1. Entering the IWC

How do I enter the IWC?

You can enter online through your IWC account. Once logged in, complete the entry form for each wine, submit payment, and send your samples before the deadline.

Who can enter the competition?

Any commercially available wine or sake can enter, provided it meets the Rules of Entry (labelling, sealing, finished product, etc.).

What information do I need to complete the entry form?

You will need ABV, varietal details, region, vintage, volume and bottling information. A full checklist is provided inside your account.

Can I enter if I don't have a UK importer?

Yes. Wines without UK representation can also enter the Discovery Tasting for an additional fee.

What is the difference between Tranche 1 and Tranche 2?

Both are full competitions.

● Tranche 1 offers earlier results (ideal for winter trading, Q1 listings, and early PR).

2. Payments, Fees & Deadlines

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry fees vary by category (Wine / Sake / Discovery Tasting) and are listed on the Rules of Entry page.

Do I have to pay UK VAT?

● UK companies: Yes
● EU companies with a valid VAT number: No
● Non-EU companies: No

What payment methods do you accept?

Credit card, or invoice in GBP, EUR, or USD.

What happens if my payment is late?

Entries cannot be judged unless fees are received before the published deadlines.

3. Sending Your Samples

How many bottles do I need to send?

● 4 bottles per wine (standard entry)
● 6 bottles per wine (Discovery Tasting)

What shipping options do you offer?

1. Hellmann Consolidated Shipping (recommended, cheapest, simplest)
2. Shipping via a UK distributor
3. Private courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx) — must be Duty Paid

Why is consolidated shipping recommended?

It avoids customs delays, reduces cost, includes duty/taxes, and ensures samples arrive correctly labelled.

Do I need to use the commercial invoice you send me?

Yes.
Do NOT use automated invoices from DHL/FedEx — they lack the necessary alcohol information and will cause customs delays.

What happens if my shipment is not Duty Paid?

IWC cannot accept any charges from couriers. Undeclared or unpaid shipments may be returned at your cost.

4. Judging Process

How are wines judged?

All wines are blind-tasted across multiple rounds. Each wine is evaluated for quality, balance, typicity and potential.

Who are the judges?

Over 500 experts from 40+ countries, including Masters of Wine, leading critics, winemakers, buyers and sommeliers.

How many times is my wine tasted?

Every wine is tasted at least twice, on separate days, by different panels, with Co-Chair sign-off for Gold and Trophy winners.

Are judges told the price or producer?

No. Judging is blind, impartial, and based purely on the wine in the glass.

5. Medals, Results & Promotion

When are results announced?

Medal and Trophy announcement dates are published on the "Key Dates" page.

What does each medal mean?

● Gold – Exceptional quality and typicity
● Silver – Very high quality
● Bronze – High quality
● Commended – Well-made wines offering value and typicity

How can I use my medal?

Use medal stickers on your bottles or licence the artwork for printed labels, cartons or digital marketing.

Can medals help me sell more wine?

Yes. Studies show medals influence both price and sales. Supermarket tests using IWC stickers show clear, measurable uplift — especially on crowded retail shelves.

6. Medal Stickers & Artwork Licensing

Where can I buy medal stickers?

Directly from the IWC Shop.

How much do medal stickers cost?

£49 per roll (1,000 stickers), with discounts for 20+ rolls and 50+ rolls.

Is delivery included?

Yes, delivery is free worldwide. Local duty or taxes may apply.

Can I print my own stickers?

Only if you have purchased an IWC Medal Artwork Licence.

How much is the licence?

Annual licences start from £200.

Can I use old medals from previous years?

No. Medals must match the correct year, wine, and vintage awarded by the IWC.

7. Discovery Tasting

What is the Discovery Tasting?

A special judge-led tasting designed to help producers without UK importers find distribution.

Who attends the Discovery Tasting?

UK importers, distributors, retailers and on-trade buyers looking for new listings.

8. IWC Sake Competition

Is the SAKE division judged separately?

Yes. Sake is judged by specialised sake judges and industry experts.

Why is the IWC important for sake?

IWC helped internationalise sake appreciation and quality standards worldwide.
The competition is now the largest and most influential sake judging outside Japan.
IWC also supports the category through events such as Drink Japan.

9. Account, Technical Support & Contact

I can't log into my account — what do I do?

Contact info@iwcevents.com and the team will assist you.

How do I update my billing or shipping address?

Change it in your account, or email info@iwcevents.com within 24 hours of ordering.

Who do I contact for media, partnerships or sponsorship?

Email Lee at lee@iwcevents.com.