Penfolds and GQ Announce the Nation's Best Dressed Somm

New York City's A.J. Ojeda Pons From The Lambs Club Claims the Coveted U.S. Best Dressed Somm Title

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Oct 15, 2014, 09:26 ET

NAPA, Calif., Oct. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Penfolds, Australia's leading winemaker, and GQ, the leading men's general-interest magazine, today announced the official winner of its U.S. Best Dressed Somm contest: A.J. Ojeda Pons from The Lambs Club in New York City.

Unveiled last evening at the Best Dressed Somm event in New York City at the Penfolds House, Ojeda Pons was crowned the U.S. Best Dressed Somm by the campaign's esteemed panel of judges including ABC's "The Taste" mentor, Marcus Samuelsson, GQ Executive Stylist, Brett Fahlgren, and Penfolds Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago.

Penfolds and GQ crown A.J. Ojeda Pons from New York City's The Lambs Club as the Nation's Best Dress Somm.

The Best Dressed Somm esteemed panel of judges (pictured left to right): ABC's "The Taste" mentor, Marcus Samuelsson, Penfolds Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago, and GQ Executive Stylist, Brett Fahlgren.

"I am honored to accept the Best Dressed Somm award and am impressed by the collaboration between Penfolds and GQ," said Ojeda Pons. "I'm inspired every day by fashion and to relate that to wine allows me to be the best at my craft. The attention to detail that is required to be a somm comes from the same standard of being well dressed and presented. Fashion is something I live daily, and just like wine, there is always something to look forward to."

From September 3 – 24, Penfolds and GQ hosted an online social media contest encouraging sommeliers, known by today's modern term "somms," to submit their best dressed photo nominations on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #BestDressedSomm for a chance to win the coveted title. Ojeda Pons out-dressed top finalists Dane Campbell from Musket Room, Dominick Purnomo from Yono's, Kyle Riddington from Piora, and Yannick Benjamin from University Club, showcasing his somm fashion superiority in the following areas:

Appearance and styling of outfit displaying attention to detail, including proper fit and how clothes and accessories work together
Styling is pulled together and includes the right accessories, shoes, watch and other details
Entrant's styling appears effortless

"What we loved most about A.J. was that his look was effortlessly put together with a real sharp attention to detail," said Brett Fahlgren, GQ's Executive Stylist, Publishing. "He's not afraid to take risks in his styling, and that was a quality the judges really admired."

In addition to national publicity from the contest, Ojeda Pons will receive a coverage mention in a promotional listing in a future GQ print issue, as well as a private styling session with GQ's style expert, Brett Fahlgren.

"Last evening's Best Dressed Somm event was the perfect way to conclude such an exciting campaign," said DLynn Proctor, Penfolds U.S. Winemaking Ambassador. "Penfolds was proud to crown A.J. as our Best Dressed Somm winner, as well as host a wonderful affair with GQ at the Penfolds House that not only recognized this new age somm community, but also celebrated their individual styles."

For more information on the Best Dressed Somm contest, as well as its official rules and regulations, please visit Penfolds.com/GQBestDressedSomm.

About Penfolds

'1844 To Evermore!'… It was the slogan to launch a winemaking legacy. Through a union of commitment and patience this winemaking legacy flourishes throughout the world today. For 170 years, Penfolds has cultivated a reputation based upon the pursuit of winemaking excellence; achieved through a unique alchemy of distinguished vineyards and viticultural caretakers, winemaking resources and a rich history of winemakers. Many craftsmen and women have served as silent custodians of the Penfolds stable, an Australian tradition steeped in wine lore and the spirit of generosity. As well as honouring traditional winemaking values, and celebrating its fortified winemaking origins, Penfolds cultivates a spirit of experimentation and innovation, as evidenced from secret 'bottlings', such as Grange in 1951. Across the passing of time, such innovations have become the traditions for new generations. Today, 170 years from its initial declaration, the Penfolds winemaking legacy continues and its wine culture remains one of Australia's most respected … now and 'evermore'. www.penfolds.com

About GQ

GQ is the leading men's general-interest magazine, with a monthly readership of 7 million readers. It is available in print, online at GQ.com, and as an app at iTunes.com. The magazine is published by Conde Nast, a division of Advance Publications. Conde Nast operates in twenty-five countries and is the world leader in exceptional content creation.

Media Contacts

AlexaRae Antekeier
Finn Partners for Penfolds
(312) 329-3913
[email protected]

Michelle Isaacs
GQ
(212) 286-7838
[email protected]

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SOURCE Penfolds