The Sommeliers Choice Awards (SCA) has introduced two prestigious awards—Importer of the Year and Importer of the Year by Country —to recognize the exceptional efforts of wine importers in the USA. These awards celebrate importers who are crucial in sourcing and promoting outstanding wines, ensuring they reach consumers worldwide.

Importer of the Year

This accolade is awarded to the importer who demonstrates excellence in curating a portfolio of high-quality wines, showcasing their commitment to value, innovation, and market impact. 

Importer of the Year by Country

The SCA will be going a step further by acknowledging the best importer in the top 10 participating countries of the Sommeliers Choice Awards which is Italy, France, Australia, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, Portugal, Argentina, Austria, and Chile. This category highlights the achievements of importers in their ability to identify and promote wines that resonate with consumers in their region.

Eligibility and Evaluation

Importers automatically qualify for these awards based on the wines they submit to the competition. The award-winning importers are those whose submissions collectively perform the best, securing the highest number of accolades across the competition's rigorous judging process. See the eligibility below.

By introducing these awards, the Sommeliers Choice Awards aims to spotlight the critical role of importers in shaping the global wine industry while offering consumers insights into the top-performing importers in their countries.

How It Works:

1. Eligibility:

All importers that enter at least 10 products into the Sommeliers Choice Awards and select ‘Importer’ as their company type will automatically be eligible for the medal ‘Importer of the Year’. To qualify for importer of the year by country, you must enter 10 products from the same source country and select importer as your own company type. You must be a licensed USA wine importer.

2. Judging Process:

- Companies will be evaluated based on the total number of medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) won across their entries.

- The average scores across all submitted products will be considered to ensure consistent quality. 

- Companies must have entered a minimum of 10 products, scored a minimum average score of 85%, and won at least 4 gold medals to qualify.

- From the qualified companies, the company with the highest average among all entries will win the Importer of the Year award

- The process to qualify for country importer of the year will require the importer to enter 10 products per country of origin in order to qualify. And then the same process will be applied.

Countries Included:

- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Austria
- Chile
- Portugal
- Germany

Why Importers Should Enter the Sommeliers Choice Awards

The Sommeliers Choice Awards (SCA) is renowned for setting benchmarks in the wine industry by recognizing quality, value for money, and exceptional packaging. For importers, participating in this competition is more than just entering a contest—it’s a strategic move that offers unparalleled benefits and opportunities for growth.

There will be winning benefits that will come with the winning importer of the year trophy.

1. Importers that win the special category awards will be invited to the winners' pitch call which will happen with UK’s trade buyers and judges once a year. A great chance to pitch your wines to other state distributors, sommeliers, and wine directors of the USA.

2. Editorial coverage in BTN’s USA media assets Beverage Trade Network, BevRoute, and Sommelier Business.

3. The importer of the year will also get USD 2000 prize money to be spent on BTN programs, trade shows, and media ads.

4. The importer of the year by country and importer of the year winner will get the physical trophy, certificate, and digital artwork that they can use to enhance their branding and portfolio.

Winning awards such as Importer of the Year or Importer of the Year by Country establishes your business as a leader in the industry. It solidifies your reputation and builds trust with producers, distributors, and consumers alike. Being recognized by a panel of esteemed judges—including Masters of Wine, Sommeliers, and top-level wine buyers—carries significant weight in the global wine community.

One of the best benefits you will have is positioning yourself for the on-premise channel as a top supplier in Uthe SA from that country.

"Importers are the unsung heroes of the wine industry. They bridge the gap between exceptional producers and discerning consumers, curating portfolios that bring diversity and quality to the market. With the introduction of the Importer of the Year and Importer of the Year by Country awards, we aim to celebrate their invaluable contributions and provide a platform to showcase their expertise on a global stage." - Sid Patel, Founder, Sommeliers Choice Awards and Beverage Trade Network

Sid Patel, Founder, Sommeliers Choice Awards and Beverage Trade Network

An award from the Sommeliers Choice Awards isn't just a one-time achievement—it’s a badge of honor you can use in your marketing efforts for years to come. It’s a powerful tool for securing new clients, opening up new markets, and enhancing your overall brand value.

Here's a strong draft highlighting the credibility of the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards judges and why wine importers in the USA should seize the opportunity to have their wines judged by these top-tier experts.

Why the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards Judges Are the Best in Class – And Why It Matters for Wine Importers in the USA

The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards brings together an elite panel of judges who set the gold standard for wine evaluation in the industry. These judges are not just critics—they are Master Sommeliers, leading trade buyers, national and regional decision-makers, and hospitality experts who understand what truly sells in today’s market.

For wine importers in the USA, having their wines judged by this panel is a game-changer. Here’s why:

A Panel That Defines Excellence

1. Master Sommeliers & Leading Sommeliers

These are the professionals at the pinnacle of wine expertise. Master Sommeliers and top sommeliers from Michelin-starred restaurants and prestigious hospitality groups bring an unparalleled level of knowledge, ensuring that each wine is judged with precision, expertise, and an understanding of fine dining and consumer trends.

2. Trade Buyers & Decision-Makers

Wines are judged by the very people who purchase and place wines on wine lists, retail shelves, and distribution networks across the USA. These professionals know what sells, what resonates with American consumers, and how to assess wines from a commercial standpoint.

3. National & Regional Buyers

Whether it's a nationwide chain, an independent retailer, or a regional distributor, the judges include key figures who shape the wine market at every level. Their insights reflect real-world demand, making the Sommeliers Choice Awards a true industry benchmark.

Why Wine Importers in the USA Should Enter

1. Market Validation by Industry Leaders

Winning a medal means your wine has been approved by top sommeliers and buyers who influence purchasing decisions across the country. This can serve as a powerful endorsement when approaching distributors, retailers, and restaurant buyers.

2. Increase Visibility & Sales Potential

A high score from the Sommeliers Choice Awards makes your wine more attractive to restaurants, bars, and retail buyers, helping you break into new accounts and expand distribution.

3. Expert-Driven Quality & Market Fit Evaluation

Unlike traditional competitions, wines are judged not just on quality but also on value, food-friendliness, and commercial appeal—factors that directly impact on-premise and off-premise sales success.

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How to Enter

Entering the Sommeliers Choice Awards is straightforward. Submit your portfolio and let the judges evaluate your wines. The performance of your wines in the competition determines your eligibility for awards such as Importer of the Year and Importer of the Year by Country.

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