In October 2024, the USA Wine Tasting Team made history, fielding an all-woman roster at the World Blind Tasting Championship held at the stunning Château Dauzac in Bordeaux, France. Representing our country on the global stage was both an honor and a thrill—a culmination of months of training, study, and palate refinement.
The competition itself is unlike any other. Thirty-nine countries came together for this unique and humbling challenge: twelve wines, tasted blind, each requiring rapid assessment and team consensus on grape variety, country, region, appellation, and vintage. With only ten minutes per wine, it’s a true test of not just knowledge and sensory acuity, but communication and trust.
Our team approached every glass with focus and curiosity, balancing confidence with humility.
We were proud to finish tied for 19th among an exceptionally talented field. More than the score, what will stay with us is the experience—the lively camaraderie, good-natured rivalry, and shared respect among teams who all speak the same universal language: wine. Spending time with fellow sommeliers, winemakers, educators, and tasters from across the globe underscored how small and connected our industry truly is.
Competing as an all-woman team added another layer of pride. In a field still largely dominated by men, we were able to showcase not just our individual skills but the strength of collaboration and shared leadership. Every answer was built collectively, every decision shaped by diverse perspectives and palates working in harmony.
Outside of the competition, the days were filled with rich conversations, laughter, and a renewed sense of purpose. Being in Bordeaux—surrounded by vineyards, history, and the heart of fine wine—only amplified the magic of the experience.
This was more than a competition. It was an opportunity to grow as tasters, as professionals, and as a team. We left Château Dauzac with deeper trust in each other, sharper palates, and a fire to keep improving. Representing the USA was a privilege; doing so alongside three incredible women was a gift.
We’re already looking ahead to the next championship, ready to build on this foundation and aim even higher. But for now, we raise a glass to the 2024 World Blind Tasting Championship—an unforgettable journey of wine, teamwork, and honor.
