It's about that time of year again! The time of the year where wine professionals and enthusiasts all unite in San Diego for the annual SommCon conference! It is mostly different level sommeliers and trade professionals but it also welcomes serious wine enthusiasts. It is a two day conference (three if you are taking any of the certifications on Wednesday). Last year was the first time we attended, where we only participated in the Friday seminars and tasting event. This year we are going for both Thursday and Friday, which gives us a lot more opportunity to learn! We have four sessions on Thursday, and three on Friday followed by the Trade tasting. SommCon is a great place to go and learn all aspects of the wine industry, whether it be history, flavor profiles and tasting notes, or business insight. It is also a great place to network and meet all different types of people with different connections in the business.

The Saturday following SommCon is the annual San Diego Bay Wine and Food Fest, which you don't want to miss! Many of the wineries that participate in the Trade Tasting event end up pouring at the Bayfest as well, which is nice to revisit any wines you liked or contacts you may want to see again. There are a ton of local restaurants that cater the event with a bunch of delicious food. It is right along the harbor, so you really can't beat the view (especially with a glass of wine in hand!).