The Best of Wine Country Awards recognize the wine country community for its excellence in all things — the creative, innovative, philanthropic, eco-friendly and unique components of wineries we know and love. We invite you to check out the award categories and submit your votes.
All nominees have to be located in Northern California from Monterey to Mendocino. The Best of Wine Country Awards Steering Committee has selected nominees and winners be based on the votes we receive from you!
The winners will be featured in the November issue of San Francisco Magazine as well as celebrated at the Best of Wine Country Awards in Fall 2019
Interested in sponsoring the 2019 Best of Wine Country Awards? Email Adriana at aanegelini@modernluxury.com
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who represents the best?
The 2019 Best of Wine Country Nominees
2019
Steering Committee
Maureen L. Cottingham
Executive Director of Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance
Philana Bouvier
Senir VP New Business Development, Young Market’s Company
Tom Fuller
Owner of Fuller & Sander Communications, Inc
Todd Zapolski
Principal of Zapolski Holding, LLC
Lindsay Gallagher
President of Visit Napa Valley
Michael Polenske
Creative Director, Chairman & Founder of Bespoke Collection
Rick Walker
President & CEO of Festival Napa Valley
Walter Kupiec
Market President of San Francisco magazine and Silicon Valley magazine
Jeff Nead
Partner at Glodow Nead Communications
Pati Poblete
Editor-in-Chief of San Francisco magazine
Emily Martin
Owner of Emily Martin Communications & Events
Alf Nucifora
Chairman for The Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco
Colby Smith
Executive & Founder of Concierge Alliance of Napa and Sonoma
Ian White
Wine Director at San Francisco Magazine
Dr. Liz Thach, MW
Distinguished Professor of Wine at Sonoma State University
Travis Stanley
President & CEO of Napa Chamber
Richard Von Saal
Principal Artist and Proprietor of Vonsaal Design Build
Tim Zahner
Executive Director at Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
Frequently Asked Questions
NOMINATIONS & VOTING
AWARDS GALA
Who nominates for the final winners? The Steering Committee is responsible for selecting the nominees.
Who is eligible for nomination? All wineries, festivals, transportation companies and wine educators located in Northern California from Monterey to Mendocino.
Can a candidate be nominated in more than one category? Yes, as long as a candidate is eligible in each category.
How do I submit my vote? Voting form will be available on our site when the voting period begins.
What is the voting deadline? 30 days after voting period begins.
When will the final award winners be announced? The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala on November 12 at The Pearl and will also be featured in the November issue of San Francisco magazine.
Who will attend the Awards Gala? The Awards Gala will comprise of a specially curated group of individuals who are wine connoisseurs, industry professionals, and VIPs of the Steering Committee and San Francisco magazine. All final award nominees will receive invitations for themselves and a guest. We also have an exclusive amount of tickets available to the general public.
How will the winners be announced? Halfway through the event all nominees will be asked to gather on the first floor of The Pearl. On stage we will announce the winner of each category. The winner will have a moment on stage to accept his or her award, take a photo and be presented with a special gift.
What's the dress code? Cocktail attire.
Where will the Awards Gala be held? The Pearl in San Francisco (601 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94107)
What is the timing of the Gala: VIP: 6:00-7:00, GA: 7:00-10:00