The International Wine & Spirit Competition is an annual wine and spirit competition founded in 1969 by the German/British oenologist Anton Massel. Each year the competition receives entries from over 90 countries worldwide. The awards given by the competition are considered as high honors in the industry. The judging occurs annually, in London. Only brands that pay the entry fee of £159 per category are judged, and two or four bottles of each entry must be supplied, depending on the category entered.
Depending on the points out of 100 awarded, submitted drinks can receive gold outstanding (for spirits only), gold, silver, or bronze awards, and there are no limitations on how many of each which can be awarded. There is also an extensive range of trophies each year.
Judging
The judging process consists of blind tasting and panel discussion. Entries are judged by panels drawn from 250 specialists from around the world.
Judging processes
The competition has its own purpose built premises including temperature controlled cellars, tasting rooms and regular staff. In 2019, IWSC wine judging moved to London for the first time. The competition has its own storage facilities and cellaring for over 30,000 bottles.
It takes over six months to judge all the entries as they are sorted into over 1,500 categories. The categories divide the entries by several factors: region or area; variety, style, or type; vintage or age; and similar characteristics.
The competition makes use of over 250 specialist judges from all over the world. Many are Masters of Wine, Master Sommelier, some are winemakers or distillers, others are trade specialists, each judging in their special field.
IWSC's Annual Award Ceremony
The competition culminates in London in Autumn with the annual awards presentation and dinner, at the Roundhouse (previously the annual banquet was held at the City of London Guildhall).
Presidents/Industry Champion
A President/Industry Champion is selected annually from influential individuals in the wines and spirits industry. After their term, they serve on the competition’s Advisory Board.
2023 Richard Seale, Barbados
2022 Johann Krige, South Africa
2021 Michael Urquhart, UK
2020 Tamara Roberts, UK
2019 George Fistonich, New Zealand
2018 Facundo L. Bacardi
2017 Chris Blandy, Portugal
2016 Matteo Lunelli, Italy
2015 Neil McGuigan, Australia
2014 Dr Laura Catena, Argentina
2013 G. Garvin Brown IV, USA
2012 Mauricio Gonzalez Gordon, Spain
2011 Prince Robert of Luxembourg, France
2010 Prinz Michael zu Salm-Salm, Germany
2009 Sir Ian Good, UK
2008 Rafael Guilisasti, Chile
2007 Gina Gallo, USA
2006 Anthony von Mandl, Canada
2005 Wolf Blass, Australia
2004 Paul Symington, Portugal
2003 Claes Dahlbäck, Sweden
2002 Dominique Hériard Dubreuil, France
2001 Warren Winiarski, USA
2000 Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, France
1999 Miguel A. Torres, Spain
1998 Sir Anthony Greener, UK
1997 Jean Hugel, France
1996 Dr.Anton Rupert, South Africa
1995 Marchese Leonardo de Frescobaldi, Italy
1994 Michael Jackaman, UK
1993 Mme May de Lencquesaing, France
1992 Chris Hancock Hon MW, Australia
1991 Peter Sichel, USA
1990 Robert Drouhin, France
1989 Jos Ignacio Domecq, Spain
1988 Marchese Piero Antinori, Italy
1987 Kenneth Grahame, UK
1986 Dr.Max Lake, Australia
1985 Marquis de Goulaine, France
1984 Mme Odette Pol Roger, France
1983 Robert Mondavi Hon MW, USA
1982 Dr. Hans Ambrosi, Germany
1981 Harry Waugh Hon MW, UK
1980 Peter Noble, CBE
1979 Cyril Ray, UK
1978 Sir Reginald Bennett VRD, UK
1977 Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, UK
See also
Spirits ratings
References
Further reading
Fraser, Craig; (et al.) (2008). Fire Water: South African Brandy. Quivertree Publications. Page 40. .