This year marks the 25th anniversary of Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards, honoring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the wine and beverage industry. Here are the nominees across 11 categories for the 2024 Awards.
The winners of these categories will be featured in the magazine’s Best of Year issue and celebrated at our annual black-tie gala in January 2025. The winners for the American Wine Legend, Lifetime Achievement Award, American Wine Region of the Year and International (non-U.S.) Wine Region of the Year categories will be named and also honored. We salute the dedicated beverage professionals who have flourished this year.
The Process
All full-time and contributing divisions of the Wine Enthusiast media team, including sales, events, marketing and editorial, were invited to submit nominees for the 2024 Wine Star Award categories. Nominations were submitted with explanations of what made the submission appropriate for consideration. The list of potential nominees was then sent to the group for anonymous voting to cull the list down. Finalists were chosen from the culled-down list by the Executive Media team with selections based on many factors, including impact on consumers and trade in the wine, spirits or beer space; commercial successes; company/brand vision; and trendsetting.
The Wine Star Awards are an overall beverage industry awards program. While the editors are invited to participate, this is a collaborative program incorporating the input of all divisions of our company and is not solely an editorial franchise.
For event inquiries on the annual Wine Star Awards gala, contact LaShana Daniels at LDaniels@wineenthusiast.com.
Explore the 2024 Wine Star Award Nominees
Person of the Year
Ernst Loosen
Owner and Winemaker, Dr. Loosen | Mosel, Germany
Ernst “Erni” Loosen’s legacy started when he took control of his family’s historic winery in 1987. Since then, he has made it a mission to revive traditional winemaking techniques and rebuild the reputation of Riesling as the wine of royalty through innovative projects such as the Dr. Loosen “Tradition” Series. These decades-aged wines defy Germany’s 1971 Wine Law, which he believes forces winemakers to pursue quantity over quality. His series focuses exclusively on Rieslings from sites rated as Grosse Lage by the 1868 classification of Mosel vineyards. But his vision for the wine world was not confined to Germany. In 1999, he partnered with Chateau Ste. Michelle to produce Eroica, now a benchmark for Washington Riesling. And long before Burgundy and Italian producers dove into Oregon, Loosen saw the potential for the state’s Pinot Noir. In 2005, he launched a collaborative Pinot Noir line called Appassionata, and subsequently established the Appassionata Estate vineyard and winery.
Jason Haas
Partner and General Manager, Tablas Creek Vineyard | Paso Robles, California
Jason Haas is determined to lead by example when it comes to planning for the future of wine, from looking at how to combat inequality in the industry to implementing sustainable agriculture. Through his work at Tablas Creek, Haas has had a hand in projects to help reduce shipping emissions through lighter bottles and many other initiatives in and out of the vineyard.
Jean-Charles Boisset
President, Boisset Collection | St. Helena, California
Jean-Charles Boisset doesn’t need an introduction. But just in case you need a refresher, few have been as instrumental in preserving California’s wine history and pushing innovation toward sustainability at scale. As president of Boisset Collection, he has pulled together the brands showcasing the best in wine and spirits—bridging California and his native France. And in just the past few years he has launched Casa Obsidiana tequila with the Beckmann Gonzalez family; opened the now iconic JCB Tasting Salon St. Helena, which hosts unique chefs each month; bought the beloved Oakville Grocery, which he continues to elevate; and opened the 1881 Napa Museum to depict the full history of the Valley’s founding.
Paul Hobbs
Owner, Founder and Winemaker, Paul Hobbs Winery | Sebastopol, California
Paul Hobbs has earned his well-deserved reputation in the wine industry for his innovative practices and being able to see the potential of grape growing sites long before anyone else. For instance, he helped pioneer California site-specific single-vineyard wines; established his own namesake winery; and through establishing his flagship Nathan Coombs Estate, positioned the AVA to be one of the most exciting areas for Cabernet. Through Paul Hobbs Selections, he’s brought his approach to vineyards in South America, France, Spain and Armenia.
