International Wine and Spirit Competition

The International Wine & Spirit Competition is an annual wine competition founded in 1969 by the [German/British] oenologist Anton Massel. Each year the competition receives entries from over 80 countries worldwide. The awards given by the competition are considered as high honors in the industry. The event occurs annually in November, in London. Only products which pay the entry fee of £130 per category are judged, and four bottles of each product must be supplied.

The two stage judging process takes place over a six-month period, consisting of blind tasting and detailed technical analysis. Entries are judged by panels drawn from 250 specialists from around the world.

The judging process is in two stage; blind tasting, and detailed technical analysis by an independent laboratory. The competition has its own purpose built premises including temperature controlled cellars, tasting rooms and regular staff. The competition has its own storage facilities and cellaring for over 30,000 bottles.

It takes over six months to judge all the products 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. Wines and spirits that win awards go forward to the national or international level.

The competition makes use of over 250 specialist judges from all over the world. Many are Masters of Wine, some are winemakers or distillers, others are trade specialists, each judging in their special field. All judges attend an IWSC judges induction course.

The competition culminates in London in November with the annual awards presentation and banquet, at the City of London Guildhall.

A president is selected annually from influential individuals in the wines and spirits industry. After their term, they serve on the competition’s Advisory Board.

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