Super Early Bird Ends
October 31, 2024
Judging
Date
May 19, 2025
Winners Announcement
June 10, 2025
Argentine wineries entering the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards now have a golden opportunity to gain valuable insights into the U.S. market. The top-scoring Argentine wine in the competition will be awarded an exclusive 30-minute consultation with Zane Holscher, Founder of VINUV, a leading importer specializing in Argentine wines. This consultation will provide expert guidance on navigating the complexities of the U.S. wine market and exploring potential representation partnerships to help Argentine wines flourish in the United States.
The Sommeliers Choice Awards is one of the most highly regarded wine competitions in the world, judged by professional sommeliers, wine buyers, and restaurant industry leaders. Unlike other competitions, Sommeliers Choice Awards evaluate wines based on quality, value, and packaging—ensuring that wines are not only exceptional in taste but also commercially viable and attractive to on-premise buyers. Winning a medal in this competition signals to industry professionals that a wine has been thoroughly vetted and deemed ideal for restaurants, bars, and hotels.
For Argentine wineries looking to increase their presence in the U.S. market, entering the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards is a strategic move. Not only will the top-scoring Argentine wine receive international recognition, but the exclusive consultation with Zane Holscher offers a chance to further understand U.S. market dynamics and explore growth opportunities.
Meet Your Argentina Wine Importer: Zane Holscher, Founder of VINUV
Zane Holscher, the founder of VINUV, brings years of expertise in importing premium Argentine wines to the U.S. market. With a keen understanding of both the U.S. wine landscape and Argentine wine culture, VINUV has built a strong reputation for representing some of the best Argentine wineries. Holscher’s insight into U.S. distribution channels, retail trends, and consumer preferences will offer invaluable guidance for Argentine wineries looking to expand internationally. Also read an interview Zane, your Argentina wine importer here.
In addition to the 30-minute consultation, Holscher will also discuss the possibility of a representation partnership for the winning winery in the U.S. market. This partnership could help Argentine wines secure a stronger foothold in the competitive U.S. wine industry, offering a unique advantage to the top-scoring winery.
Zane Holscher (on the right), a fine wine importer of wines from Argentina, and our Sommeliers Choice Awards Brand and Category Ambassador for Argentina
VINUV focuses on offering wines that are approachable and affordable without sacrificing quality. Zane and Mindy’s dedication to boutique, small-batch wines ensures that every bottle tells the unique story of the region and its winemakers.
Zane acknowledges that importing wines from lesser-known regions like Argentina comes with its own set of challenges. However, he views these challenges as opportunities. Rising shipping costs, supply chain hurdles, and limited inventory have created difficulties, but they also present an opening for restaurants and retailers to explore more unique wine offerings at competitive price points. "Consumers today are always on the lookout for something new and different," Zane says. "By importing wines from the Uco Valley, we're able to offer a product that is distinctive, high-quality, and perfect for anyone looking to explore something off the beaten path."
Zane’s advice for winemakers looking to expand their presence in international markets is simple: focus on authenticity and storytelling. "Consumers connect with the story behind the wine as much as the wine itself," Zane explains. "They want to feel like they’re part of something special when they open a bottle."
As a Regional and Category Ambassador for the Sommeliers Choice Awards, Zane plays a pivotal role in helping wineries gain recognition in the U.S. market. His involvement with the Sommeliers Choice Awards allows him to showcase the best wines from Argentina, helping consumers and professionals discover wines that might otherwise remain unknown.
Argentine wineries stand to gain significant benefits by entering the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards, including:
a) U.S. Market Insights: The top-scoring Argentine winery will receive personalized advice from a leading importer, helping them navigate the complexities of the U.S. market, including distribution, pricing, and consumer trends.
b) Potential Representation Partnership: In addition to the consultation, Zane Holscher will explore the possibility of representing the winning Argentine wine in the U.S. market, opening doors to increased distribution and visibility.
c) Global Recognition: Winning a medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards positions wines in front of a global audience of industry professionals, buyers, and sommeliers, significantly boosting the brand's reputation.
d) Expert Feedback: The competition’s panel of judges—comprising sommeliers and wine buyers—provides valuable feedback on how wines can perform in the U.S. on-premise market, ensuring wines meet the needs of restaurants and bars.
Argentine wine region, Zane focuses to import from small wineries and small regions of Argentina
VINUV is a prominent U.S.-based importer focused on bringing premium Argentine wines to American consumers. Led by Zane Holscher, the company is dedicated to showcasing the diverse and high-quality offerings of Argentina’s wine regions. VINUV has become a trusted partner for Argentine wineries looking to expand in the U.S., leveraging its expertise to navigate the challenges of market entry, distribution, and promotion.
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Argentine wineries are encouraged to submit their wines for the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. With the added bonus of a consultation and the potential for a representation partnership with VINUV, this competition offers unparalleled opportunities for Argentine wines to break into the U.S. market.
Take your Argentine wine to the next level in the U.S. market by entering the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards and seizing this exclusive opportunity with Zane Holscher of VINUV!
Also read other articles here:
Argentina Unveiled: Discover Her Best-Kept Wine Secrets
Leaders at Four of Argentina’s Best Wineries Discuss Terroir: Part One
Leaders at Four of Argentina’s Best Wineries Discuss Terroir: Part Two
2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards submissions is now open for domestic and international wines. Enter your Wines to get the super early bird pricing before October 31, 2024