Philippe André
Director of Business Development, Folio Fine Wine Partners | Napa, California
Through his work as brand ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne, Philippe André has helped reinvigorate the brand for a whole new generation of drinkers and made it a household name once again. A second-generation sommelier and restaurateur, André brings his passion for fine wine and hospitality to his role at Folio Fine Wine Partners, where he continues to educate and introduce the world to fantastic Champagnes.
Winemaker of the Year
Elias Fernandez
Shafer Vineyards | Napa, California
Shafer Vineyards is an iconic Napa Valley name. And Elias Fernandez has been part of the winery’s story since nearly the beginning. Growing up in Napa Valley, Fernandez’s parents were farm workers. It was in college, however, that he decided to study winemaking. Evidently, he made the right choice and was hired on to be an assistant winemaker at Shafer three weeks before his graduation. After 40 years, Fernandez has proven time and time again his dedication to quality, terroir and sustainability with his leadership and consistency in producing world-class wines.
Eric Aafedt
Vice President of Winemaking, Bogle Family Vineyards | Clarksburg, California
When Eric Aafedt started at Bogle Family Vineyards 30 years ago, it was basically a start-up—not unusual in the Bay Area at the time, but surely it was for a winery. Since then he’s been instrumental in growing the Bogle name recognition throughout the country. Additionally, Aafedt oversaw the crafting of Element[AL] Wines, a line of premium wines packaged in lightweight aluminum bottles, showing the world that a quality wine can come in something besides heavyweight glass.
James MacPhail
Winemaker, The Calling | Sonoma, California
With deep family roots and ties to the Sonoma Coast, James MacPhail has made it his mission to showcase the best of the region through quality and terroir-driven wines. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are his personal statements. Since 2002, he’s produced over 100 of the aforementioned bottlings that have received over 90 points. Determined not to alter or “manufacture” the wines in any way, he simply lets the wines speak for themselves.
Louisa Rose
Winemaker and Head of Sustainability, Yalumba | Angaston SA, Australia
After more than 20 years of working for Australia’s oldest family-run winery, Louisa Rose stepped away from her position as chief winemaker. But during her tenure, Rose helped elevate the profile of Australian wine on the global stage and helped establish an identity for Aussie Viognier and Shiraz. In her new role, she will still oversee the winemaking but take on the important work of driving Yalumba’s sustainability initiatives.
Maya Hood White
Winemaker and Viticulturist, Early Mountain Vineyards | Madison, Virginia
Tucked away in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find Early Mountain Vineyards, which officially opened in 2012. Maya Hood White joined in 2014 after working at several boutique wineries. At Early Mountain you’ll find single-varietal offerings like Quaker Run Chardonnay, Tannat and a crowd favorite, Petit Manseng. Her minimal intervention technique in the cellar, use of perpetual lees and other innovative techniques make it so the wines of Early Mountain Vineyards stand out and help elevate her region, which is gaining interest by vintage.
American Winery of the Year
Black Box Wines
California
Black Box Wines have become nothing short of iconic as a standout on wine store shelves across the globe. Yet their boxes represent far more than just a sleek design. The brand set the mold for value wines in lightweight packaging, with a box that allows lower-carbon-emitting transport of wines. Black Box has opened the door for everyday wines in a previously stigmatized package and paved the way for a shift on store shelves.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
Healdsburg, California
Tucked away in Healdsburg, California, you’ll find the sprawling Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. Established in 1981, Ferrari-Carano has continued to lead the way with aromatic white wines with their staple Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio offerings. Yet, never ones to settle, they recently added a Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio bottling to their lineup and are consistently introducing new grapes to a wide market.
La Crema Winery
Windsor, California
Established in 1979, La Crema has been an integral part of elevating wines from Sonoma, Russian River and other appellations for the better part of 40 years. When it comes to reaching younger consumers, a demographic the wine industry has recently struggled with, La Crema Winery seems to have cracked the code, as evidenced by its many millennial loyalists. Showing an ear for cultural moments (a quality that has helped to reach those younger drinkers), La Crema became the first official partner of the WNBA earlier this year.
