2026 Wine & Spirits Judges Check back often as we add to our judging roster! Judging takes place over two days in San Diego. Wines and spirits are judged independently by panels with expertise in the beverage category being evaluated. All judging is performed in a double-blind tasting format. CHIEF JUDGE, WINE Michael Franz Editor, WineReviewOnline.com Lead Wine Reviewer, The Tasting Panel Washington D.C. CHIEF JUDGE, SPIRITS Maurice diMarino Beverage Director Cohn Restaurant Group San Diego, CA OUR JUDGES Amy Butler
Consulting Winemaker Paso Robles, CA Michael Cervin
Wine & Spirits Journalist, Author
Santa Barbara, CA
Tim McDonald
Proprietor
Wine & Spirits Spoken Here, PR
Napa, CA Kaitlyn Ludwig General Manager 3rd Corner Restaurant Encinitas, CA Juan Carlos Ruiz Brand Ambassador
Moet Hennessy USA San Diego, CA Mark Newman
Proprietor
Accolade Brands
Wine & Spirits Importer/Consulting
Oceanside, CA Gary Parker
Proprietor
WineSeller & Brasserie
San Diego, CA Lisa Redwine Certified Sommelier Total Wine & More San Diego, CA Mark Robinson
Winemaker
Domaine Artefact
San Diego, CA Jeff Slankard Director of Wine, Beer & Spirits Baron's Market San Diego, CA Will Burtner
Certified Sommelier, Proprietor California Wine Experience San Diego, CA Tami Wong Certified Sommelier Stay Classy Selections San Diego, CA Zack Musick Certified Sommelier, Dir. of Education German Wine Collection
Orange County, CA
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