Nashville to Host Unique Wine Competition
Nashville brings wine aficionados together for a one-of-a-kind event, the Somm Super Bowl, sponsored by the Nashville Wine Auction. This exciting competition takes place on Sunday, November 10, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Wesley Mortgage Club located in Nissan Stadium. Don’t worry about missing any Titans action; the team will be away for a game against the Chargers that day.
An Overview of the Somm Super Bowl
Thanks to popular documentaries like Somm and Uncorked, more people are learning about the competitive nature of the wine business. In the Somm Super Bowl, six local wine experts will compete to claim the title of top sommelier. Throughout the competition, they will face three exciting rounds, each designed to test their knowledge and skills in the wine world. After each round, two contestants will be eliminated until one remains victorious.
Round One: Wine and Food Pairing
In the first round, the six sommeliers will showcase their talents by selecting wines to pair with dishes prepared by local chefs. Each contestant will explain their choice and the audience will get to sample these pairings. Participants and judges will vote for their favorite combinations, and the four highest-scoring somms will advance to the next stage of the competition.
Round Two: Jeopardy! Style Wine Quiz
The four somms who move on will face a Jeopardy! style quiz focused on their wine knowledge. It will be a battle of wits as they answer questions about various aspects of wine. The two competitors with the highest scores will head to the final showdown.
Round Three: Blind Tasting Challenge
The anticipation builds as the final two contestants enter the last round—the blind tasting challenge. Here, they will taste two or three mystery wines and try to identify them based on grape variety, country, region, and vintage. The audience will also participate in this round, experiencing the challenge firsthand and testing their abilities against the professionals. The sommelier who gets the most details correct will be crowned the winner.
Judges and Moderators
An expert panel will judge the competitors in each round. Leading the event will be Jonathan Ross, a master sommelier and wine importer, alongside Calvin Webster, a wine consultant with a WSET Level 4 Diploma. Their expertise will ensure that the competition is fair and exciting.
Event Participation and Tickets
A highlight for attendees is the chance to taste the same wines and dishes as the competitors. This immersive experience makes it feel like everyone is part of the competition. The top two finishers will win cash prizes, which they can use to further their wine education, making the competition not just about bragging rights but also about advancing their careers.
To qualify for the event, contestants must have at least five years of industry experience. They can apply through a screening process that ensures the competition is challenging and showcases the best talent. Applications will be accepted until August 16, giving enthusiastic sommeliers one last chance to join the fun.
Join the Excitement
If you want to be part of the action and witness this thrilling competition, tickets are available through the event website. Attending the Somm Super Bowl promises an afternoon of entertainment, education, and great wine, making it an event not to miss for any wine lover in the Nashville area.
As the countdown to November 10 begins, anticipation for the Somm Super Bowl builds. Wine enthusiasts are in for a treat, with opportunities to learn from the experts while enjoying delicious pairings.