Schramsberg Vineyards
Calistoga, California
With vineyards first planted in 1862, Schramsberg has been an integral part of Calistoga, California, for over 160 years. And in its more than a century in the business, Schramsberg has made history multiple times, from being the first commercial Chardonnay in American sparkling wine to being the go-to wine for world leaders at the White House.
The Vineyards at Dodon
Davidsonville, Maryland
With its unpredictable East Coast weather, Maryland is certainly not an easy place to grow grapes. But that hasn’t stopped The Vineyards at Dodon’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. On the property, you’ll find 43 acres of “natural areas” that include cover crops and native food sources like hazelnuts for beneficial insects. Additionally, they have stabilized the soils and reduced insecticide and fungicide use significantly.
European Winery of the Year
Barton & Guestier
Blanquefort, France
As if it were not accomplishment enough to boast centuries in business, Barton & Guestier has done it while maintaining its status as a vital and dynamic wine company since the days of Thomas Jefferson (an early customer). Started back in Bordeaux in 1725, Barton & Guestier celebrates its 300th anniversary this year. Today, they offer wines from France’s premier regions including Bordeaux, Rhône, Languedoc and beyond. Their quality vintages year after year offer something to wine aficionados and newbies alike. And their bottles prove that mixing tradition with innovation is a win-win combination.
Bodegas Esteban Martin
Zaragoza, Spain
Nestled away in the DO Cariñena region of Spain, you’ll find Bodegas Esteban Martín. Established in 1985 (though the family has been farming the land since 1964), this family-owned winery is committed to producing wines that please the modern palate while incorporating tradition. In keeping with that theme, they specialize in indigenous grapes such as Garnacha that showcase the region’s unique terroir.
Col d’Orcia
Tuscany, Italy
Under the current stewardship of Count Francesco Marone Cinzano and his son Santiago Cinzano, Col d’Orcia has converted more than 1,000 acres of vineyard to biodynamic, become certified organic and even received the prestigious SNAIL award from Slow Wine. But the family’s commitment goes even deeper as they established a partnership with the University of Florence, where they partake in crucial research and development efforts on clonal selection, cover crop experimentation, erosion control and carbon-footprint reduction.
Ferrari Trento
Trento, Italy
Synonymous with celebrations and good times, Ferrari Trento became the official sparkling wine of Formula 1 in 2021. Founder Giulio Ferrari started out in 1902 with the goal of producing sparkling wine that would compete with France’s market while showing the world just what Italy’s Trentino bubbles could be. More than 100 years later, Ferrari is still leading the way.
Weingut Weninger
Horitschon, Austria and Balf, Hungary
It’s easy to forget that behind every bottle of wine are countless hours of labor performed by people. So when Weingut Weninger, with vineyards in Austria and Hungary, pledges their commitment to sustainability, they aren’t just talking about the land. They also put a huge emphasis on doing much of the labor by hand to continue to employ workers in the surrounding community whose needs they meet. Their commitment to the land and people shines through in their exceptional wines.
New World Winery of the Year
Bodega Otronia
Chubut Province, Argentina
Located in the southernmost winemaking region on the planet, Patagonia, as a wine-growing region, is certainly not for the faint of heart. Yet Bodega Otronia has continued to defy the odds by producing world-class Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, blends and sparkling options from the area. With vineyards planted in 2010, Bodega Otronia has shown the world how to make the best, terroir-driven wines in even the most challenging of climates.
Kumeu River Wines
Kumeu, New Zealand
Now helmed by Michael Brajkovich, New Zealand’s first Master of Wine, Kumeu River Wines and the Brajkovich family have been growing grapes and producing wine on the property since 1944 after emigrating from Croatia. Initially, they planted hybrids but in the late ’70s decided to shift to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc—a risky choice at the time. Today, they are widely regarded as some of the best Chardonnay producers in the world and a benchmark brand of New Zealand winemakers.
