BARTENDER
The annual VinePair Next Wave Awards recognize spirits, wine, and beer professionals who have distinguished themselves in the past year for propelling the industry forward to a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future.
This year's Next Wave Awards celebrate the people and organizations creating community in their spaces, innovating in their fields, and revolutionizing drinks culture as we know it.
Read on to learn more about the winners and their exceptional contributions to the drinks industry this year.
BAR PROGRAM
DRINKS PROFESSIONAL
F&B PROGRAM
SPIRITS BRAND
MASTER DISTILLER
WINERY
WINE PROFESSIONAL
SOMMELIER
RETAILER
BREWER
BREWERY
NONPROFIT
ADVOCATE
RISING DRINKS BRAND
BAR PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
DRINKS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
FOOD & BEVERAGE PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Shinji's
Garret Richard
Erick Castro
Theodora
Tequila Ocho
SPIRITS BRAND OF THE YEAR
Marianne Eaves
MASTER DISTILLER OF THE YEAR
Outward Wines
Dan Petroski
WINE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
WINERY OF THE YEAR
WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
Lee Campbell
Eun Hee Kwon
SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR
Derek Gallanosa
BREWER OF THE YEAR
Seelbach's
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
Surfside
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
BREWERY OF THE YEAR
RISING DRINKS BRAND OF THE YEAR
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling
Clover Club
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
INDUSTRY ICON OF THE YEAR
Reggie
Leonard
READ MORE
You’ll find more than meets the eye at Shinji’s, the acclaimed Manhattan cocktail bar sitting back-to-back with omakase restaurant Noda. Here, beverage director Jonathan Adler and the talented bar team challenge the laws of chemistry to divine cocktail magic.
Shinji's
BAR PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
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A tiki enthusiast before he was old enough to drink, Garret Richard forged his storied career in New York City, most recently and notably as Chief Cocktail Officer at Brooklyn’s Sunken Harbor Club. There, his technique-driven, often-understated tropical creations continue to entice both industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Garret Richard
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
As co-owner of Gilly’s House of Cocktails, Erick Castro’s multifaceted career has come full circle. From cutting his teeth bartending at pizza parlors and bowling alleys to shaping the San Diego bar scene, the acclaimed hospitality veteran is a bona fide industry innovator.
Erick Castro
DRINKS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
WHAT SHOULD I ORDER?
Hover to explore Theodora's Menu
SOURDOUGH
Whipped Ricotta, Brown Butter, Honey, Sage
HIRAMASA
Finger Lime, Avocado, Dashi
SWORDFISH BELLY SKEWER
Ají Dulce, Whipped Labne, Za'atar
PRAWNS
Honey Habanero, Pineapple Pico de Gallo
WHOLE BUTTERFLIED TROUT
Pil Pil, Harissa, Chermoula
CHANTICO
Rye, Lamb, Anchovy, Rosemary, Applewood
AISHA QUANDISHA
Gin, Harissa, Strawberry, Egg White
HOUSE PAINKILLER
Rums, Pineapple, Coconut, Turmeric
XITOMATL
Gin, Tomato Water, Vermouth, Basil
READ MORE
At Tomer Blechman’s new Fort Greene hotspot, smoke and spice can be found behind every corner. Fanning the flames are an open-fire kitchen, expert dry-aged fish, and a whimsical wine and cocktail program that cranks up the heat on Mediterranean and global flavors.
Theodora
FOOD & BEVERAGE PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
ATYP
Milan Nestarec, Moravia, Czech Republic
READ MORE
Founded by two agave legends, industry darling Tequila Ocho champions terroir and time in the Jalisco Highlands. There, master tequilero Carlos Camarena and generations of jimadors and their families produce top-notch tequila using planet-friendly farming, time-honored tradition, and a whole lot of heart.
Tequila Ocho
SPIRITS BRAND OF THE YEAR
Los Alambiques, Tequila Ocho's new distillery and visitor's experience in Arandas, Mexico, opened in 2023
READ MORE
Tennessee born and Kentucky raised, Marianne Eaves has rewritten the narrative of what a master distiller does and what a master distiller looks like, having become the first female to hold the title in Kentucky since Prohibition. Following stints at Brown-Forman and Castle & Key, Eaves launched Forbidden Bourbon in 2023.
Marianne Eaves
MASTER DISTILLER OF THE YEAR
“I decided I didn’t want to put anything in a bottle that I did not make by hand myself.”
