ABOUT TOP SHELF
Top Shelf is an unparalleled immersion into the world of luxury spirits, wine, and craft beer. Double Gold & Gold Tasting Alliance medal winners lead grand tastings and master classes, with the finest being revealed as "Best In Show" at the awards gala.
Event attendees will have the opportunity to try new and rare products exclusively featuring Double Gold & Gold medal winners and indulge in premium food pairings, all while learning more about the exciting world of wine & spirits.
"There’s nothing like Top Shelf anywhere in the world. It’s a must-attend." – Kyle McHugh, Director of Brand Advocacy, Samson & Surrey
An Event Like No Other
VIP ticket holders can expand their spirits knowledge and level up their palate through exclusive sessions.
Enjoy delicious food pairings that are specifically created to enhance the drinking experience.
TICKETS
VIP Tasting & Master Classes Ticket
Early Bird Pricing: $275
Standard Pricing: $300
General Admission Tasting Ticket
Early Bird Pricing: $175
Standard Pricing: $200
Two-Day Trades Ticket
Early Bird Pricing: $300
Standard Pricing: $325
*Trades passes are reserved for individuals in the
Beverage & Alcohol Industry Only
Awards Gala Single Ticket
Early Bird Pricing: $275
Standard Pricing: $375
Awards Gala Full Table Buyout
Early Bird Pricing: $3,250
Standard Pricing: $4,000
*Early bird pricing valid through June 1st.*
ABOUT THE TASTING ALLIANCE
As the largest and longest-running blind evaluation competitions in the space, The Tasting Alliance is committed to three key principles: legacy, integrity, and impartiality. Double Gold medal winners are selected by the most trusted blind judging panels in the world. With some of the most renowned international distilleries and wineries to small-batch craft producers and boutique wineries, these awards have proven to be game-changers and may one day help our brands become household names or cement their lasting legacy.
DOUBLE GOLD & GOLD
Awarded to the entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are among the finest products in the world. Out of thousands of entries over the course of the year, only a small percentage are awarded Double Gold.
SOME OF OUR ESTEEMED JUDGES
Lauren Paylor O'Brien
Beverage Professional, Writer, Entrepreneur and Ultimate Drink Master
Ivy Mix
Head Bartender & Co-Owner, Leyenda.
and Founder, Speed Rack
Julie Reiner
Co-Founder, Clover Club, Leyenda & Mixtress Consulting
Colin Asare Appiah
Brand Ambassador and Master Mixologist
Toshio Ueno
Vice president & co-founder,
sake school of America
Gary Gruver
director of beverage,
Marriott internationals global
Molly Horn
cocktail strategy manager,
total wine & more
Eduardo Dingler
vice president of wine,
wine access
SCHEDULE
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A SELECTION OF OUR MASTERCLASSES PRESENTED BY
Ian Somerhalder
Co-Founder of Brother's Bond Whiskey
David Vitale
Founder of Starward Whisky
Molly Horn
Manager of Cocktail Strategy at Total Wine & More
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Egor Polonskiy
Head of Education at Academia Patron
Toshio Ueno
Vice President of Mutual Trading Co
SOME OF OUR PARTNERS
THE GALA
Experience the Top Shelf Gala, a black-tie affair honoring the exceptional leaders shaping the wine and spirits industry. Celebrating excellence with "Best in Class" and "Best in Show" awards from The Tasting Alliance competitions. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to be the first to discover the top products in the world all while networking with founders, master distillers, esteemed judges & experts.
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Three Course Dinner
Signature Cocktails
When is Top Shelf?
Top Shelf will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 and Sunday, October 6, 2024.
Where is the event located?
The event will be held at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco.
How do I register for the event and order tickets?
Click here to purchase tickets!
How much do tickets to Top Shelf cost?
Click here for ticket pricing!
What's the difference between a General Admission, VIP ticket & Trades Two-Day Pass?
Click here for ticket inclusions!
Do you sell tickets on-site at the event?
Although we will not sell tickets on-site at the InterContinental, you are able to continue to purchase tickets online while space is available.
What is the schedule of events?
Saturday, October 5: Grand Tasting and VIP Master Classes
Sunday, October 6: Trades Focused Master Classes and Awards Gala
Do I have to pre-register for master class sessions?
Pre-registering for master classes is required. Keep in mind that these master classes may sell out and making your selections on our ticketing site guarantees a seat. Once you select your VIP ticket, you'll have the opportunity to submit your choices on master classes. Detailed titles and schedules will be posted and shared in July for all VIP ticket holders.
When will I receive my event attendee pass?
Attendee passes will not be mailed in advance and will be distributed on-site at the time of registration at the event.
Can I stay at the hotel where the event is being hosted?
We have a dedicated room block at the InterContinental Hotel at a special rate starting at $189 per night. The rate is good until Thursday, September 19, or until the room block sells out. Book rooms here.
Is there parking at the hotel?
Valet Parking Only in Secure Garage Spaces. The Hotel’s current valet daily parking rate is $74.00 per vehicle or $84.00 per oversize vehicle, per night plus 14% occupancy tax. If you plan on parking at the hotel, please contact the hotel directly for pricing as it is subject to change.
Phone: +1 415 6166500 | Email: icsf@ihg.com
What if I lose my tasting glass?
If you lose your tasting glass, we will have hotel-provided glassware for use at the event to continue your tasting experience. We will not be replacing lost tasting glasses.
Will there be food and non-alcoholic beverages provided?
A premium buffet will be available throughout the event to ensure attendees are balancing between samples. There will be no outside food and beverage allowed in the tasting room and master classes.
There will be a variety of non-alcoholic beverages provided throughout the event to enjoy.
Do I need individual vouchers for each tasting pour?
We do not require vouchers to redeem tasting pours. Tasting pours are included in both the general admission and VIP ticket pricing.
I lost my ticket. Can I have another one?
Unfortunately, we will not be replacing lost tickets for the event. Please be sure to save your event confirmation to redeem your wristband on-site at the registration desk.
What is the cancellation policy?
Ticket cancellations will not be allowed. However, if you are unable to attend the event, you are able to transfer your ticket to another guest.
How can I become a sponsor or exhibitor at the event?
Please contact Amanda Blue, President of The Tasting Alliance at amanda@thetastingalliance.com
I'm an exhibitor - where do I find information about my booth marketing and other exhibitor details?
Please visit the exhibitor portal or contact your assigned event manager for any exhibitor details:
Taylor Vasquez, tvasquez@elevatedmeetings.com
Merissa Batz, mbatz@elevatedmeetings.com