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Sunset International Wine Competition 2019 Judges
The eighth annual Sunset International Wine Competition’s judging panel includes these notable winemakers, buyers, journalists, and wine educators
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HONORARY CHAIR
Jean-Charles Boisset
WINEMAKERS
Greg La Follette
David Coventry, Talbott/Gallo
Joe Barton, Grey Wolf Paso Robles
Kristen Barnhisel, J.LohrMarta Kraftzek, Scheid
Katie Madigan, St Francis
Linda Trotta, Jamieson Ranch, Winemaker of the Year
Bob Swain, Mendocino Wine Company
Alicia Ysais, Director of Winemaking, Delicato Family Vineyards
Stephanie Trotter, Trotter 1/16
Erik Miller, Kokomo Winery
Joe Shebl, Director of Winemaking, Renwood
John Alba, Director of Winemaking, Bronco
Diane Wilson, Wilson Artisan Wines
MEDIA
Mike Dunne, Wine Columnist, Sacramento Bee; Publisher, A Year in Wine
Ziggy “The Wine Gal” Eschliman, Radio and TV Personality
Linda Murphy, Co-Author, American Wine: The Ultimate Companion to the Wines and Wineries of the United States; Wine Writer, Decanter, Sonoma, Spirited magazines
Laura Ness, Wine Writer, Spirited, Silicon Valley Modern Luxury, Wine Industry Advisor, Wine Business Monthly, Somm Journal
Debra Parker-Wong, Global Wine Editor, Somm Journal, The Tasting Panel & Clever Root, Spirited
TRADE / EDUCATION
Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier and Wine Consultant
Mark Chandler, CSW, Owner Chandler & Company
Kimberley Charles, Diploma in Wine and Spirits, Founder and Owner Charles Communications
Traci Dutton, Beverage Manager and Sommelier, Culinary Institute of America
Liz Thach, Ph.D., Master of Wine, Distinguished Professor of Wine & Management Sonoma State, WSET, French Wine Scholar Certificate
James Caudill, Marketing Communications, Windborne Farm
Debbie Zachareas, Partner, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant and Oxbow Wine and Cheese Merchant
Renata Franzia, Bronco
Larry Van Aalst, Sommelier, Host of the Sonoma Wine Report CRN Digital Talk Radio
Ellen Landis, Wine Journalist, C.S., CSWBob Foster, Assistant Editor, California Grapevine
Barry Herbst, Wine Director, Bottle Barn Liquors
Mary Melton, Director of Beverage, P.F.Changs
Elsie Wolfe, Sales Manager, Alcohol, Safeway
Dan Schette, Director, H.E.B.
Chris O’Gorman, Director of Communications, Rodney Strong Wine Estates
The list of 2019 judges is subject to change.