Pacific Rim Wine Competition

05/23/2026

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05/04/2026

We're excited to announce the winners of our 2026 Label Competition at the Pacific Rim Wine Competition. Congratulations to all the winners! 🍷

05/04/2026

We’re proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Pacific Rim Wine Competition 🍷✨

After careful tasting and judging, these standout wines rose to the top—showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, character, and flavor. A special thank you to all the amazing participants this year! Stay tuned for label winners. Cheers! 🍷

04/21/2026

We've added one more judge to our lineup....Dan Stirewalt is the Director of Center Store at Stater Bros. Markets, where he leads the beer, liquor, and wine category management team and oversees strategy, assortment, and performance across the business.

With a strong foundation in category leadership, Dan brings a well-rounded retail perspective to the Pacific Wine Competition, combining an understanding of consumer preferences with hands-on experience in building impactful wine programs at scale.

Check out our website to read more about Dan and all our other judges.

www.pacificrimwinecomp.com

02/18/2026

02/15/2026

Last but not least, we have Jeff Degner:, another returning judge here at Pacific Rim. Jeff grew up in the Pacific Northwest where he first was introduced to Pinot Noir. Jeff spent the early part of his career in the technology industry but left in 2009 to pursue his passion for wine. Jeff has been a retail wine buyer for over 12 years and most recently accepted a Portfolio Manager On and Off Premise at Specs Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods in Texas. Over those 12 years, Jeff was the Vice-Echanson and later the Bailli of the San Antonio chapter of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. He is a Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers, and a Certified Specialist of Wine.
www.pacificrimwinecomp.com

02/14/2026

Jamie Knee, known globally as the Petite Wine Traveler, is a global wine travel media personality and luxury wine and wine travel writer who specializes in destination storytelling and bespoke wine experiences around the world. Recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Wine, Hospitality and Media, she brings together wine, travel, and culture for audiences across television, print, and live events.

An accomplished international wine professional, Jamie regularly judges for leading competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Berliner Wein Trophy, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Central Coast Wine Competition, California State Fair Wine Competition, and others. Her credentials include Certified Specialist of Wine, WSET certified, Sommelier I, Spanish Wine Scholar, Rioja Educator, Cava Educator, Champagne Expert, American Wine Expert, and California Wine Appellation Specialist.
www.pacificrimwinecomp.com

02/14/2026

Brian Marquez, Winemaker, born and raised in Southern California has been in Temecula Valley for over 30 years. A self-described perfectionist, he has constantly refined his practices, wines, and techniques. Brian likes to approach classic wines with a southern California flair while applying his knowledge from his studies at UC Davis. With his passion and love for his hometown of Temecula, Brian is constantly pushing to improve the quality and reputation of wines from this esteemed region of California.
www.pacificrimwinecomp.com

02/14/2026

Jeff Slankard is the Wine and Beer Director of Barons Market, a chain of specialty food stores located in San Diego and Riverside counties. He has been in the retail wine business in San Diego for over 30 years. He has judged at numerous wine competitions including the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, the Central Coast Wine Competition and the Toast of the Coast Wine Competition. Jeff lives in North County San Diego with his wife and two sons.
www.pacificrimwinecomp.com

02/13/2026

Shawn Richcreek is passionate about people, passionate about wine education and most importantly, he is passionate about providing amazing customer experiences! He is currently the West Coast Regional Business Partner for Total Wine & More, supporting 65+ locations. Shawn also teaches wine education classes for California State University San Bernardino’s Osher Institute in Palm Desert. Prior to Joining Total Wine & More, Shawn worked for 13 years for Beverages & More where he was the Director of Training for their retail stores. Prior to that, Shawn was the Southern California wine buyer for Cost Plus World Market and has worked on the retail side of the Wine and Spirits business in Southern California for more than 25 years. Shawn is a Certified Sommelier and a Certified Specialist of Spirits.
www.pacificrimwinecomp.com