Overview
About the IWSC
The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs.
This standard is achieved through a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and detailed technical (chemical and microbiological) analysis that takes place at The Competition's headquarters in Surrey, UK. To ensure perfect conditions, the premises include temperature-controlled cellars, a fully equipped independent laboratory for technical analysis, and three dedicated tasting rooms.
The Competition received entries from over 80 countries worldwide.
The Competition is backed by a group of vice presidents made up of the most influential men and women in the trade, including Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Miguel Torres, Marchese Piero Antinori, Robert Drouhin, Robert Mondavi, May de Lencquesaing, Kenneth Graham and Sir Anthony Greener. Frances Horder, Competition Director, explains why the great and the good of the industry support The Competition above all other competitions.
The Competition has the support of many of the world's top wine and spirits producers, because we strive to set the international benchmark for quality. The unique combination of detailed technical analysis and specialist judging panels means that gaining any Competition award is an outstanding achievement. Our focus is to communicate the value of our medals to retailers, restaurateurs and consumers in every major market. Our vice presidents are now working closely with us through our new Advisory Board to bring increasing international awareness.
A number of prominent individuals from the Wine and Spirits industry have made comments about The Competition. We have published a few of them here for you to see.
View our testimonials and what the experts say about The International Wine and Spirit Competition.
Awards and Trophies
Our medals and trophies are the most prestigious honours awarded in the trade, representing the best of the best in the world of wine and spirits.
Entries are judged in award categories divided by variety, region and vintage. Provided the required minimum score is reached gold, silver and bronze awards are given in each tasting category. Products with the highest mark will be awarded "Best in Class" and are retasted for national and international trophies.
View award winners in 2009 competition.
In addition, special Trophies are also presented, representing the very best of the year's entries.
IWSC History
When the original Club Oenologique was launched in 1969, its founder, the wine chemist Anton Massel, could scarcely have imagined the impact that his initiative would have on today's wine and spirit industry, nor the far-reaching commercial implications for those who find themselves rewarded for their excellence. He had the idea of creating a competition which was based not just on organoleptic judgement, but where all entries also had to undergo chemical analysis.
In 1978 the name of the venture was changed to the International Wine and Spirit Competition and, within a short space of time, the disciplines of the Competition were redefined. A set of technical controls was implemented in order to ensure that the highest quality standards were achieved and maintained year after year. The original aim of the IWSC was to award excellence to wines and spirits worldwide. This remains the aim today, encouraging consumer and trade recognition for quality products.
The calibre of the judges, presidents and organisation is of the utmost importance to the success of the Competition and, with the added input from The Drinks Business - as its publishing partner, we look forward to growing the IWSC to even greater global importance.