August 19, 2025 (San Diego, CA) — SommCon is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 Imprint Awards, a program honoring individuals and organizations whose work is shaping the future of the beverage industry. Winners will be revealed during the Imprint Awards Ceremony at SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo, taking place September 7–9, 2025 in San Diego.
The Imprint Awards champion leadership, innovation, and mentorship across the wine and spirits industry. From emerging voices to industry icons and trailblazers, the program reflects SommCon’s broader mission: to support, connect, and celebrate those who are driving the industry forward with purpose and integrity.
Finalists were selected through a two-phase process, beginning with an open call for nominations and Advisory Board review, followed by a public voting campaign.
2025 Imprint Awards Finalists include:
Sommelier of the Year
Karl Kuhn
Natalie Martinez
Adam Seguin
Emerging Leader Award
Jeremy Ligon
Adam Seguin
Kriis Alyse Wilson
Innovation Award
Elizabeth Boyd, 86 Harassment Initiative
Jason Haas, Tablas Creek Vineyard
Christy Serrato, PairAnything
Imprint Award
David Glancy
Tonya Pitts
Jancis Robinson
Bridge Award
Capital Wine School
Napa Valley Wine Academy
San Francisco Wine School
Voice of the Industry
Vanessa Cominksy
Julia Coney
Cristie Norman
This year’s finalists represent a cross-section of the industry’s most passionate educators, innovators, mentors, and advocates – those challenging the status quo and helping to build an industry that is more inclusive, dynamic, and connected.
Winners in each category will be chosen by weighted evaluation – 40% public vote / 60% Advisory Board recommendation – and announced during SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo. Brands interested in presenting an award can email Michelle at metter@fastforwardevents.com.
ABOUT SOMMCON
SommCon® is the premier gathering for professionals in the wine, beer, and spirits industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for education, networking, and career development. SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo offers a comprehensive program of wine and spirits education, professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing domestic and international producers of wine, beer, spirits, and brands in the low and no alcohol category. SommCon produces Concours d’Spirits and Concours d’Vin, impartial competitions of domestic and international wines and spirits, in partnership with The SOMM Journal, and SommGo, an on-demand streaming service featuring educational content for the global wine, beer, and spirits industry. SommCon is produced by Fast Forward, an event management and media company that specializes in consumer and business events in wine, beer, spirits, culinary, and hospitality.