READ MORE
At a time when brands are always chasing the latest trend, Outward Wines is steadfast in its commitment to producing single-varietal, site-specific wines. Based in the burgeoning San Luis Obispo Coast, winemakers Ryan Pace and Natalie Siddique showcase the many microclimates of California’s often-underrated Central Coast region.
Outward Wines
WINERY OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
Although Massican’s refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired whites have been long-adored by sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike, founder and winemaker Dan Petroski propelled the Napa Valley-based winery to new heights over the past year. Through the brand’s partnership with Gallo, Massican is poised to reshape the category of American white wine.
Dan Petroski
WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
“The Pinot Grigio is an opportunity for us to show the world that we can make these wonderful Italian-style white wines in California."
Richard builds the popular Rhyme of The Ancient Mariner, his reinvented take on the classic navy grog.
Castro reopened Gilly’s in 2023, refreshing the cocktail menu but retaining its original dive bar character.
Each wine's scenic label evokes the distinctive terrain on which its grapes are grown.
READ MORE
With decades of experience in the wine industry, Lee Campell has worked nearly every job imaginable, from sommelier to winemaker. Now, she’s uplifting smaller producers by serving as a partner at Common Wealth Crush and tackling her next project as sommelier at the newly opened Flatiron restaurant Borgo.
Lee Campbell
WINE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
After leaving a career in graphic design, Eun Hee Kwon jumped into the wine world headfirst, working as a sommelier at top NYC restaurants like Naro, Le Coucou, and Saga. When she’s not on the floor, Kwon hosts in-person pop-ups and shares educational wine content with her broad online following.
Eun Hee Kwon
SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
Since 2018, Washington D.C.-based online retailer Seelbach’s has connected whiskey enthusiasts with small-scale craft spirits that aren’t available nationwide via traditional distribution. Named after Louisville’s famed Seelbach Hotel, the retailer also offers its own line of sourced whiskey.
Seelbach's
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
At Albuquerque’s Bow & Arrow Brewing, craft beer transcends the pint glass and becomes a means for reclaiming agricultural histories that have been lost to time. On top of showcasing unsung indigenous ingredients in its beers, the brewery is spearheading initiatives to raise money for Native American nonprofits across the continent.
Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
BREWERY OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
After leaving Moksa Brewing in 2023, heavily decorated brewer and pastry stout pioneer Derek Gallanosa returned home to become the director of beer operations at San Diego’s GOAL. Brewing, where elements of pop culture fuel his experimentation and efforts to bring craft beer to new audiences.
Derek Gallanosa
BREWER OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
Surfside launched in 2022 and has been shaking up the ready-to-drink market with its non-carbonated hard tea and lemonade offerings ever since. In just two years, the Philadelphia-based canned cocktail brand has achieved triple-digit growth, with case sales already exceeding the one million mark.
Surfside
RISING DRINKS BRAND OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
Coming from a career in data science, Reggie Leonard first dipped his toes into Virginia wine as a way to meet new people after relocating to Charlottesville. Through his work with the Oenoverse wine club and Two Up Wine Down festival, he’s putting Virginia wine on the map and advocating for a more diverse and equitable wine industry.
Reggie Leonard
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
Founded in July 2020, the Michael James Jackson Foundation has issued dozens of career-advancement grants to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color working in the trade, and has emerged as a standard-bearer for social progress in the contemporary beverage industry.
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
Since its founding in 2008, co-owners Julie Reiner, Susan Fedroff, and Christine Williams have cultivated Brooklyn’s Clover Club into an award-winning, internationally acclaimed destination while still maintaining the integrity and community of a neighborhood bar. Exceptionally crafted classics meet thoughtful proprietary creations at this New York City icon.
Clover Club
INDUSTRY ICON OF THE YEAR
CREDITS
Wines from Common Wealth Crush Co., which Campbell helps make, feature on the list at Borgo.
“That’s my ultimate goal: visibility and representation.”
“No matter what beer or seltzer someone orders, I want them to think that it's one of the best versions of that style they’ve ever tasted.”
Seelbach's 8,000-square-foot-warehouse-in D.C. stocks about 1400 SKUs from some 300 to 400 distilleries.
Since its flagship launch of Iced Tea, Peach Tea, Half and Half, and Lemonade, the brand has exploded in popularity, with distribution expanding from just seven states to an impressive 48 by the end of 2023.
