Sommelier

15/11/2022

25/07/2022

We are exited to see so many outstanding applicants for Sommer Camp this year and want to make sure everyone has a chance to apply.

If you know someone who is taking their MS or MW exams this week be sure to send them good vibes and well wishes! In spite of all the challenges we have faced over the last two years, these candidates have continued to prepare for some of the most difficult exams in the world. We salute them for their dedication, focus, and pursuit of excellence.

We will keep applications open this week for the above reasons. In addition, we will be sending out confirmations to those who have already applied later this week so that you may confirm your time away from work.

Whether you are able to join for two days or all seven, we hope you will consider joining us for another outstanding year.
We look forward to receiving your application! Apply here: https://conference.texsom.com/sommer-camp-application/

06/07/2022

Sending Congratulations & Well Wishes to all the 2022 Texsom International Wine Awards entrants!

Results have been posted on the TexSom website.

03/04/2021

Did you see the good news? The early submission deadline and fees have been extended. We look forward to seeing your entries!

04/03/2021

Meet the Team at Texsom International Wine Awards.

23/02/2021

Moderators include Pauline Vicard, ARENI Global Executive Director, and James Tidwell MS, Texsom Founder and The World of Fine Wine World’s Best Wine List Awards senior judge.

FM4FW Antoine Abou-Samra Ray Isle Food & Wine Kumusha Wines TexSom Texsom International Wine Awards The World of Fine Wine

We’ve heard the announcements. We’ve seen doors shuttered. The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the restaurant industry. For the restaurants that remain, what will reopening look like for them?

For our next ARENI Global Insight Series, we’ll center a discussion around the trends and levers of change that will allow restaurants to resurface, and decrypt how they will affect the restaurants’ wine list.

Join us Tuesday 2nd March – 4pm GMT
Registration is free here: http://bit.ly/3uepwVx

19/02/2021

Texsom International Wine Awards offers a unique range of benefits for Award winners.

TEXSOM International Wine Awards contributes to the global conversation of beverage, amplifies classic and emerging regions, and builds exposure and interest for all invested in the experience.

21/01/2021

The TEXSOM International Wine Awards team looks forward to working with the industry to identify and champion wines and beverages of quality and distinction from around the world.

TEXSOM International Wine Awards contributes to the global conversation of beverage, amplifies classic and emerging regions, and builds exposure and interest for all invested in the experience. A unique range of benefits for Award winners includes:

*Award-winning beverages announced via social media, email messaging, website, and press release.

*Award-winning beverages featured on the TEXSOM International Wine Awards website and social media throughout the calendar year.

*Results available through the TEXSOM International Wine Awards searchable online database.

*Exposure to TEXSOM’s international network of sommeliers and buyers with a tasting of select medal-winning beverages at the TEXSOM conference in August.

*Recognition of the quality of your wines by a group of the best palates in the country, including the impressive pedigree of judges, sommeliers, trade industry buyers and writers.

Distribution in Texas is NOT required to enter the competition, and TEXSOM IWA can assist international producers in obtaining COLA Waivers. Please visit the updated entrant submission page with easy-to-follow steps, fees and requirements https://texsom.com/awards/

Further inquiries may be made at [email protected].

13/01/2021

The TEXSOM International Wine Awards team looks forward to working with the industry to identify and champion wines and beverages of quality and distinction from around the world.

Now Accepting Submissions for Wine, Mead, Sake, Cider, and Spirits.

Entries are open for judging and awards consideration for the 2021 competition to be held April 25-27, 2021 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. A new addition to this year's judging is the inclusion of spirits (whisky, gin, vodka, etc), pre-mixed cocktails, cocktail components, and bitters. The competition has an improved, more tailored entry experience for sake, cider, and mead producers, all beverages judged in previous years, allowing for greater differentiation.

