Voices of the Industry, Chosen by the Industry: Imprint Awards
Semifinalists Announced – Public Voting Now Open
August 19, 2026 (San Diego, CA) — SommCon is proud to announce the semifinalists for the 2026 Imprint Awards which recognize the people and organizations making a meaningful impact on the beverage industry. Public voting to determine finalists is now open through August 31, 2026.
The Imprint Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organizations shaping the future of wine and spirits – celebrating leadership, innovation, and the strength of our community. From rising talent to seasoned leaders, the awards honor those moving the industry forward with heart, purpose, and vision.
After an open call for nominations, the SommCon Advisory Board reviewed all nominees and selected a group of semifinalists in each category:
Emerging Leader Award
- Cornelius Anthony Jr.
- Larissa Arjona
- Denise Matthews
- Brenae Royal
- Quentin Wilson
Outstanding Beverage Program
- Foreign Cinema
- Long Count
- Postino
- Adam Seguin
- Tabula Rasa Bar
Retailer of the Year
- District Champagne
- Finca
- Garagiste Wine Room & Merchant
- Quinton Jay
- San Diego Wine & Beer Company
- The Good Drop Wine Shoppe
- The Wine House
Sommelier of the Year
- Marcelo Arriagada
- Michael Engelmann MS
- Pascaline Lepeltier MS
- Cha McCoy
- Josh Orr MS
- Rajat Parr
- Aldo Sohm
- Dustin Wheeler
- Emily Wines MS
Educator of the Year
- Monika Bielka-Vescovi
- Jon McDaniel
- Matilda Parente
- J. Snyder
Media Professional of the Year
- Antonio Galloni
- Chris & Ryan Goydos
- Tony Margiotta
- Cha McCoy
- Amanda McCrossin
- Madeline Puckette
Community Impact Award
- Maryam Ahmed
- Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Deborah Brenner
- Dr. Laura Catena
- Lois Cho
- Amanda Kimbrough
- James Mobbley
- Brenae Royal
- Quentin Wilson
- The Winemakers Co-Op
Each nominee reflects the values that fuel SommCon: community, education, integrity, and a genuine commitment to moving the industry forward.
Finalists will be determined by public vote. Voting closes on August 31, and finalists will be announced on September 8, 2026. Winners are selected by a weighted score, 40% public vote and 60% SommCon Advisory Board evaluation, and celebrated at the Imprint Awards Ceremony at SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo on November 5, 2026.
Place a vote at: https://sommconusa.com/imprint-awards/
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 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.
