Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025 is excited to welcome Master Sommelier Jonathan Ross to its judging panel, convening in Chicago on May 19, 2025.

Master Sommelier Jonathan Ross stepped foot in the restaurant industry with his one-year gig at the Manhattan-based seafood restaurant Oceana. He then became Head Sommelier at Eleven Madison Park, where during his five years the restaurant claimed the top spot on the 2017 San Pellegrino’s 50 Best list. This was also the year he earned the title of Master Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

He then relocated to Melbourne, Australia, after being hired by the Rockpool Dining Group as its Group Beverage Director. While there, he established Micro Wines, a wine retail label that sells Australian wines. 

Image Title and Credits: Jonathan Ross MS and Jane Lopes MS with their book

Having worked in the Australian wine industry for a couple of years, Jonathan Ross MS has since used his knowledge to begin LEGEND, a wine import company bringing wines from down under to America, along with his wife Jane Lopes MS. The couple even used their expertise in the industry to write a book titled How to Drink Australian. In addition to owning two companies and co-authoring a book, he is also the Wine Director of The Twelve Thirty Club and The Global Ambassador Hotel. 

With such involvement in the wine industry, Jonathan Ross MS will be lending his expertise and discerning palate to evaluate the best wines at the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025.

Also read: 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards Welcomes Master Sommelier Elyse Lambert To Its Judging Panel

Image title and Credits: Sommeliers Choice Awards Judging Panel

About Sommeliers Choice Awards

Happening annually, the Sommeliers Choice Awards is a renowned competition that recognizes the best wines by considering factors such as their food pairability, typicity, value, quality and packaging. 

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Why enter the Sommeliers Choice Awards?

Entering the Sommeliers Choice Awards offers significant value for wine producers by enhancing brand visibility and recognition within the industry. Presenting your product at SCA connects you with influential sommeliers and on-premise wine buyers from top U.S. restaurants and bars. Participants receive detailed feedback on key criteria, market insights, and professional tasting notes, along with the opportunity for global media exposure.

Header image sourced from Court of Master Sommeliers

Related links
How to Enter Your Wine in The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards
The Full List of Judges in the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards