San Diego, CA. (June 24, 2019) –SommCon, a leading conference for wine, beer, and spirit industry professionals, announces its launch of Concours d’Spirits, an impartial competition of domestic and international spirits, presented by The SOMM Journal. Judged blind by a jury of 12 world-renowned palates and leaders within the wine and spirits industry, Concours d’Spirits will be held during SommCon’s West Coast conference in San Diego, November 13-15, 2019.
The sommelier-led competition series in spirits is followed by the Concours d’Spirits tasting. Director Michelle Metter notes that the introduction of Concours d’Spirits furthers the conference’s mission to provide impactful experiences for beverage professionals.
“SommCon brings together the beverage industry’s best and brightest to provide them with invaluable education and career opportunities,” said Metter. “We are thrilled to partner with The SOMM Journal, and a judging panel of sommeliers whose palates are at the height of their field, to bring forth a new way for spirit brands to be celebrated and recognized for their extraordinary work.”
Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and professional somms whose evaluation and selection signify the highest in quality and craftsmanship of craft distillers and global brands alike will judge all Concours d’Spirits entries on November 13.
A presentation of medal winners will take place during the Concours d’Spirits tasting on November 14 during SommCon San Diego, and medals will be awarded for Silver, Gold, Double Gold, as well as the Award of Excellence.
Medal winners receive immediate exposure to a trade buying audience of over 600 attendees at the Concours d’Spirits tasting, as well as online, social, print recognition, and promotional, license free marketing assets including:
Display at the Concours d’Spirits tasting on November 14
Inclusion in Spotlight and Results section in the February/March 2020 issue of The SOMM Journal
Winner announcement on SommConfidential
Feature in SommCon email blast, distributed to SommCon’s beverage director and sommelier database
SommCon website Winners Circle placement
Inclusion in social media announcements on the SommCon Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn platforms
Physical medal
Digital medallion for website, newsletters, print, and digital advertisements
Press release template
POS materials for marketing use
“SommCon has been a valued partner to The SOMM Journal since the conference’s inception,” said Publisher and Editorial Director of The SOMM Journal, Meridith May. “The quality of experience and impressive panel of talent that the conference brings forth each year makes SommCon an ideal partner to create a prestigious competition judged by a selection of the most respected beverage professionals today.”
Early bird pricing for the 2019 Concours d’Spirits judging expires August 15. No entries will be accepted after October 1. Entries are $595 until August 15 and $695 thereafter. Additional entries can be made on the same form. Payment is due at the time of entry.
For more information or to submit your entry, visit: www.SommConUSA/competitions. To learn more about SommCon, visit www.sommconusa.com.
ABOUT CONCOURS’ D’SPIRITS
SommCon’s Concours d’Spirits is an impartial competition of domestic and international spirits, presented by The SOMM Journal. Held during SommCon, a leading conference for wine, beer, and spirit industry professionals, the sommelier-led competition is judged by an esteemed panel of Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and professional somms. Medals are awarded for Silver, Gold, Double Gold and the Award of Excellence. The 2019 Concours d’Spirits competition will be held at SommCon San Diego on November 13, followed by the Concours d’Spirits tasting on November 14.
To enter or for more information, visit www.SommConUSA/competitions.
Press releases are generated outside of Spirited magazine and the information contained does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Spirited or its parent company, Sonoma Media Investments.
