SOMM Wines wins Service Excellence Award

Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), the leading statewide association of the tourism and hospitality industry, has announced the recipients of the inaugural iTIP Awards. The awards ceremony will take place at the annual meeting on Monday, June 12, 2023, in Cedar Falls.

SOMM Wines in Fairfield, is the small market recipient of the Service Excellence award. This award recognizes a business or organization that has achieved significant success and growth by providing exceptional customer service.

“The unique atmosphere at SOMM Wines is one thing, but the commitment to outstanding and genuine customer service they provide set them above their peers,” said Chelsea Lerud, iTIP executive director.

SOMM Wines, a sommelier-owned wine destination in Fairfield, Iowa, has been awarded the Service Excellence Award from Iowa Travel Industry Partners. This is one of the first awards presented by iTIP, and it recognizes Somm Wines for their attention to detail in fulfilling customer needs and expectations. In addition to offering a variety of wines, cheese and charcuterie boards, indoor and patio seating also adds to the allure of this unique destination, whether a casual evening out or an educational wine tasting experience.

The iTIP Awards are open to all individuals, private businesses, for-profit and nonprofit organizations offering a tourism and/or hospitality service in Iowa. Nominations occurred throughout the spring with the iTIP Foundation Board of Trustees scoring the applications. All recipients were nominated by their peers.

“I am honored to receive this award. Providing excellent service has always been at the core of SOMM Wines. said SOMM Wines Owner and Sommelier Krista Matthes. "Our team works hard every day to ensure our guests have an exceptional experience when visiting our store."

Visit Fairfield CVB nominated Somm Wines for this award, recognizing their contributions to Fairfield’s visitor economy. “It is great to see local businesses like SOMM Wines being recognized," said Visit Fairfield CVB Executive Director Terry Baker. "They have done a wonderful job of helping make Fairfield grow and shine. We look forward to celebrating their success at the upcoming iTIP Summer Celebration Annual "

The recipients will be receiving their awards at a ceremony on Monday, June 12 at the Bien VenU Conference Center in Cedar Falls. The event is emceed by Saturday Night Live alum and Iowa native, Gary Kroeger.