“Jumping into the wine industry is a challenge, especially for newcomers. It’s one of the things that has really driven what I’ve done.”
Co-Founders
Josh Malin
Adam Teeter
Editorial Direction
Joanna Sciarrino
Creative Direction
Danielle Grinberg
REPORTING & EDITING
Taylore Glynn Aaron Goldfarb Dave Infante Rich Manning Tim McKirdy Pete O’Connell Brad Thomas Parsons Hannah Staab Olivia White
COPY EDITING
Edward Deitch
Design
Sara Pinsonault
Illustrations
Nicole Rifkin
Photography
Jeff Brown Carolyn Fong Karime Gazale Kimberly Motos Grant Moxley Fanny Reyes Roberto Rosales Scott Suchman Ruby Wallau
REPORTING & EDITING
Taylore Glynn Aaron Goldfarb Dave Infante Rich Manning Tim McKirdy Pete O’Connell Brad Thomas Parsons Hannah Staab Olivia White
COPY EDITING
Edward Deitch
Design
Sara Pinsonault
Illustrations
Nicole Rifkin
Photography
Jeff Brown Carolyn Fong Karime Gazale Kimberly Motos Grant Moxley Fanny Reyes Roberto Rosales Scott Suchman Ruby Wallau
Onofre Francisco Sente
Chef
11 Years at Clover Club
Susan Fedroff
Founder and co-owner
17 years at Clover Club
Juan Martinez
Chef
16 Years at Clover Club
Andrew Kowalski
Bartender
4 Years at Clover Club
Mauricio Santana
Bar Manager
12 Years at Clover Club
Julie Reiner
Founder and co-owner
17 Years at Clover Club
Taven Phillip
Bartender
1.5 Years at Clover Club
Christine Williams
Co-owner
14 Years at Clover Club
Sam Sherman
Executive Chef
5 Years at Clover Club
Ryan Liloia
Head Bartender
12 Years at Clover Club
MEET THE TEAM
Hover to learn about the amazing staff at Clover Club
Bobbi Adler
Bartender
Jonathan Adler
Beverage Director
Danny Reylock
Head Bartender
Rafael Alvarez
Principal Bartender
Gerald Cullhai
Principal Bartender
MEET THE TEAM
Who's shaking up your drink at Shinji's?
Bow & Arrow’s beers feature locally-sourced ingredients, including sumac, juniper, prickly pear, and heirloom blue corn, the star component of the brewery’s flagship pilsner, Denim Tux.
MEET SOME OF THE MJF TEAM
Hover to learn about the amazing staff
Garrett Oliver
Founder
BREEZE
GALINDO
Director of Operations
RAFAEL
D'ARMAS
Board Member
Jorge
garcia
Board Member
From left to right: Fany, Karla, Carlos, and Marifer Camarena.
WINEMAKER
INDUSTRY ICON
From left to right:
Blake Riber, Dee Jones, and Brian Beyke.
READ MORE
Garret Richard
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
Shinji's
BAR PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Erick Castro
DRINKS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Theodora
FOOD & BEVERAGE PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
Tequila Ocho
SPIRITS BRAND OF THE YEAR
Marianne Eaves
MASTER DISTILLER OF THE YEAR
Outward Wines
WINERY OF THE YEAR
Dan Petroski
WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
WINE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Lee Campbell
Eun Hee Kwon
SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR
Seelbach's
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Derek Gallanosa
BREWER OF THE YEAR
Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
BREWERY OF THE YEAR
Surfside
RISING DRINKS BRAND OF THE YEAR
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Reggie
Leonard
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling
Clover Club
INDUSTRY ICON OF THE YEAR
The annual VinePair Next Wave Awards recognize spirits, wine, and beer professionals who have distinguished themselves in the past year for propelling the industry forward to a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future.
This year's Next Wave Awards celebrate the people and organizations creating community in their spaces, innovating in their fields, and revolutionizing drinks culture as we know it.
Read on to learn more about the winners and their exceptional contributions to the drinks industry this year.
MASTER DISTILLER OF THE YEAR
Marianne Eaves
READ MORE
Tennessee born and Kentucky raised, Marianne Eaves has rewritten the narrative of what a master distiller does and what a master distiller looks like, having become the first female to hold the title in Kentucky since Prohibition. Following stints at Brown-Forman and Castle & Key, Eaves launched Forbidden Bourbon in 2023.