Seña Wines
Santiago, Chile
Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi, the two visionaries behind Seña Wines, started this project back in 1995 to show the world just what Chile could do. Now, nearly 30 years and more than 20 vintages later, Seña Wines is still working tirelessly, establishing space for high-end Chilean offerings. Yet, their mission to bring the world high-quality wines hasn’t clouded their commitment to the environment. Seña employs biodynamic and organic farming practices to ensure the vineyards and terroir they have cultivated can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Ventisquero Wine Estates
Chile
Ventisquero Wine Estates has redefined Chile’s viticultural map twice by venturing into the country’s harsh and unforgiving landscapes to establish new growing areas. They have planted vineyards in a huge range of environments, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia’s parallel 46.3, pioneering growing in these extreme climates, and have produced wines celebrated all over the world. Ventisquero’s wines from the Atacama have been featured on wine lists in over 30 Michelin-starred restaurants around the globe. And this year, their Kosten wine from Patagonia hit the U.S. market.
Yangarra Estate Vineyard
Kangarilla, Australia
McLaren Vale Grenache graces menus of all sorts of dining establishments and wine shop shelves across the globe. And that recognition is thanks largely in part to Yangarra Estate Vineyard, which helped bring McLaren Vale and Aussie Grenache to the world stage. In their nearly 25 years of business, Yangarra has produced Grenaches, Rhône white blends and many other wines that consistently earn high scores from Wine Enthusiast.
Spirit Brand of the Year
Casa Obsidiana Tequila
Mexico
A master tequilero, winemaker and contemporary Mexican artist get together and—this is not a walk-into-a-bar joke but the origin story of an ultra premium Tequila brand. Casa Obsidiana Tequila, part of the Boisset collection, is throwing its hat into the luxury tequila ring in some interesting ways (as you might expect from its pedigree). You’ll recognize its striking packaging that contains obsidian, a stone said to cleanse negative energy and bring lightness.
Flor de Caña
Nicaragua
Started in 1890 in Nicaragua, Flor de Caña has been making waves in the spirit world for over 130 years. A bartender favorite, this brand has not only made great strides in its global presence but has also been a pioneer in the spirits industry when it comes to sustainability initiatives. For instance, it’s a carbon-neutral company and is Fair Trade Certified.
Gray Whale Gin
California
The masterminds behind Gray Whale Gin have managed to distill the essence of the California coast into a gin. Made with six botanicals grown by farmers throughout the state (and in Baja), this eight-year-old company not only pays homage to the Golden State but also aims to preserve the environment and their namesake sea creature. The corks are biodegradable (so they won’t end up in the ocean) and they partnered with Oceana, the largest conservation organization committed to preserving our oceans.
Meletti
Italy
More than 150 years ago, Silvio Meletti started out with the intention of competing with the highest-quality liquors of the day with ingredients from local Le Marche producers. And now, over a century later, Meletti is still making artisanal aperitivos, digestivos, cordials and its signature Amaro with that same care and attention to detail. In their fifth generation of family ownership, the brand still carefully sources ingredients and continues to innovate, recently adding a coffee liquor to its line.
Pinhook
Kentucky
Instead of creating the same product year after year, master blender and founder Sean Josephs embraces the natural changes in the whiskey as they arise with “vintage” whiskies. He’s also broken the wine and whiskey barrier with his collaborations with winemakers and sommeliers. Through Josephs’ work, Pinhook is bringing something new to look forward to every year on store shelves.
Wine Executive of the Year
Carlo De Biasi
General Manager, San Felice Wine Estate | Siena, Italy
After winning Green Personality of the Year from The Drinks Business, Carlo De Biasi’s commitment to the environment only intensified. In 2021, he initiated the EU-funded program Climate Impetus, which conducts vital research to help Europe reach its carbon neutral goal by 2050. And in the summer of 2023, under Biasi’s guidance as general manager (of which he was appointed in 2022), San Felice became the first Italian winery to join the Regenerative Viticulture Association. He has been a pioneer in environmental initiatives and continues to guide the industry toward a more sustainable future.
