20 Nov LeeAnne Arnold named Second Annual Somm Showdown Champion
Six sommeliers competed in three-round sommelier competition on Nov. 16
NASHVILLE, TN (November 19, 2025) – Nashville Wine Auction is proud to announce LeeAnne Arnold as the champion of the Second Annual Somm Showdown. Phillip Patti was named runner-up.
On Sunday, November 16 at Goal Post Club in Geodis Park, LeeAnne returned for a second chance at the Somm Showdown title. LeeAnne, a CMS Certified Sommelier & General Manager of Harvest Wine Market, was named runner-up in the First Annual Somm Showdown last year behind Alex Burch.
“It was such a thrill to compete during the Second Annual Showdown and incredible to win after being runner-up last year,” LeeAnne says. “What a fun way to spend a Sunday, competing against friends and supporting a great cause.
LeeAnne was paired with Chef Anthony Pell, Executive Chef of The Iberian Pig, in round one of competition for the food and wine pairings. Chef Pell prepared Coca Con Pato — duck confit, labneh, pomegranate, apricot, pickled red onion, herbs and flatbread — as a pairing to LeeAnne’s selected wine, Testalonga El Bandito ‘Monkey Gone To Heaven’ 2021.
Following the first round, LeeAnne competed alongside contestants Phillip, Eric Bowers of Bastion and Derick Spangler of The Twelve Thirty Club in the wine knowledge quiz round. Following this round, LeeAnne and Phillip were named the finalists and participated in a final blind tasting round.
LeeAnne received a $2,000 cash prize to go toward continuing her wine education. She plans to use the funds to support examination fees for the Court of Master Sommeliers-Advanced Theory Exam in early 2026, as well as a brief trip to Europe in February to visit the Douro Valley in Portugal and attend WineParis.
“There is nothing quite like the experiential learning that takes place by being in the vineyards and speaking with winemakers on their turf, and I cannot wait to learn all I can during the trip,” LeeAnne says.
Runner-up Phillip also received a cash prize of $1,000 for continued education. Phillip is a DipWSET, CMS Certified Sommelier and Owner of Southeastern Beverage Education. He was paired with Chef Alyssa Gangeri, Executive Pastry Chef and Partner at The Butter Milk Ranch, for the first round of competition.
“This competition is ideal because, no matter the outcome, one feels great about the reality that the money raised is going towards a noble cause,” Phillip says. “That being said, the runner-up prize will go directly towards study trips to Europe and South America this coming year to help feed my passion for learning and tasting wine and food with producers on their home turf.”
Established in 1980, Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $43 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cancer research, innovative patient treatment, and caregiver/patient support. Funds are raised through unique, entertaining, and educational events, and Somm Showdown is one of the most exciting additions to the calendar.
Nashville Wine Auction CEO Loren Chumley says, “We are excited to host this event which highlights the exceptional talents in our hospitality community.”
In addition to LeeAnne and Phillip, contestants included:
• Eric Bowers, CMS Certified Sommelier and Beverage Director of Bastion
• Scott Herrmann, CMS Certified Sommelier, CSW, WSET Level 2, and Wine Director & Assistant GM of The Detroit Cowboy
• Jiby Philip, CSW, CMS Certified Sommelier, and Brand Manager AOC Wine Distribution
• Derick Spangler, CMS Certified Sommelier and Sommelier at The Twelve Thirty Club
Audi Nashville and Audi Downtown Nashville sponsored Somm Showdown. Wines poured during the afternoon include those generously donated by Pam & Steve Taylor, Kobrand Wine & Spirits, Champagne Taittinger, Möet Hennessy, Ajax Turner, and Athens Distributing.
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ABOUT THE NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION
Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. In 2026, Nashville Wine Auction will celebrate Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 26 – 28 and the 47th Annual l’Eté du Vin on July 30 – August 1 at JW Marriott. Established in 1980, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $43 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and family/patient/caregiver support. www.NashvilleWineAuction.com
NASHVILLE WINE AUCTION BENEFICIARIES
American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Blood Cancer United, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Heimerdinger Foundation, HopeKids, Inc., Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Middle Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Survivor Fitness Foundation, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.