The chief works closely with judging coordinators who work directly with the judges. Bottles are grouped by varietal type and price range, then numbered according to the computer entry flight sheets. Each judging panel has a judging coordinator who directs judges to the particular varietals and flights. Next, glasses are marked corresponding to the numbered bottles set out in flight boxes. Flight boxes are wheeled to the judging room on carts where backroom crews position the glasses before the judges in a semicircle numbered left to right.
Judges swirl, smell, swish and sip the wines making notes as they evaluate the entries.
They mostly spit to avoid intoxication. Prompted by the judging coordinator, they express their choice for a non-medal, bronze, silver or gold for every wine. The panel coordinator brings the panel to consensus concerning the awarding of medals. An entry needs at least three votes from a panel of five for it to become a medal winner. Judges become quite vocal in describing the merits of individual wines.