Super Early Bird Deadline
October 31, 2025
Judging
Date
May 18, 2026
Winners
Announced
June 10, 2026
Greg Spalding's journey into wine started in 2009 when it was suggested to him that he drink a glass of wine instead of a beer. Since that first glass, he has devoted his life trying to recreate that "first sip" feeling for others through education and hospitality. Greg is an Advanced Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas and is currently seeking the MS certification. He also recently passed the exam to become an Italian Wine Ambassador through the Vinitaly International Academy. Greg is a highly active member of the sommelier community here in Chicago as a member of Second City Sommeliers, a group dedicated to mentorship of wine professionals in tasting, service, and beverage knowledge.
He previously served as a board member for five years in the organization and continues to help grow wine minds in their educational pursuits. Currently, he is serving in a retail capacity as a Fine Wine Specialist at Vin here in the city.