Somm

Hotel Carmichael | Carmel, IN

Master Sommeliers Emily Pickral and Larry O’Brien go head-to-head on September 24th over a five-course wine dinner featuring Jackson Family Wines, paired with Executive Chef Chris Coorts’ specially crafted menu. Emily, one of only a select group of women to hold the Master Sommelier title, became the 19th woman in the world to earn the distinction in 2013 and now serves as Vice President and National Sales Manager for Jackson Family Wines. Larry, named Best Sommelier in America in 2000 before earning his Master Sommelier certification the following year, has represented the U.S. on the world stage and built a career making wine approachable for every guest. Each will present the strategy behind their competing pairings, and you’ll vote course by course to decide who wins—all on the Feinstein’s stage, transformed for one night into a culinary cage.

This is Round One of Somm Smackdown, a three-round competition across the Coury Hospitality portfolio, with Hotel Carmichael facing off against The National. A portion of proceeds benefits the Carmel Police Department, with a silent auction supporting local first responders.

The National | Oklahoma City, OK

Master Sommeliers Michael Jordan and David Ruess face off over five chef-crafted courses in The National’s iconic Great Hall on Thursday, September 24. Michael, the self-proclaimed “Ambassador of Flavor” with more than 40 years in hospitality and wine, goes head-to-head against David, who became just the 280th person in the world to earn the Master Sommelier diploma in 2025. Each will make the case for their own pairings, walking guests through the thinking behind every glass, before you cast your vote course by course to crown a winner.

This is Round One of Somm Smackdown, a three-round competition across the Coury Hospitality portfolio, with The National facing off against Hotel Carmichael.

Hotel Vin | Rogers, AR

The gloves come off again as Somm Smackdown returns for its second round on October 8th, this time inside the ropes at the brand new Hotel Vin Rogers, where a boxing ring takes center stage in a room built for a title fight.

At the table, guests are treated to an original five course menu, crafted exclusively for this competition by Executive Chef Garrett Kasper. Each course arrives with two contenders: side by side pours from Jackson Family Wines, hand selected by dueling Master Sommeliers who are each convinced they’ve found the knockout pairing.

This round’s competitors have already proven they belong in the ring. They are the winners to emerge victorious from Round 1’s National and Hotel Carmichael showdowns, now facing off for the next title.

Hotel Vin | Grapevine, TX

The bracket has been battled. Now, one challenger stands between themselves and a title. On October 30th, Reigning Somm Smackdown Champion and Master Sommelier Jack Mason will defend his crown at Hotel Vin Grapevine against the sommelier who fought their way to the top of the competition. It’s one final round, one last chance to unseat the champ—or watch him hold the line.

Guests will enjoy an exclusive five-course menu, with each Master Sommelier hand-selecting a wine to pair with every course. Taste the competing pairings side by side, then cast your vote to help decide the outcome: a new champion crowned, or Jack Mason’s reign continues.