IWC 2026 Tranche 1 — Entries Now Closed

IWC 2026 Tranche 1 — Entries Now Closed

Results announced next week

Thousands of wines. Dozens of countries. One unforgettable week.

The IWC judging rooms have been buzzing — full of new discoveries, surprising flights, quiet debates, loud debates, and the kind of collective expertise you only get when the industry's sharpest palates share a table.

Alongside our Co-Chairs and Panel Chairs, we welcomed an exceptional group of trade leaders this year, including Dror Nativ MW (M&S), Kevin Meehan (Tesco), Sarah Benson MW (Co-op), Imogen Bowers-Davies (Waitrose), Sergio de Luca (Enotria) and Sam Weatherill (etch.) — bringing real-world buying insight to every discussion.

From fresh newcomers to serious heavyweights, this Tranche 1 line-up had it all: cool-climate precision, southern hemisphere confidence, unusual styles that sparked surprise, and plenty of wines that prompted an immediate “you have to try this” across the tables. There were debates (big ones), re-tastes (many), but thankfully — we are somehow still friends.

Now the finishing touches are being made.

Results land next week.
Stay close.

Looking Ahead: Tranche 2 Opens Soon

If you missed Tranche 1, or want to enter more wines, Tranche 2 is your next opportunity.

Tranche 2 gives producers:

• A second chance to compete in the 2026 Challenge
• Full medal eligibility
• Access to the IWC Discovery Tasting (optional add-on)
• A fast route into the global conversation around award-winning wines

Tranche 2 opens: Early 2026
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Why Enter the IWC

Independent research shows that trusted medals can increase a wine's price, sales and consumer confidence — and in a challenging global market, that impact matters more than ever.

An IWC medal is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to stand out.