Now in its third year, the Houston Sommelier Competition is currently accepting applications for its March 5-6 event.

And for the first year since the competition was first launched, the organizers are accepting applications from any and all wine professionals who would like to participate, regardless of accreditation, affiliation, or home city. (In previous years, Court of Master Sommeliers members were not allowed to compete and the event was open only to residents of Texas and neighboring states. This year, anyone can participate.)

If you’d like more information on this year’s event, please contact organizer Jaime De Leon here.

The competition includes three exams: Theory, blind tasting, and service.

For the theory component, competitors must answer a wide range of questions about wine and viticulture throughout the world. For blind tasting, they must identify the grape, appellation, and other technical information for wines they taste without viewing the bottles or labels. For service, they must complete a mock shift on the floor of a restaurant where the guests, played by the judges, ask questions about the wines they will be served.

The winner and two runners-up receive monetary awards intended to help them pursue their studies in wine.

Since its inception, the Houston Sommelier Competition has been part of Taste of Italy, the largest food and wine trade fair in the U.S. devoted exclusively to Italian food and wine. Last year, the gathering expanded to Dallas with its first-ever event there. And this year, Vancouver will also host a Taste of Italy.

Stay tuned for details on this year’s prizes and title sponsor.