirits Manager, Safeway Stores

Steve Beckner, CSW — Wine & Spirits Buyer, Grocery Outlet

Nancy Sabatini — Wine Manager, Binny’s Beverage Depot

Eduardo Dingler — Vice President of Wine, Wine Access

Charles Steadman — Director of Food & Beverage Experience and Strategic Partnerships, Virgin Voyages

Jared Sowinski — Director of Beverage, Upward Projects Restaurant Group

Jeff Slankard — Wine and Beer Director, Barons Market

Heather Smiley — Wine, Beer & Spirits Manager, Gus’s Community Market

Karli Massie — Wine Buyer, Jimbo’s Natural Family

Susan Lin MW — Head of Wine Expertise, Belmont Wine Exchange

Debbie Zachareas — Owner, Partner & Wine Buyer, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant

Mat Pond — Founder & Co-Owner, The Epicurean Trader

Phillip Dunn — Director of Spirits Sales & Purchasing; Wine Buyer, Burgundy, Champagne and North America

Hannah Ermisch — General Manager, Vino & Oddlots Inc., owned by Grape Expectations

Clare (Brown) Tooley MW — Senior Vice President, Import Sales, Boisset Collection

Eagle Bear — Wine Buyer, Farmstead Cheeses & Wines

Dave Osborne — Partner, Sacramento Street Liquors LLC — D&M Liquors & London Market

Brendan McBride — Wine Buyer, Swirl on Castro

Brian McGonigle — Founder, SF Wine Center & Indie Wine & Beer Bar

Santiago Cilley — CEO, Founder & Owner, Wine & Spirits Purveyors

Bob Paulinski MW — Founder & Managing Partner, Moxie Wine Group

Jeffrey Birkemeier — Owner, Amapola Kitchen and Wine Merchant

Damien Carney — Owner, Avinage, Petaluma, California

Marc Capobianco — Wine Program Director, Sostevinobile

Sabrina Lueck — Wine Buyer, Winemaker and Master of Wine Student

Dr. Liz Thach MW — Professor, Wine Writer and Consultant

View the judging panel: USA Wine Ratings 2027 Judges.

Judging Wines Through Quality, Value and Packaging

USA Wine Ratings assesses wines across three criteria: Quality accounts for 50% of the score, Value for 25%, and Packaging for 25%. Quality is evaluated through blind tasting, with packaging assessed separately. This approach considers the drinking experience alongside price and presentation—factors that influence everyday purchasing decisions.

For producers, that makes the competition particularly relevant to their retail ambitions. A compelling wine needs to deliver in the glass, make sense at its price and communicate clearly to its intended customer.

The first round of judges reinforces this focus as USA Wine Ratings enters its milestone 10th edition, bringing together professionals who understand how wines are selected, sold, and enjoyed across the U.S. market.

Explore the 2027 Judging Panel

Enter Your Wines in the 10th USA Wine Ratings

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Know Your Judge: Hannah Ermisch on Finding Wines That Deliver Value
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