Submission Period
Now - March 28, 2021
Fees Per Online Entry

Wine: $95 + 4 Bottles
Mead: $95 + 4 Bottles
Sake: $95 + 4 Bottles
Cider: $95 + 6 Bottles
Spirits: $190 + 2 Bottles
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Late Submission Period
March 29 - April 11, 2021
Fees Per Online Entry

Wine: $105 + 4 Bottles
Mead: $105 + 4 Bottles
Sake: $105 + 4 Bottles
Cider: $105 + 6 Bottles
Spirits: $200 + 2 Bottles

Distribution in Texas is not required to enter the competition, and TEXSOM IWA can assist international producers in obtaining COLA Waivers. Those interested in submitting may visit https://awards.texsom.com. Further inquiries may be made via email: [email protected].

21/12/2020

Attention Texas professionals! SommFoundation has an education opportunity for you.

Now taking applications for CAB Camp Paso Robles 2021 for Texas Residents. Apply here: https://www.sommfoundation.com/enrichment-trip/cab-camp-paso-robles-2021-for-texas-residents/

01/05/2020

Jim Clarke has released his first Wines of South Africa podcast episode, and James Tidwell makes an appearance. Check it out!

Welcome to the Wines of South Africa podcast. Each episode we’ll explore a different aspect of the South African wine scene. We’ll talk with winemakers, winery owners, and other members of South Africa’s vibrant wine industry, and we’ll also get a sommelier’s take on the wines.

24/03/2020

Our industry is complex and diverse, as are our experiences. While we are all facing uncertain times, and each of us, regardless of our position in the industry, are making impossible decisions for our teams and loved ones, we are united in our gratitude for our community. We are all in this together. Not one answer can be sought for each of our challenges, nor is there a road map for what we will face in the coming months. We are up against different kinds of peril: exposure to virus, financial hardship, unemployment, physical isolation, and emotional instability. Through it all we have to take care of ourselves. There is a strong desire to make sure we all have something to come back to when all is said and done. Compassion and gratitude must be at our center.
*
The Storm Cellar is a winery in Colorado that began a recent post with "interrupt anxiety with gratitude". In that spirit we would love to hear from all of you. If you feel so moved to cheer for someone in your area who is working hard to care for others, please share their story in the comments. We are storytellers, and the story you tell could be the light we need today.
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We came across this post from Megan Briseño-Morgan, the VP of Wine at Boardwalk Brands in Oklahoma. She captures the gratitude we feel for our community and with her permission, share this with all of you:
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To everyone in the hospitality business, at just one day without your presence, please know, we feel the loss of your service.
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Restaurants and bars are at the center of our culture. You bring us comfort, excitement, community and camaraderie. You take care of us, making sure that not just our basic needs are met but that our lives are enriched. From introducing us to a new wine, a new cuisine, a new playlist... you are there for us.
*
While we spend our days becoming more and more insular as a population, where technology dominates more of our attention than other humans, it’s because of your hospitality that we still make memories with one another. It’s because of you and your enterprising vision that downtown areas are revitalized, that a corner, down the street to nowhere becomes a bustling and thriving pocket of town. You breathe life into our cities and towns.
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You give us a safe place to meet and connect. You are always there to help us celebrate our occasions giving up holidays with your loved ones so that we can celebrate with ours. You are there to keep us company when we are alone. You create a subculture with your regulars... a place where everyone knows your name. A place to belong.
*
You indulge our dad jokes, our stories and sometimes our surly attitudes.
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You are a noble and motley crew.
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Coming from countries around the world, different backgrounds, varied pasts, you bring a joie de vivre to our daily lives.
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Thank you. To each of you. Thank you for taking the time to care for us. My heart goes out to all of you and I’m forever thankful to you.
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I can’t wait to celebrate with you when this is over because it will be over some day and it’s through your gift of hospitality that we will all begin to heal.

