Now owned by Chris Ashton, the International Wine Challenge is being run as a stand-alone business for the first time in its history...
The International Wine Challenge opens for entries on November 5.And the world’s most rigorous and impartial wine competition opens for its 41st year under new ownership.
After 19 years in the William Reed stable, the Challenge has been bought by new company IWC Events Limited. And for the first time, it will be run as a stand-alone business.
The competition is now owned by Chris Ashton (
above), who has been involved in the organisation of the event under two previous owners.
He explains: “This will be my third and final time at the IWC. Initially involved in 2000 with Quest Magazines at Wilmington PLC, then 12 years at William Reed and now I have set up IWC Events Limited to manage it as a stand-alone business for the first time in its history. After working at the IWC for many years, and setting up Wine Logistics four years ago, I am absolutely delighted to now be taking it over.”
'We have big plans'
He added: “We have big plans to develop further on the work William Reed has made and bring in new technology, but still utilising the rigorous two-round judging system.”
Preparations for the 2025 event are well under way and Chris says he is looking forward to “reconnecting with the winemakers, distributors and wholesalers, drinks retailers, IWC judges and the all-important IWC crew” over the coming months.
Andrew Reed of William Reed commented: “William Reed has updated the Challenge over the years and has always stuck rigorously to the integrity that is behind the scenes and the judging process. We’ve been working relentlessly over the last few years to reinforce its position as the most highly regarded third party wine endorsement scheme in the world and given its PR and social media reach of 1.6bn in 2023 we’ve done a pretty good job! Given Chris’ experience with the IWC, I can think of no better guardian of this brilliant event.”
William Reed sold the competition to focus on its World’s 50 Best brand. This portfolio includes World's Best Vineyards, which announces its 2024 list next week, and World's Best Sommeliers' Selection.
IWC 2025 timeline
Entry closes: March 25, 2025
Consolidated shipping delivery deadline: February 28, 2025
Private shipping deadline: March 25 2025
Judging: April 22 to May 5, 2025
IWC Medal results: May 20, 2025
IWC Trophy results: May 27, 2025
IWC Awards: July 10, 2025
Click here for further details. 
