Sip, Swirl, Win: How the Sommlympics Transforms Wine Tasting into a Thrilling Competition

Courtesy of A Cork in the Road, LLC

This December, Atlanta, GA will play host to the Sommlympics, an engaging multi-event challenge that showcases the knowledge and skills of wine professionals from all across the country.

As every sport has its own championship, the eagerly anticipated second annual “Sommlympics” competition is set to become the ultimate test of expertise in the wine industry. This esteemed and high-stakes competition is crafted to honor the elegance of wine and the proficiency of sommeliers, all while incorporating unexpected elements along the way. Teams of three from the wine industry will join forces to tackle a set of demanding challenges that cover wine theory, service, and blind tasting. Attendees are invited to purchase tickets to witness the competition live, savor exquisite wine tastings, and gain valuable insights from the various challenges that unfold.

Courtesy of A Cork In The Road, LLC

The atmosphere during the first-ever Sommlympics in 2023 was electric, filled with excitement and a sense of community that made it an unforgettable experience for everyone present. The impressive turnout from last year has paved the way for an expanded competition set to take place in Georgia this December. Attendees can choose to purchase tickets for the individual events or opt for a full-day pass that includes access to all the events and an awards ceremony where winners will be celebrated and prizes awarded. A notable addition this year is the “Star de Spectacle” or Star of the Show award, which will be granted to one competitor following the events of the day. These exciting prizes have been made possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors from both local and global wine industries, who champion the significance of wine education and the joy that wine exploration brings to communities.

The Journey of the Sommlympics: From Idea to Reality

The concept and overall structure of the Sommlympics were conceived by Chelsea Young, a self-described cork enthusiast turned industry professional, who founded and leads The Oenophile Institute. Frustrated by the challenges in finding a suitable and accessible place to learn about wine during her own educational journey, Young committed to creating the space she desired in collaboration with Anthony Alvarez, the owner of The Vineyard Wine Market in Smyrna, GA. Through the offerings of the Institute, her aim is to ensure that wine and beverage education is available to everyone who seeks it. “Initially, when I established the Institute, I pictured ‘The Sommelier Games’ as a lively field day for wine aficionados,” she remembers. “However, feedback from friends competing in national and international events showed that there simply weren’t enough opportunities. So, I aimed to create something equally challenging, yet more transparent and fair.” The Sommlympics format was crafted for teams of three, allowing sommeliers to showcase their strengths while remaining accessible to all wine students. “Most importantly, I wanted to retain the fun,” Young notes about her design process, “so I incorporated twists, strategic elements in team gameplay, and interactive opportunities for the audience.” Young has since gathered friends from the wine industry to volunteer for event execution and has even invited a special guest judge this year to assist in scoring. “Above all,” Young shares her wishes for this year’s competitors, “I hope they enjoy themselves and make new connections. As an educator, I also hope everyone walks away having learned something new!”

Photo by Kristin Estadt

The range of participants has significantly broadened since the inaugural year of the Sommlympics, with the upcoming 2024 competition set to feature a diverse array of contestants including a Master Sommelier, aspiring Master Sommeliers, WSET Diploma candidates, sommeliers from Michelin-starred establishments, retail experts, and representatives from distribution. In essence, the champions will be three wine professionals excelling in their fields. Teams registered for the 2024 competition hail from various U.S. locations such as New York, Florida, California, and Georgia. Certified Sommelier Janeen Jason, who serves as the Buyer for VinoTeca Wine Store in Atlanta, GA, participated in the first competition and is returning with her original team for 2024. She believes that the Sommlympics serves as a powerful demonstration of the diverse educational backgrounds present in the wine community of Atlanta. “As a black queer woman, representation is important to me. Atlanta is the mecca of diversity and inclusion, and it shows in our wine community here,” expresses Jason. For the second year, she is the team’s representative for the blind tasting event and is utilizing her wine appointments at the retail shop as part of her weekly preparation. Additionally, Jason is meticulously documenting the wines used for her weekly blind tasting kits, designed to mentor sommeliers seeking to enhance their tasting skills. “Sommlympics, to a spectator, can ignite a fire to learn more about wine,” she shares, “and watching wine professionals in their element demonstrates the expectations present on the floor of a restaurant or the aspects of certifications that truly matter.” Jade Palmer, a WSET Diploma Candidate and Wine Buyer for Hop City Beer & Wine at Krog Street Market in Atlanta, GA, was part of the winning team in 2023 and concurs that the Sommlympics is an enjoyable, low-pressure competition involving some of the keenest minds in the wine industry. “I’m constantly studying,” notes Palmer, “so regardless of what may arise in the theory portion, I’ve either learned it, am in the process of learning, or will learn it soon.” Palmer and her team, dubbed “Grand Crew: Carignan My Wayward Son,” will return to defend their championship title in 2024.

