Ep. 2768 Inside TEXSOM 2026: Looking Back, Pouring Forward with James Tidwell MS | TEXSOM 2026

Welcome to Episode 2768 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews James Tidwell MS, American Master Sommelier, wine educator, and founder of the TEXSOM Conference, at TEXSOM 2026. Jessica and James discuss the format and objectives for this year’s event, how TEXSOM has evolved in recent years, and how it will continue to develop in the future. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the third year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America. Join us at TEXSOM 2026 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry. More about today’s guest: James Tidwell, MS is a writer, speaker, educator, and the founder and producer of the TEXSOM Conference and TEXSOM Awards. He passed the Master Sommelier Diploma in 2009 and is a respected wine judge and industry leader, serving with the Decanter World Wine Awards, the Wines of Portugal Challenge, and The World of Fine Wine. James has contributed to The World Atlas of Wine, the Oxford Companion to Wine, and the Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine Book, and has been recognized among the wine industry’s leading voices for his work in education, publishing, and professional development. Connect: Website: https://texsom.com/people/james-tidwell-ms-cwe/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winejames/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-tidwell-2ba68823/  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!