Your Invitation REWARDING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1969 iwsc.net
What is the IWSC? The International Wine & Spirit Competition s aim is quite simple; to recognise and reward the very best wines and spirits in the world. Not only does it act as a third party endorsement from the best in the industry, but it also helps consumers to make smarter drinking choices. Unlike some medal-awarding competition, the IWSC involves blind-tasting, style-by-style by teams of experts, who are tested before they take part, plus a detailed chemical analysis of the wine Luke Blackall, The Independent Our President 2017 This year we welcome Chris Blandy. Chris Blandy is a member of the Board of Directors of Porto Bay, the family s hotel group, and of the Madeira Wine Company. During the family s bicentennial year in 2011, the Family agreed with the Symington Family to take back the majority shareholding of the Madeira Wine Company and in September, Chris took over the role of CEO of the company.
Who is Judging my Products? Industry Experts 400 of the industry s most notable and reliable figures judge using a two-stage judging process to assess your products. Judges must be qualified to WSET Diploma level or equivalent. All products are sorted and handled by an award winning operations team. The Competition runs a structured and rigorous two-stage judging process; Samples are tasted in pre-poured numbered glasses so judges never see a bottle (double-blind). Each product is judged by a whole panel in sync, initially individually, and then panel chairs facilitate group discussions. Detailed chemical and microbiological analysis which is undertaken by an independent third party to identify show products that may not be the true representation of the product that consumers would buy from the shelf.
Why Should I Enter? Renowned International brand ambassadors and media partners work in global markets to drive awareness of the Competition and its winners. The Competition hosts and attends multiple events to promote Competition winners year round. Dedicated social media campaigns ensure winners are publicised to our global network of followers. Competition winners receive a free marketing tool-kit to assist them in promoting their win. Winners are published in the annual drinks business supplement distributed to over 10,000 international subscribers showcasing winning products to buyers worldwide. Medal winning wines & spirits are highlighted on Amazon.co.uk and winesdirect.co.uk Respected & Reputable Consumers globally trust the IWSC medal, and actively seek it when making purchasing decisions. With 48 years-experience in the industry, the IWSC is widely recognised as the most prestigious competition in the world. Chemical analysis, along with the technical and judging committee ensures the most credible results. iwsc.net/why-enter
What Sets it Apart from other wine and spirit competitions? 1. A year- round operation, judging for 7 months of the year. 2. Dedicated judging premises at IWSC HQ. 3. Custom built cellar to store your products before judging. 4. Samples served in numbered glasses. 5. Nearly 400 judges from over 30 countries. 6. Technical & Judging Committee to oversee the judging process. 7. Second round of Chemical analysis of winners, to ensure quality.
Entry Deadlines Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere Country Hellmann or Partners consolidation dates Deadline date for receiving into the competition Country Hellmann or Partners consolidation dates Deadline date for receiving into the competition Eastern Europe 14 th February 28 th February Japan & Other Asian Countries @theiwsc 14 th February 28 th February Greece 17 th February 3 rd March Canada 24 th February 7 th March USA 24 th February 7 th March Portugal 28 th February 10 th March Spain 3 rd March 17 th March Germany/ Switzerland/Austria 16 th March 30 th March France 22 nd March 5 th April England n/a 6 th April Italy 7 th April 21 st April Mexico n/a 27 th July China n/a 30 th July Argentina 13 th July 27 th July Chile 13 th July 27 th July Australia 27 th July 10 th August New Zealand 14 th August 28 th August Country All Spirits 26 th May Delivery Dates Online Entry Deadline South Africa 3 rd - 12 th June* 23 rd June *Judging takes place in Paarl, please send products already in South Africa directly to the Grande Roche Hotel Consolidated shipment is only available for some countries, always check with your local office first. For more details see iwsc.net/shipping For a full list of terms & conditions, iwsc.net/terms-and-conditions Combined 2017