The distinctive format of this competition appears to attract a diverse group of wine professionals motivated not only by the challenge of the events but also by the opportunity to celebrate wine as a catalyst for community connections. Advanced Sommelier Elizabeth Dames, Co-founder and Wine Director of The Perlant, remarked that competing as her team’s theory representative allowed her to push her limits alongside some of the most talented professionals in the wine industry. “It’s a perfect blend of serious competition and a celebration of everything I love about wine,” says Dames, “plus, competing with great friends and being part of such a supportive community was a tremendous motivator. The camaraderie within the wine industry is remarkable, and the Sommlympics really brings that to life.” Last year, Dames was deeply immersed in preparing for the Master Sommelier theory exam, resulting in an intense study schedule that kept her laser-focused. However, this year, she plans to refine her approach by concentrating on maintaining composure under pressure, a strategy she is also applying to her Master Sommelier studies. “I’ve also been studying with new sommelier friends to keep things fresh and gain different perspectives,” Dames explains, “which continues the enjoyable experience from last year!” While exam preparations may often feel like an intense, solitary dive into theoretical study, the Sommlympics challenges wine professionals with real-time scenarios that assess their quick thinking and ability to manage high-pressure service situations. Dames recalls that the presence of a live audience significantly heightens the intensity—knowing spectators are watching each move adds an extra layer of pressure. “Participating in this competition serves as excellent practice for exams and real-life scenarios in a restaurant, making me a better professional overall. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and frankly, a lot more enjoyable than poring over a study guide!”

This year, each Sommlympics event promises a unique experience for spectators to relish the action. Each team of three will designate one of their participants to compete in the following three events:

At the conclusion of each individual event, medals and prizes will be awarded to the top-performing Sommlympian, but the final point standings and the Grand Prize team will only be disclosed during the Awards Ceremony that caps off the day’s festivities.

The Stakes Rise: Exciting Prizes Await at Sommlympics 2024

Last year’s victorious team enjoyed a $1,000 cash reward, which they used to indulge in a lavish dining experience at Bern’s Steakhouse, complemented by a stay at the nearby Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, FL. This year, with the arrival of a new lineup of prestigious competitors, the quality and volume of prizes has increased significantly. In each of the three individual events, gold medal winners will receive enrollment in a Master Level Course from the Wine Scholar Guild, along with a bottle of Champagne sourced from one of three esteemed wine retailers in Atlanta, GA – Press Shop, Elemental Spirits, and VinoTeca. The members of the Grand Prize-winning team will again enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, FL, and will also receive a $1,000 gift card for Bern’s Steakhouse. Each member will take home a personalized bottle of 100-Year-Old Para Tawny from Seppeltsfield in Barossa, Australia. An exciting new bonus prize has also been introduced for the 2024 competition, which is sure to pique the interest of competitors: one talented Sommlympian will be crowned the “Star du Spectacle” and awarded a trip to Champagne, courtesy of Comite Champagne. With such impressive prize packages on the table, the day promises thrills for both Sommlympians and onlookers alike.

Joe Herrig, Director of Education at Georgia Crown Distributing Co. and a graduate of the WSET Diploma, was part of the championship team in 2023. When asked about his favorite aspects of the competition, he simply stated, “what’s not to love?” Herrig went on to express that “This whole event is about geeking out, pulling some corks, and challenging each other to be better.” He emphasized that this kind of competition encourages participating wine professionals to refine their skills, ultimately elevating standards for wine sales, service, and hospitality within the host city. Although Herrig returns this year as a champion, he recognizes the competitive landscape will be formidable. He plans to approach this year’s event with an open mind and trust in his skilled teammates. “I also have no idea what will be thrown our way this year, so we will just show up, have fun, and see what happens,” he stated. Herrig and his fellow returning Sommlympians agree on the importance of community in the wine industry, suggesting there’s no better way to celebrate than by sharing a great bottle of Champagne and toasting at the end of the day. “I’m the biggest fan of everyone who participates and cheers us on from the audience, so I want to share the feeling with them,” Herrig affirmed. “Bringing community together is what great wine is all about, right?”

To learn more about the Sommlympics, click here and keep an eye out for the wine professionals team competing for the championship title in 2024!

Image credited to Kristin Estadt

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!