READ MORE
At a time when brands are always chasing the latest trend, Outward Wines is steadfast in its commitment to producing single-varietal, site-specific wines. Based in the burgeoning San Luis Obispo Coast, winemakers Ryan Pace and Natalie Siddique showcase the many microclimates of California’s often-underrated Central Coast region.
Outward Wines
WINERY OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
Although Massican’s refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired whites have been long-adored by sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike, founder and winemaker Dan Petroski propelled the Napa Valley-based winery to new heights over the past year. Through the brand’s partnership with Gallo, Massican is poised to reshape the category of American white wine.
Dan Petroski
WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
With decades of experience in the wine industry, Lee Campell has worked nearly every job imaginable, from sommelier to winemaker. Now, she’s uplifting smaller producers by serving as a partner at Common Wealth Crush and tackling her next project as sommelier at the newly opened Flatiron restaurant Borgo.
Lee Campbell
WINE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
“That's my ultimate goal: visibility and representation."
READ MORE
After leaving a career in graphic design, Eun Hee Kwon jumped into the wine world headfirst, working as a sommelier at top NYC restaurants like Naro, Le Coucou, and Saga. When she’s not on the floor, Kwon hosts in-person pop-ups and shares educational wine content with her broad online following.
Eun Hee Kwon
SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR
From left to right: Blake Riber, Dee Jones,
and Brian Boyke.
Seelbach's 8,000-square-foot-warehouse in D.C. stocks about 1400 SKUs from some 300 to 400 distilleries.
READ MORE
Since 2018, Washington D.C.-based online retailer Seelbach’s has connected whiskey enthusiasts with small-scale craft spirits that aren’t available nationwide via traditional distribution. Named after Louisville’s famed Seelbach Hotel, the retailer also offers its own line of sourced whiskey.
Seelbach's
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
"No matter what beer or seltzer someone orders, I want them to think that it's one of the best versions of that style they've ever tasted."
READ MORE
After leaving Moksa Brewing in 2023, heavily decorated brewer and pastry stout pioneer Derek Gallanosa returned home to become the director of beer operations at San Diego’s GOAL. Brewing, where elements of pop culture fuel his experimentation and efforts to bring craft beer to new audiences.
Derek Gallanosa
BREWER OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
At Albuquerque’s Bow & Arrow Brewing, craft beer transcends the pint glass and becomes a means for reclaiming agricultural histories that have been lost to time. On top of showcasing unsung indigenous ingredients in its beers, the brewery is spearheading initiatives to raise money for Native American nonprofits across the continent.
Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
BREWERY OF THE YEAR
Bow & Arrow's beers feature locally-sourced ingredients, including sumac, juniper, prickly pear, and heirloom blue corn, the star component of the brewery's flagship pilsner, Denim Tux.
READ MORE
Founded in July 2020, the Michael James Jackson Foundation has issued dozens of career-advancement grants to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color working in the trade, and has emerged as a standard-bearer for social progress in the contemporary beverage industry.
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Garrett Oliver
Founder
Breeze Galindo
Director of Operations
Rafael D'Armas
Boardmember
Jorge Garcia
Boardmember
READ MORE
Surfside launched in 2022 and has been shaking up the ready-to-drink market with its non-carbonated hard tea and lemonade offerings ever since. In just two years, the Philadelphia-based canned cocktail brand has achieved triple-digit growth, with case sales already exceeding the one million mark.
Surfside
RISING DRINKS BRAND OF THE YEAR
Since its flagship launch of Iced Tea, Peach Tea, Half and Half, and Lemonade, the brand has exploded in popularity, with distribution expanding from just seven states to an impressive 48 by the end of 2023.
“Jumping into the wine industry is a challenge, especially for newcomers. It’s one of the things that has really driven what I’ve done."
READ MORE
Coming from a career in data science, Reggie Leonard first dipped his toes into Virginia wine as a way to meet new people after relocating to Charlottesville. Through his work with the Oenoverse wine club and Two Up Wine Down festival, he’s putting Virginia wine on the map and advocating for a more diverse and equitable wine industry.
Reggie Leonard
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
READ MORE
Since its founding in 2008, co-owners Julie Reiner, Susan Fedroff, and Christine Williams have cultivated Brooklyn’s Clover Club into an award-winning, internationally acclaimed destination while still maintaining the integrity and community of a neighborhood bar. Exceptionally crafted classics meet thoughtful proprietary creations at this New York City icon.
Clover Club
INDUSTRY ICON OF THE YEAR
