Sommlympics 2024

Sommlympics is a prestigious, high-stakes competition designed to celebrate the art of wine and the mastery of the sommelier. This unique event brings together teams of three industry professionals and wine aficionados, who will compete in a series of rigorous challenges encompassing wine theory, service, and blind tasting.

Hosted by Kelly Cornett of A Cork in the Road

Meet the Judges

  • Chelsea Young

    CREATOR OF SOMMLYMPICS

    An Atlanta native and the mastermind behind Sommlympics, Chelsea has been immersed in the wine world since the age of 19. As the owner of the Oenophile Institute, she’s built a hub for wine education and community in Atlanta. Chelsea holds the prestigious dipWSET title, is a certified WSET educator, and is currently pursuing the coveted Master of Wine, as a Stage 1 student. 

  • Jane Lopes

    IMPORTER, AUTHOR, SOMMELIER

    Jane, a Nashville-based sommelier, author, and importer, brings her impressive résumé to the Sommlympics judges' panel. She’s worked at some of the world's most iconic restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park and Attica. In 2018, Jane passed the master sommelier exam, a rare achievement. Jane is the co-founder of the Australian wine import company, Legend, with husband Jonathan Ross. She’s also a published author, with her debut book Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles, and her latest release How to Drink Australian co-authored with her husband. 

  • Henna Bakshi

    EDITOR, WRITER, COMMUNICATOR

    Henna, the Atlanta Editor at Eater, is an award-winning food and wine journalist who has spent over a decade producing news at CNN. Her passion for wine, paired with her WSET Level 3 certification, has led to features in Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, and VinePair, among others. Henna recently won the Gusbourne Estate Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Long-Form Writing and the 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Short-Form Video. 

Don’t miss a moment

For the true wine aficionado, don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to experience all three thrilling Sommlympics events in one day! With the All-Day Pass, you'll have VIP access to the ultimate showdown of wine knowledge, tasting skills, and service mastery—culminating in the highly anticipated Award Ceremony.

  • Welcome bubbles

    Ticket to all 3 events: The Palate Puzzle, The Perfect Pour, and The Grapevine Challenge

    VIP seating

    Exclusive wine options to sip while spectating

    A ticket to the Award Ceremony

Individual Events

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Sommlympics 2024

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Individual Events | Sommlympics 2024 |

The palate puzzle

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

at the Oenophile Institute

The Palate Puzzle – a thrilling blind tasting competition featuring four mystery wines! One competitor from each team will showcase their expertise, and you get to be part of the action, tasting all four wines alongside the Sommlympians. Can you guess the varietals, regions, or vintages?

Spectators not only get to enjoy the wines tasted in the competition but also indulge in 2 additional glasses of wine!

Sponsored by: TBD

The PErfect Pour

1:00pm - 3:00pm

at the Vineyard Wine Market

The Perfect Pour, where elite Sommlympians face off in a high-stakes challenge featuring sparkling and vintage wines! Each Sommlympian will showcase their precision and finesse in an immersive wine service competition—and you will be one of the lucky guests at the table. As a guest, enjoy the VIP treatment with a full glass of one of these extraordinary wines!

Spectators will also receive 2 additional glasses of wine to sip on during the competition

Sponsored by: TBD

grapevine challenge

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

at the Oenophile Institute

The Grapevine Challenge, a high-energy, Jeopardy-style wine theory competition where Sommlympians face off in a test of knowledge, wit, and speed—with plenty of twists along the way! Who will reign supreme in this ultimate battle of wine expertise?

As a spectator, you’re not just watching—you’ll be part of the action! Enjoy 2 glasses of wine while you play along with your own scorecard. Can you keep up with the pros?

Sponsored by: TBD

AWARDS Ceremony

Medals will be awarded at the close of each event, but the ultimate point tally and Grand Prize winning team will be revealed during the exclusive Award Ceremony.

Want the full experience? Purchase an Award Ceremony Ticket for just $20 with purchase of individual event ticket and be part of the grand finale!

Limited Availability

All Sommlympics spectators must be 21 years of age or older. Spectators are required to maintain appropriate decorum throughout the event and are expected not to overindulge in the wine served. Any disruptive behavior will result in removal from the event without a refund. By purchasing tickets, spectators agree to have their email addresses shared with sponsors associated with the corresponding event tickets.