01/10/2019

TEXSOM International Wine Awards entry registration opens TODAY! We are available to answer questions via phone or email. Whether you are a past entrant or new to the process, we would love to hear from you:

214-886-1665
[email protected]

TEXSOM International Wine Awards entry registration opens TODAY! We invite you to submit wines for tasting and award consideration: https://texsom.com/awards/
SUBMISSION DEADLINES AND ENTRY FEES
Now to December 31, 2019
$95 + 4 bottles of wine per entry
Wine must be received by January 3, 2020
Late Submission Period
January 1 to January 31, 2020
$105 + 4 bottles of wine per entry
Wine must be received by February 4, 2020
We are available to answer questions via phone or email. Whether you are a past entrant or new to the process, we would love to hear from you:

214-886-1665
[email protected]

23/09/2019

Mark your calendars! TEXSOM IWA submissions open in 8 days.

"TEXSOM International Wine Awards brings the industry together to identify and champion wines of quality and distinction from around the world, invests in brand-building for all award-winners, and creates additional avenues to market and exposure for wineries through the extensive sommelier and wine industry network of TEXSOM entities: The TEXSOM Conference, TEXSOM Sommelier Retreat, TEXSOM Sommer Camp, and SOMMELIER, a TEXSOM publication."

18/09/2019

Check this out!

11/09/2019

Congratulations to all the new Master Sommeliers announced today!

The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas is proud to announce seven Master Sommeliers, following the 2019 Master Sommelier Diploma Examination this week. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our industry.

Please join us in congratulating the following Master Sommeliers:
- Nick Davis
- Mariya Kovacheva
- Justin Moore
- Vincent Morrow
- Joshua Orr
- Jeremy Shanker
- Jill Zimorski (not pictured)

16/07/2019

Here’s a great opportunity to learn more about sake. The course is available at TEXSOM on August 17th from 10am to 4pm:
https://www.sakeschoolofamerica.com/course/wset-level-1-award-in-sake-dallas-tx-august-17-2019-english/

Certification opportunities are available at TEXSOM in advance of the conference from WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust). Educator Sachiko Miyagi is headed to Texas in August. You can achieve the WSET Award in Saké (Level 1) before the conference begins: https://www.sakeschoolofamerica.com/course/wset-level-1-award-in-sake-dallas-tx-august-17-2019-english/

01/07/2019

Here’s a great article featuring Momofuku.

Momofuku is known for its vibrant, energetic restaurants and chef David Chang’s colorful cuisine. It's up to beverage director Jake Lewis to make the wine part work. Wine Spectator followed him through a day of work at Kawi, Ko, Ssam Bar and more.

28/06/2019

Please join us in congratulating Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in downtown Houston and the Pappas Bros. Steakhouse organization on their tremendous honor. The 2019 Grand Award is now their third, an unrivaled achievement that reflects incredible leadership, team building, and devotion to outstanding service. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has supported TEXSOM from the beginning, and we are grateful to have this friendship.

Wine Spectator defines the Grand Award as "our highest award, given to restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs. These wine lists typically feature 1,000 or more selections, and deliver serious breadth of top producers, outstanding depth in mature vintages, a selection of large-format bottles, excellent harmony with the menu, and superior presentation. These restaurants offer the highest level of wine service."

We are incredibly proud to announce that our Downtown Houston location has been presented with the 2019 Wine Spectator Grand Award: >> https://bit.ly/2xgMPly

20/05/2019

Applications are due TODAY by 5pm CDT.

10/05/2019

Applications are now live for TEXSOM volunteer opportunities and TEXSOM Best Sommelier Competition! The deadline to apply for both opportunities is 5PM on Monday, May 20th.

To be considered for a volunteer opportunity:
https://conference.texsom.com/volunteer/

To apply to compete in the TEXSOM Best Sommelier Competition:
https://conference.texsom.com/best-sommelier/

Applications are now live for TEXSOM volunteer opportunities and TEXSOM Best Sommelier Competition! The deadline to apply for both opportunities is 5PM on Monday, May 20th.

