Emerging Winemakers Competition and Symposium
The Judges
Since 2018, we’ve hosted some amazing nationally recognized judges. A few of these incredible judges have traveled across this great country and have given educational presentations in grape growing and winemaking practices, winemaking styles and marketing of wine in our seminar series.
Meet the Judges
During the Competition all wines are judged in blind tasting by the judges led by our very own Head Master Judge, Paula Woolsey, CSW, who has more than 20 years in the Arizona wine industry. Competitors each receive confidential feedback on their wine(s).
2021 Wine Competition Judges
Paula Woolsey
EWC&S: Head Master Judge
Paula Woolsey, CSW – (Cellar Door Unhinged), a member of the Society of Wine Educators since 1998, she became a Certified Specialist of Wine in 2000, Italian Wine Specialist certified in 2004 and Gallo Wine Academy certified in 2007. She has also been Cellar Master Certified by the Master Court of Sommeliers since 2001. Paula has sat on the Board of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium since its inception in 2008 and for the past 11 years she has been an instructor at Yavapai College in the Viticulture program.
Dale Sparks
Advanced Sommelier
Dale Sparks, was the founder, owner and C.E.O. of Arizona wholesaler Quench Fine Wines from 2003- 2010 and before that the Founder and Managing Director of Arizona wholesaler, Boutique Wines, 1998-2002. He served as Cellarmaster at the Phoenician Resort 1997-1998 and began his wine career as the sommelier at Anthony’s in the Catalina’s in Tucson, Arizona from 1989-1997. He holds an Advanced Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Sam Pillsbury
Pillsbury Wine Company
Sam Pillsbury, of Pillsbury Wine Company has grown at a stunning rate, doubling sales each year since their first release in 2012. His 100 acre vineyard is located in the Willcox AVA and is a sustainable and virtually organic vineyard. Producing 3,000 cases annually. Phoenix Magazine has called him ‘Best Local Winemaker’ and Arizona Foothills Magazine has voted Pillsbury Wine Company ‘Best Arizona Winery’. Jancis Robinson in her book ‘American Wine’ praised his Viognier and Roan Red, writing that he makes ‘some of the best wines in Arizona.’
Wes Schemmer
Vino di Sedona
Wes Schemmer – (Owner, Vino di Sedona), started in the wine business at the age of 16. He has run and operated several multi-million dollar retail wine and liquor stores, has worked in the wholesale wine industry representing some the best wineries in the world. Along with his wife Rebecca, Wes opened Vino di Sedona in 2014. Vino is Northern Arizona’s largest wine bar and wine retailer. With over 60 wines by-the-glass and a selection of about 1000 varieties of wine available from around the world. At Vino Di Sedona Wes has offered educational wine tastings and opportunities for consumers to expand their knowledge and palates.
Julia Dixon
Head Winemaker for Four Tails Vineyard
Gary Spadafore
Spada4Solutions
Gary Spadafore – For his entire career, Gary Spadafore has been active in the adult beverage trade, both on a business and personal level. He has traveled extensively through the wine and spirit regions of Europe, New Zealand, South America and North America to enhance his knowledge. He has spent over 35 years in the adult beverage trade. After retiring as Director of Education for a major wine and spirits wholesaler in Phoenix, AZ, he founded Spada4Solutions LLC. He will use his wealth of experience in the hotel/restaurant & wine and spirits industry to plan, create and deliver any type of wine and spirits educational program. He completely understands that for education to be effective, it must also be entertaining.
Ron Brumley
Winemaker/ Vineyard Manager for Alcantara Vineyard and Winery
Arizona Native. Retired from Technology/Internet. Started in the Arizona wine industry in 2012. Currently Winemaker/ Vineyard Manager for Alcantara Vineyard and Winery in Camp Verde. I have lived in the Verde Valley for 11 years. Hobbies include fishing, SUP, NASCAR, baseball and restoring old Chevy trucks. I worked with the Sedona & Telluride Wine Festivals and served on several committees within the Arizona wine community.
2020 Competition Judges
Paula Woolsey
EWC&S: Head Master Judge
Eric Glomski
Page Springs Cellars
Jennifer Montgomery
Executive Director of AWGA
Sam Pillsbury
Pillsbury Wine Company
Aaron Weiss
Oddity Wine Collective
Gary Spadafore
Spada4Solutions
Wes Schemmer
Vino di Sedona
Assisting this year’s judges are Dean Pefanis and Andrew Stover
2019 Competition Judges
Paula Woolsey
EWC&S: Head Master Judge
T. Scott Stephens
Annual Judge AWGA
Eric Glomski
Page Springs Cellars
Andrew Stover
Vino50
Jennifer Montgomery
Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners
Matt Raica
Arizona Stronghold
Sam Pillsbury
Pillsbury Wine Company
2018 Competition Judges
Paula Woolsey
Head Judge
Susie Selby
Selby Winery
Dale Sparks
Advanced Sommelier
Matt Raica
Arizona Stronghold
Kevin Maguier
Chaine des Rotisseurs, Sedona Bailliage
Jim O'Meally
Sommelier, Up the Creek Bistro
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