Horacio Fuentes
Export Director of North America, Ventisquero Wine Estates | Chile
Growing up in Chile’s countryside, Horacio Fuentes developed a love for the land. And so when he joined the wine industry, he wanted to pay homage to it through terroir-driven wines. His career took him to wineries in France, Spain, the United States and, of course, Chile. He started working at Ventisquero Wine Estates during the 2007 harvest as an assistant winemaker, and he has gone on to oversee the 10brands in Ventisquero’s portfolio.
Kate McManus
Vice President of Marketing, Far Niente Wine Estates | Oakville, California
In Kate McManus’s more than 25 years of experience, she has excelled at developing brand strategies for wineries and distilleries alike. Over that time, she has lent her insight to such brands as Rémy Cointreau and Constellation Brands, before making an impact at Far Niente. She joined the Far Niente team in 2022, where she has created a DTC-first marketing approach by strengthening the brand’s winery experiences, supporting the winemaking team and, perhaps most importantly, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and innovation.
Jennifer Locke
CEO, Crimson Wine Group | Napa, California
Jennifer Locke started her career more than two decades ago as a wine buyer and managerial trainer for some of Seattle’s upscale restaurants. Since then, she has served as senior vice president the U.S. luxury and direct-to-consumer sales, Americas, at Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) and was the director of national wholesale, export and direct-to-consumer sales at WillaKenzieEstate among other places. In 2019, she joined Crimson Wine Group, where she has utilized her leadership skills and reputation for innovation to lead the group that produces such brands as Pine Ridge, Seven Hills and Seghesio.
Joel Peterson
Executive Director, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance | Paso Robles, California
Joel Peterson is on a mission to get every wine drinker to fall in love with Paso Robles, which is home to more than 40,000 acres of vineyards and 200 wineries. As the executive director of the AVA’s Wine Country Alliance, he’s gone far beyond the sprawling AVA’s borders, spearheading a 10-day trip through Japan and South Korea to support Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and the Wine Institute’s California Wine Export Program.
Sommelier/Beverage Director of the Year
Amy Racine
Beverage Director, John Fraser Restaurants | Several Locations
As Beverage Director of chef John Fraser’s JF Restaurant Group, Racine oversees a dozen beverage programs nationally, including a new Boston restaurant and a Tampa location which in 2024 won a Michelin star. She also spearheaded, with Brazilian photographer Marcos Alberti, The Wine Project, an ongoing photographic initiative to illustrate and celebrate the changing face of the wine industry. Racine is continually focused on shining a light on her fellow somms and all the other people who help make dining experiences unforgettable.
Carlin Karr
Director of Wine and Beverage, Frasca Food and Wine | Boulder, Colorado
Working alongside Bobby Stuckey, Carlin Karr has been vital in making the beverage programs at Frasca Hospitality Group’s five restaurants (including flagship Frasca Food and Wine) among the most notable in the country. She joined the group in 2012, and oversees the programs at Frasca, Osteria Alberico, Pizzeria Alberico, Tavernetta and Sunday Vinyl. Frasca earned a James Beard Award and a Michelin Star in 2023 and the group continues to set the standard for modern Italian hospitality in the U.S.
Ian Krupp
Wine Director, Anajak Thai | Sherman Oaks, California
When Ian Krupp first stepped into the role at Anajak in mid-2023, it might have seemed like an odd move for someone who had worked with some of the most prestigious wine programs on the West Coast, from La’s Providence to SF’s Acquerello Group. But he saw an opportunity to expand and redefine the wine program, just as chef Justin Pichetrungsi took the restaurant’s reins from his father and turned it into one of the San Fernando Valley’s hottest tickets, even earning a James Beard Award. Under Krupp’s leadership the restaurant’s massive wine list is stocked with everything from natural wine cult favorites, benchmark classics and lesser-known brands, making a strong argument for Burgundy as an ideal pairing partner with Thai cuisine.
Kenneth Crum
Corporate Beverage Director, Roscioli NYC | New York, New York
A native New Yorker, Kenneth Crum got his start as a bartender at Lupa Osteria Romana and worked his way up and across the floor. Today, he is the Beverage and Operations Manager for Ariel Arce’s restaurants Air’s Champagne Parlor, Tokyo Record Bar and Roscioli NYC. He is a powerful advocate for wine and restaurants as places of community and self-expression, and encourages a refreshingly entertaining and conversational approach to the sommelier-customer relationship.
