Tasting & Tap Room Expo Awards Overview
The Awards of Excellence Program is designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the adult beverage industry, specifically honoring tasting & tap room managers, owners, operators and staff for their exceptional contributions. The program covers various categories.
Awards Categories
Make sure your brand is eligible and meets the requirements of the competition.
LEARN MORE 
Awards Considerations
Make sure your brand is eligible and meets the requirements of the competition.
LEARN MORE 
Dates & Cost
Design and marketing submissions must have been created and in use after November 30, 2022
LEARN MORE Awards - Categories
Tasting Room Manager of the Year (Wine, Spirits, Other):
- Demonstrated expertise in curating a diverse and exceptional beverage selection.
- Has been active in beverage classes and education (WSET, Cicerone, Etc.)
- Implemented or managed innovative tasting experiences and events.
- Contribution to the overall success and growth of the establishment.
Tap Room Manager of the Year
- Demonstrated expertise in curating a diverse and exceptional beverage selection.
- Has been active in beverage classes and education (WSET, Cicerone, Etc.)
- Implemented or managed innovative tasting experiences and events.
- Contribution to the overall success and growth of the establishment.
Tasting Room of the Year
Atmosphere: Ambiance, decor, and overall esthetic appeal
Service: Staff knowledge/education, friendliness, and customer engagement.
Beverage Selection: Selection: Diversity, quality, and uniqueness of offerings.
Innovation: Introduction of creative tasting experiences or events.
Tap Room of the Year
Atmosphere: Ambiance, decor, and overall esthetic appeal.
Service: Staff knowledge/education, friendliness, and customer engagement.
Beverage Selection: Diversity, quality, and uniqueness of offerings.
Innovation: Introduction of creative tasting experiences or events.
Service: Staff knowledge/education, friendliness, and customer engagement.
Beverage Selection: Diversity, quality, and uniqueness of offerings.
Innovation: Introduction of creative tasting experiences or events.
Architectural Design of the Year
Aesthetic Appeal: Overall visual appeal and harmony.
Functionality: Efficient use of space for both staff and patrons.
Innovation: Unique architectural elements that enhance the overall experience.
Sustainability: Consideration of eco-friendly and sustainable design practices.
The Awards of Excellence in Tasting & Tap Rooms and Craft Beverage seeks to inspire excellence in the tasting and tap room and craft beverage industry and provide wider recognition and visibility to those who contribute significantly to the overall experience.
Awards - Considerations
Judging Process
- An expert panel comprised of Tasting & Tap Room and Craft Beverage Expo Advisory Board Members along with industry professionals, designers, and experienced educators will evaluate nominations.
- Evaluation will be based on a scoring and rating system, considering the specific criteria for each category.
- Judges may conduct on-site visits, where applicable, to assess firsthand the nominee’s contributions and achievements.
Benefits of Competing
- All nominees/finalists will be recognized on the event websites along with onsite at the Tasting & Tap Room Expo May 7-8 in Reno, Nevada
- Winners in each category will receive an award onsite and be individually recognized during a special ceremony at the Tasting & Tap Room Expo on May 7-8 in Reno, Nevada
- Winners will receive physical awards and electronic winner logos for digital promotion
- Winners receive print and digital exposure through placement in industry publications and promoted through various channels to enhance their reputation including at SommCon 2024
- Promotion on SommGo, SommCon’s on demand streaming education resource for the professional adult beverage community
- A press release announcing winners will be distributed after event with a template provided to winners for individual distribution
Nomination Process
- Nominees may be contacted to submit additional supporting materials such as head shots, biographies, images, videos, testimonials, and documentation of achievements after they submit.
- A selection committee will review nominations and determine finalists.
Important Dates & Cost
- Cost: $95/submission
- Design and marketing submissions must have been created and in use after November 30, 2022
- Nominations Open: Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024
- Nominations Close: Monday April 1, 2024
- Notification Period: April 2 – April 4, 2024
- Awards Ceremony: May 7, 2024 at the Tasting & Tap Room Expo | Craft Beverage Expo
