IWSC Wine Judging in Franciacorta

Overseen by the IWSC Wine Judging Committee member Essi Avellan MW, our panel of experts have a deep understanding of Franciacorta wines, alongside strong industry experience and market knowledge.

Essi Avellan MW - IWSC Wine Judging Committee member
Finland's first Master of Wine, Essi is a world-renowned figure in the industry, specialising in Champagne and sparkling wine. She has published several books and is an organiser of the annual Grand Champagne Helsinki event.

Federico Moccia - Head of Wine at 67 Pall Mall
An Italian wine specialist, Federico is renowned for his expertise in the wines of Tuscany and Piedmont, with a particular affection for his home region of Franciacorta. He serves as an ambassador for Franciacorta DOCG, showcasing the excellence of this region.

Nelson Pari - Italian Wine Buyer at Swig Wines
Sommelier turned Wine Buyer, Nelson Pari has maintained a strong connection to his native Italy, co-founding a wine magazine with a focus on ageing Italian wines.

Sarah Knowles MW - Wine Buyer at The Wine Society
Sarah Knowles MW is a Senior Buyer at The Wine Society, responsible for Champagne, Italy and North America. She became a Master of Wine in 2015, winning the award for best research paper, and is widely respected for her expertise in fine wine and sparkling wine.

Entering the IWSC Global Judging in Franciacorta offers producers the opportunity to elevate their wines on the international stage, connect with key trade figures and strengthen their presence in important markets:

• Present your wines to leading international experts, including Masters of Wine, top sommeliers and buyers
• Benefit from your wines judged within the context of their origin, alongside convenient local shipping
• Gain global recognition through IWSC promotion, Club Oenologique, The Drinking Hour podcast and leading trade and consumer media
• Increase visibility in the UK market via key trade events, tastings and editorial coverage
• Receive globally recognised medals, certificates and marketing toolkits, backed by the exact same IWSC’s rigorous judging process as at the IWSC London judging. 

Discover here how we promote medal-winning producers from Franciacorta.

The IWSC Franciacorta Wine Producer Trophy recognises outstanding producers in the region, celebrating excellence, consistency and craftsmanship across their range.

In 2025, the trophy was awarded to Freccianera, Fratelli Berlucchi, thanks to the exceptional quality and strong medal performance of each of their wines entered into the competition.

All producers entering the IWSC and judged in Franciacorta are automatically considered for this prestigious award. Following the judging, the highest-performing producers are shortlisted based on their results.

The shortlist is then reviewed by members of the IWSC Judging Committee, who select the overall winner.

The winning producer will be announced shortly after the judging, with formal recognition at the IWSC Awards Celebration later in the year.

Entry deadline: 31 July 2026
Delivery deadline: 7 August 2026
Judging: 22-25 September 2026
Results announcement: 30 September 2026

Entry fee: £145 + VAT per wine (online entry)

To benefit from the discounted entry price, please select “Wine Judging in Franciacorta” as your judging location when submitting your wines.

Delivery address:
Consorzio per la tutela del Franciacorta, Magazzino
Via Provinciale 12 A,
25030 Erbusco (BS)

Please send 2 bottles* of each entry.

*Please note, if your wine is awarded a Gold medal, we will require 4 x additional bottles to be sent to the UK for our Trophy judging and Awards Celebration.

If you have any questions, or require further assistance please contact us.