Molly Austad
Wine Director, Bludorn Restaurant | Houston, Texas
Molly Austad’s love of wine started while working for a fashion designer in Paris. This newfound passion launched her on a completely different career trajectory. Throughout her 13-year career, Austad has worked as a sommelier at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse and now leads the wine program at Houston restaurants Bludorn, Navy Blue, and newly opened Bar Bludorn. Her passion lies in discovering and championing the next generation of sustainable and environmentally conscious winemakers, as well as elevating the profiles of innovative female winemakers.
Innovator of the Year
Element[AL] Wines
Clarksburg, California
Breaking ground by putting a high-quality, value wine in super light packaging, Element[AL] Wines has broken the mold with its aluminum lined bottle. Elemental[AL] makes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, rosé and Pinot Grigio packaged in their gorgeous and reusable bottles that completely buck the notion that high-quality wine needs to come in glass. It’s shaped like a bottle, not a box or a bag or a paper carton, so it offers consumers the form factor they are used to, but with a fraction of the carbon emissions in shipping.
Juliet
Santa Barbara, California
Juliet has reinvented what it means to be a bag in a box wine—by thinking outside the box. Enter the eco-magnum, a thoughtfully crafted cylinder with a handy tap that holds twice what a 750 ml glass bottle does (with 84% fewer carbon emissions in transit) and can keep up to four weeks after opening. In addition to making the category feel sleek and fresh, all the wine is sourced from vineyards certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Additionally, Juliet even offers take-back programs for their bags to ensure they can either be reused or recycled properly.
The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI)
Urrbrae, Australia
In an age when the climate and weather are increasingly unpredictable, it can be difficult to find a trusted information source. And for winemakers, it’s vital they have the correct data as decisions they make about what to plant or how to farm will have implications for decades to come. The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) has established itself as a trusted resource for winemakers all over the world and has been instrumental in facing the challenges climate presents today (for instance, they helped West Coast winemakers get ahead of the curve with smoke taint due to wildfires).
Viarae Prosecco
Healdsburg, California
Who says bubbles are just for celebration? Viarae Prosecco, created by actress and filmmaker Issa Rae, who also produced and starred in the popular Netflix series Insecure, is a brand of bubbles that feels accessible and fresh—and offers a reminder that every day is worth celebrating. With her take on the Italian classic, Rae has also pulled off the very difficult trick of establishing a celebrity-backed brand that feels wholly genuine to who she is and what she represents—no small feat and a worthwhile injection of authenticity.
XXL Wines
Wilmington, Delaware
It’s not always easy to know when to stick with tradition or when to break from the herd. And XXL Wines has taken a running head start this year. At the start of 2024, XXL Wines was importing zero cases of wine. Now, they are on track to import 1.5 million cases—making them a force on shelves by taking full advantage of the rapidly expanding flavored and fruit wine category and encouraging use of their products as mixers.
Social Visionary of the Year
Ashley Trout
President and Founder, Vital Wines | Walla, Walla, Washington
After suffering injuries in a near fatal climbing accident, Ashley Trout became acutely and personally aware of the harsh realities of not having access to medical resources or health insurance. But rather than sit idly by, she decided to do something about it by launching Vital Wines. This nonprofit winery aims to promote equity in healthcare for vineyard workers and their families. They worked alongside Vital Promotora de Salud, which works with the agricultural community to offer health screenings, eyeglasses, vaccines and more.
Bukola Ekundayo
General Manager and Vice President, The Prisoner Wine Company | St. Helena, California
Bukola Ekundayo has worked tirelessly to use the platform and resources of The Prisoner Wine Company to effect social change. For instance, under her guidance, the brand worked with formerly incarcerated artist Jesse Krimes to create the art for The Prisoner’s Corrections Series for the luxury wine brand. A portion of the proceeds goes toward The Center for Art and Advocacy, the first and only national organization dedicated to helping those impacted by incarceration.
