September 4, 2025 (Nashville, TN) — Nashville Wine Auction is proud to announce the six sommeliers who will compete in the second annual Somm Showdown on Sunday, November 16 at the Goal Post Club in Geodis Park.
Established in 1980, Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $43 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cancer research, innovative patient treatment, and caregiver/patient support. Funds are raised through unique, entertaining, and educational events, and Somm Showdown is one of the most exciting additions to the calendar.
“The Somm Showdown is a celebration of talent, passion, and community,” says Nashville Wine Auction President and CEO Loren Chumley. “It shines a spotlight on the sommeliers and chefs who make Nashville’s wine and dining scene so vibrant, while also supporting our mission to fund the fight against cancer. We’re excited to see this event grow and to welcome guests back for another unforgettable afternoon.”
During Somm Showdown, contestants will be challenged through three rounds: a wine and food pairing contest; a Jeopardy-style wine knowledge contest; and a blind tasting. An exciting component to the competition is the audience gets to play (and taste) along in rounds one and three. Nashville Wine Auction is pleased to welcome back Jonathan Ross, Master Sommelier, Wine Importer, and the current Wine Director for the Twelve-Thirty Club, and Calvin Webster, DipWSET and Wine Consultant, as moderators for this year’s event.
“It’s inspiring to see so many up-and-coming wine professionals in Nashville. Last year’s Somm Showdown showed exactly what we already knew: the wine market is growing here,” Webster says. “I’m excited to return for the second Somm Showdown and help crown the next winner — all while raising funds for a great cause!”
Contestants for the second annual Somm Showdown are:
LeeAnne Arnold, CMS Certified Sommelier and General Manager of Harvest Wine Market, will be paired with Chef Anthony Pell, Executive Chef of The Iberian Pig.
Eric Bowers, CMS Certified Sommelier and Beverage Director of Bastion, will be paired with Chef Jason LaIacona of Miel Restaurant.
Scott Hermann, CMS Certified Sommelier, CSW, WSET Level 2, and Wine Director & Assistant GM of The Detroit Cowboy, will be paired with Chef Greg Giebler executive Sous chef of The Twelve Thirty Club.
Phillip Patti, DipWSET, CMS Certified Sommelier, and Owner of Southeastern Beverage Education, will be paired with Chef Alyssa Gangeri, Executive Pastry Chef and Partner at The Butter Milk Ranch.
Jiby Philip, CSW, CMS Certified Sommelier, and Brand Manager AOC Wine Distribution, will be paired with Chef Christopher Von Egger, Regional Chef for Halls Chophouse.
Derick Spangler, CMS Certified Sommelier and Sommelier at The Twelve Thirty Club, will be paired with Chef Josh Homacki of Fancypants.
The winning sommelier will take home a $2,000 cash prize, and the runner-up will take home $1,000, both to be used toward continuing wine education. Other participants will take home selected bottles of wine.
Limited tickets remain for Somm Showdown 2025. Tickets can be purchased online here.
ABOUT THE NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION
Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. In 2026, Nashville Wine Auction will celebrate Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26 – 28 and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin on July 30 – August 1 at JW Marriott. Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $43 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. www.NashvilleWineAuction.com
NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES
American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc., Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Survivor Fitness Foundation, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