To be considered for a volunteer opportunity:
https://conference.texsom.com/volunteer/

To apply to compete in the TEXSOM Best Sommelier Competition:
https://conference.texsom.com/best-sommelier/

01/05/2019

Congratulations Australia!

On this we would like to congratulate the 2019 gold medal winners from Australia 🇦🇺

**2014 Henschke Keyneton Euphonium, Barossa

**2016 Henschke Henry’s Seven, Barossa

**2012 Schild Estate Ben Schild Shiraz Reserve, Barossa Valley

**2014 Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Blend, Margaret River

**2016 Handpicked Wines Collection Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

**2017 Maison L’Envoye Pinot Noir, Tasmania

**2013 Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter

**2016 Brokenwood ILR Semillon Reserve, Hunter Valley

**2016 Vasse Felix Chardonnay, Margaret River

**2016 Shaw+Smith M3 Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

25/04/2019

Big project underway at the Texsom offices this week.

16/01/2019

Amie Hendrickson joins the TEXSOM team!

Amie Hendrickson has been hired to join the TexSom team where she will work with Donaji Lira and James Tidwell MS in producing the TEXSOM Conference, Texsom International Wine Awards, and TEXSOM Sommelier Retreat in addition to helping develop future programs and create new educational opportunities for the beverage industry. Amie will transition over the next few months from her current roles with Edmond Wine Shop and the Wine Forum of Oklahoma as she completes her commitments to each. We are excited to welcome Amie to the TEXSOM team!

Amie Hendrickson is one of Oklahoma’s foremost experts on wine. Under mentor Vance Gregory, another of Oklahoma’s most respected beverage business professionals, she has spent the last 20 years guiding customers and wine enthusiasts along the path of wine appreciation. A passion for honing her craft and the ever-present quest for learning has led her down multiple education paths from the Society of Wine Educators to the Court of Master Sommeliers. Amie has been an active and enthusiastic volunteer at the TEXSOM conference and contributor for the Sommelier Retreat at the TEXSOM International Wine Awards. She is now a fixture at both. In 2014, Amie began steering education programs for the Wine Forum of Oklahoma, a biennial enthusiast education event that raises scholarships for the hospitality program at Oklahoma State University. At the heart of her every professional endeavor is the drive to learn and to share that learning with others.

05/02/2018

Judging begins in one week for the 2018 Texsom International Wine Awards ... and we're accepting entries through Friday! Submit wines through the link below.

https://competition.texsomiwa.com/

09/01/2018

The Texsom International Wine Awards & Sommelier Retreat are a vital part of our Sommelier publication. Wine entries are still being taken for the 2018

The Sommelier Retreat at the Texsom International Wine Awards, is a fantastic study in how TexSom works to bring the many entities of the wine community together. Seminars include past award winning wines, which are tasted by professionals from around the country. Sommeliers also taste and write about current winners and are included in the Sommelier publication.

Have you entered your wines? We're still taking entries, and look forward to bringing value to our community by awarding and promoting quality wines from around the globe.

25/12/2017

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays, from TexSom, Texsom International Wine Awards & Sommelier!

30/10/2017

Excited to share entry submission is now open for the Texsom International Wine Awards!

Our publication is proudly presented by TexSom and a number of articles over the past three issues have come from the Sommelier Retreat during the Wine Awards. In addition to attending informative seminars, Sommeliers write reviews of award winning wines, under the tutelage of top wine writers.

We're looking forward to February 2018, for another great !

Entry submission is now open! The Texsom International Wine Awards presented by Texas Monthly will be held February 12th-14th 2018, and the wine awards have grown in many exciting ways!

New wine submission program: Our new, fast, easy and reliable online wine submission program may be accessed directly from our website at https://competition.texsomiwa.com/

And please note ... we’ve moved! Our new offices and climate-controlled warehouse are awaiting your entries.

Please be sure to update your database with our new shipping and mailing address:

TEXSOM International Wine Awards
12801 North Stemmons Freeway, Suite 821
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
https://texsomiwa.com/

13/05/2017