Pronghorn
New York, New York
While there’s been a big push to diversify the drinks industry, there is still a lot of work to do. Which is where companies like Pronghorn come in. Founded in 2022, this firm is committed to investing in Black-owned spirit brands across the United States. So far, they have invested in companies like Common Ground Spirits, Rally Gin and more than 50 others that are paving the way for the next generation of spirits.
Tiffanie Barriere
Mixologist + Creative | Atlanta, Georgia
You might recognize Tiffanie Barriere from her appearances on shows High on the Hog and Drink Master among other highly popular programs. Referred to as “the Drinking Coach,” Barriere spent years working as the beverage director for One Flew South, which has consistently earned the title of “best airport bar in the world.” Now she is focusing her energy on building a more inclusive and equitable drinks industry through mentoring, speaking and education.
United Sommeliers Foundation
California
If the Covid-19 pandemic showed us anything about the hospitality industry, it was how many of our social support nets are extremely vulnerable or nonexistent, especially in the fragile service community. Noticing this, in the following years, Cristie Norman took matters into her own hands and cofounded the United Sommeliers Foundation with Christopher Blanchard, MS. Partnered with industry giants such as Zachys, Skurnik and Taub Family Selections, among many others, the foundation provides much needed aid to the sommelier and wine professional community. From personal and professional resources to aid for unforeseen circumstances, Norman’s organization ensures those who take care of us on a daily basis can be taken care of as well.
Importer of the Year
Banville Wine Merchants
New York, New York
Entering its third decade in business, Banville Wine Merchants focuses on brands that have their community’s best interests at heart. Family-owned and -operated, Banville strives to represent brands that showcase their commitment to integrity, authenticity and family. With an international portfolio made up of producers from France, Germany, Italy, Argentina, NZ and the U.S., Banville strives to bring drinkers premium beverages at a scale few can match.
Jenny & François Selections
New York, New York
Importers wear a lot of hats. And one of them is that of an educator, which is arguably the most vital way to reach new drinkers. To start, Jenny & François Selections has been instrumental in finding and promoting organic and biodynamic wines from regions around the globe. Additionally, they also introduced much of the U.S. to natural bottles from Central Europe and other regions just beginning to gain attention here.
Jorge Ordóñez Selections
Boston, Massachusetts
If your local restaurant or wine shop offers Spanish bottles, you can likely thank Jorge Ordóñez Selections. In 1987, Jorge Ordóñez became the first specialty importer of Spanish wines to the U.S. at a time when there were very few brands available. But over the last several decades, Ordóñez has worked tirelessly to promote and educate buyers and consumers on the beauty of Spanish wine and to make it a staple on shelves and menus today.
Vino del Sol
Fort Worth, Texas
If you’ve picked up any of Wine Enthusiast’s Best Buy lists this year, you are familiar with the name. Vino del Sol has shown time and again that great, terroir-driven wines don’t have to be out of reach. Though it primarily imports wines from Argentina, the brand also imports wine (and sake, too) from California, Chile, Japan and New Zealand.
WinesU
Eddystone, Pennsylvania
WinesU has been bringing the world high-quality Italian wine for nearly five decades and has helped bring a diverse range of Italian regions to the world stage. Additionally, they place a special emphasis on representing wineries that have sustainability and community initiatives at the forefront.
American Wine Legend
The American Wine Legend winner will be named. There are no nominees for this category.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be named. There are no nominees for this category.
American Wine Region of the Year
The American Wine Region of the Year winner will be named. There are no nominees for this category.
International (non-U.S.) Wine Region of the Year
The International (non-U.S.) Wine Region of the Year winner will be named. There are no nominees for this category.
More Wine Star Awards Coverage
- Catching up on previous winners? See who triumphed in 2023.
- The 23rd Wine Star Awards gala toasted to diversity, inclusion and innovation
- The 2022 class of Wine Star Award winners was exceptional.
- Master sommelier Carlton McCoy is on a mission to change the industry.
- How 3 Parks Wine Shop is making retail more accessible.
- This importer is shaping the American palate.
Published: September 12, 2024
