USA Trade Tasting & Sommeliers Choice Awards Coming to Chicago in 2025

The USA Trade Tasting (USATT) is set to make a grand return to Chicago, bringing together the finest wineries, breweries, and distilleries for an exclusive two-day trade event. Scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood, USATT is the premier destination for importers, distributors, retailers, and hospitality professionals. Attendees will have the chance to discover emerging brands, network with industry leaders, and gain invaluable insights through expert-led masterclasses and conferences.

A standout feature of the 2025 event is the Sommeliers Choice Awards Tasting Pavilion, where early entrants to the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards will be showcased. This is a rare opportunity for wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and industry professionals to sample and evaluate these exceptional wines before they hit the market.

Sommeliers Choice Awards: A Prestigious Platform for Excellence

The Sommeliers Choice Awards is a distinguished competition where every wine is rigorously evaluated by a panel of seasoned master sommeliers. These experts, renowned for their discerning palates and industry expertise, assess each entry based on key criteria such as food compatibility, typicity, quality, value, and packaging appeal. This makes the awards a trusted resource for sommeliers and restaurant buyers seeking the best wines for their establishments.

Taste the Best: 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards Entrants

One of the highlights of USATT 2025 will be the Sommeliers Choice Awards Tasting Zone, a walk-around, self-pour area where sommeliers and wine directors can sample award-winning wines at their own pace. Each table will feature detailed supplier tent cards, providing essential information about the wines on display.

Claim Your Free Trade Pass Before March 31!

Industry professionals are encouraged to register now to secure their free trade pass before March 31, 2025. After this date, passes will be available at the standard ticket price. Don’t miss this opportunity to attend one of the most influential wine, beer, and spirits trade events in the U.S.

Explore the Conference & Masterclass Schedule

Beyond the tastings, USATT 2025 will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Topics will range from market entry strategies to the latest trends in wine, beer, and spirits. These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights to help businesses grow their distribution, enhance their brand presence, and boost sales.

Why Attend?

• Connect with Industry Leaders: Meet brand owners, importers, and key decision-makers.
• Expand Your Portfolio: Discover new products and negotiate deals directly with producers.
• Learn from Experts: Gain industry insights through conference sessions and interactive masterclasses.
• Exclusive Tastings: Sample the top wines selected by sommeliers for sommeliers.

Event Details

?? Dates: May 20-21, 2025

?? Location: Morgan MFG, Chicago (401 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60642)

??? Register Now: Secure your free trade pass before March 31! Register Here

Enter the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards

If you’re a wine importer or winery in the U.S., don’t miss your chance to showcase your wines to top sommeliers, master sommeliers, and wine directors. The Sommeliers Choice Awards is the premier on-premise wine competition in the U.S., offering unparalleled exposure to the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Submission Deadline: April 18, 2025

Judging Panel: Each wine is reviewed by a panel of top sommeliers, including Master Sommeliers and wine directors from leading U.S. restaurants.

Enter HERE

Meet the 2025 Judges

• Jill Zimorski, MS, DipWSET: Master Sommelier and Adjunct Professor, DePaul University
• Jesse Becker, MS: Sales Manager at Veritable Wines & Estates KG, Chicago
• Ira Harmon, MS: Fine Wine Specialist at Vin Sauvage, Las Vegas
• Morgan Harris, MS: Head Sommelier at Saison Hospitality, San Francisco

• Kyungmoon Kim, MS: Founder, KMS Imports LLC
• Brian Koziol, MS: Complex Director of Food & Beverage, Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts
• Peter Granoff, MS: Wine Educator, Speaker, Entrepreneur, San Francisco
• Pablo Braida, MS: Vice President of Client Relations at Estate Wine Brokers
• Jeremy Broto-mur, MS: Wine Director at ONE65

• Larissa C. Dubose: Senior Director at Vino Volo

• Matthew Citriglia, FKA MS: Director of Education at Southern Glazer Wine and Spirits
• Cassandra E. Sakai: Corporate Director of Beverage Operations, Gibsons Restaurant Group
• Jared Givens: Director of Restaurants, Bars, and Events for Thompson Dallas, Hyatt Hotels

• Chris Hackett: Sales Manager and Warehouse Manager at Lionstone
• Jared Sowinski: Director of Beverage at Upward Projects Restaurant Group
• Brandon Tebbe, MS: Sommelier at Brezza Italian & Winemaker at Mercurial Cellars
• Marsha Wright: Wine Director at DineAmic Hospitality

Check out the complete judging panel for the 7th Edition HERE

For wineries and importers, the Sommeliers Choice Awards is your chance to shine. Submit your wines by April 18, 2025, and let the most respected sommeliers in the U.S. recognize your excellence.

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago for an unforgettable experience of tastings, learning, and networking.

Cheers to innovation, excellence, and the future of the beverage industry!