This PA Wines annual event in its eighth year convenes top wine professionals to spotlight and elevate the quality and potential of Pennsylvania-grown wines. A curated selection of dry wines—vinifera varietals and select hybrids—were submitted by 19 wineries from across the Commonwealth for blind evaluation by an expert panel of 15 sommeliers, wine writers, buyers, and educators with experience in cool-climate wines.
The Sommelier Judgment of PA Wines plays a vital role in spotlighting the growing excellence and potential of Pennsylvania’s wine industry. With a focus on dry wines made from 100% Pennsylvania-grown fruit, the event underscores the region’s ability to produce wines that rival those from more established wine regions. By gathering a panel of experienced sommeliers, buyers, writers, and educators, this initiative promotes greater awareness, respect, and recognition for Pennsylvania wines—both locally and beyond. Ultimately, the goal is to foster pride in the Commonwealth’s winegrowing, support producers committed to quality and innovation, and open new opportunities for these wines to earn their place on restaurant lists, in cellars, and in national conversations.
Over the course of two tasting rounds, the panel blind-tasted more than 85 wines, evaluating each for appearance, aroma and bouquet, taste and texture, finish, and overall impression. In the first round, wines were grouped into sparkling, white, rosé, and red categories. The top 20% advanced to a second round for final deliberation. All wines were judged blind; panelists were provided only the grape varietal and vintage—details such as producer, region, and price remained undisclosed.
