Sommlympics sets 2027 date and new Atlanta venue

By AI, Created 5:51 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – The national wine competition Sommlympics will return for its fourth annual event on Jan. 10, 2027, at Hotel Phoenix in downtown Atlanta. Founded by Atlanta wine educator Chelsea Young and podcast host Kelly Cornett, the contest has drawn growing national interest and competitors from across the U.S.

Why it matters: - Sommlympics has become a nationally recognized competition for wine professionals and is helping position Atlanta as a growing hub for wine education. - The event draws sommeliers, beverage directors, importers, retailers, educators and hospitality professionals from across the country. - The competition’s growth shows demand for formats that mix technical skill, accessibility and personality in wine education.

What happened: - The Oenophile Institute and A Cork in the Road announced the fourth annual Sommlympics. - The 2027 event is set for Jan. 10 at Hotel Phoenix in downtown Atlanta. - Chelsea Young, an Atlanta wine educator and founder of The Oenophile Institute, co-founded Sommlympics with Kelly Cornett, founder of A Cork in the Road podcast. - The competition has drawn entrants from across the United States.

The details: - Sommlympics tests competitors in blind tasting, theory, service and practical wine knowledge. - The event is team-based. - Organizers say the competition has posted consecutive years of double-digit growth. - The format has built a following around academic rigor, accessibility and humor. - Young said Sommlympics was built to honor wine professionals’ depth of knowledge and dedication while keeping wine focused on connection and shared experience. - Cornett said professionals have traveled in from around the country after hearing about Sommlympics through industry networks. - Cornett said local awareness in Atlanta is starting to catch up with the national attention.

Between the lines: - Sommlympics appears to have benefited from national industry word-of-mouth more than local media coverage. - The event’s mix of competition and community is part of its appeal in a field that can lean heavily on formal expertise. - Atlanta’s growing food and beverage profile gives the competition a stronger base as it expands.

What’s next: - Organizers expect another nationally diverse field of competitors in 2027. - The fourth annual event will continue to showcase Atlanta as a center for thoughtful, inclusive wine education. - More information is not available in the source text, so no event registration link was provided.

The bottom line: - Sommlympics is moving into 2027 with a new venue, a fixed date and growing national reach.