August 26, 2026 (Nashville, TN) — Nashville Wine Auction is proud to announce the six sommeliers who will compete in the third annual Somm Showdown on Sunday, November 15 at the Goal Post Club in Geodis Park.
Established in 1980, Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $47 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 the Somm Showdown is one of the most exciting additions to the calendar.
“The Somm Showdown has quickly become an event I look forward to every year. It’s inspiring to see these talented professional Somms competing not for fame or recognition, but to further their wine education,” Nashville Wine Auction President & CEO Loren Chumley says. “Not only is it an investment in the next generation of Sommeliers, but it’s also a fun afternoon funding the fight against cancer.”
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 that the audience gets to play (and taste) along in rounds one and three. Nashville Wine Auction is pleased to welcome Jonathan Ross and Calvin Webster back as moderators, as well as 2025 Somm Showdown winner LeeAnne Arnold to judge.
“I cannot believe the 3rd Annual Somm Showdown is just a few months away! This event is truly a celebration of the talent, dedication, and professionalism that is the Nashville wine community,” Arnold says. “I am thrilled to watch so many friends participate as volunteers and contestants and it’s inspiring to have watched momentum grow for such a phenomenal cause. I certainly won’t miss the stress of competition and am looking forward to the food and wine pairing portion…with so much talent, there are bound to be some magical moments. I wish everyone the best of luck!”
During the first round of competition, sommeliers will be paired with a local chef to pair wine and food. Contestants, and their paired chefs, for the third annual Somm Showdown are:
Eric Bowers, Certified Sommelier and Beverage Director of Bastion, will be paired with Chef Bryan O’Kelly, Executive Chef of Husk Nashville.
Evan Danielson, Certified Sommelier, WSET Level 3, CWS, and Fine Wine Portfolio Manager for Ajax Turner Distributors, will be paired with Chef De Cuisine at Iberian Pig Chef Gavin Murray.
Elizabeth Mtshali, Certified Sommelier, Lead Bartender for Bad Idea and Sommelier at Prime + Proper Steakhouse, will be paired with Chef John Welch, Executive Chef of The Union Station Nashville Yards.
Phillip Patti, DipWSET, Certified Sommelier, and Owner of Southeastern Beverage Education, will be paired with returning Chef Greg Giebler, Executive Sous Chef of The Twelve Thirty Club.
Emily Ramey, Advanced Sommelier, WSET Level 3, CWS, and Sales Associate for Harvest Wine Market, will be paired with Chef Alyssa Gangeri, Executive Pastry Chef and Partner of The Butter Milk Ranch, who is returning for the third year.
Jake Smith, Certified Sommelier, CWS and West Tennessee Wine Specialist for Best Brands, Inc, will be paired with returning Chef Jason La Iacona of Miel Restaurant.
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.
Audience seats are limited for the 2026 Somm Showdown. Tickets can be purchased 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 $47 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. http://www.NashvilleWineAuction.com
NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES
American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Blood Cancer United, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc. 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, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
