Medals and Awards

The IWC is where great wines come to be recognised — fairly, consistently, globally.

Medals and Awards

The IWC Medals and Awards

Winning an IWC medal is more than industry recognition. It's a powerful endorsement trusted by retailers, buyers and consumers worldwide. Every level of award signals excellence and contributes to stronger visibility and commercial results.

IWC Discovery Tasting

The IWC Medal system

Winning an IWC medal is more than industry recognition. It's a powerful endorsement trusted by retailers, buyers and consumers worldwide. Every level of award signals excellence and contributes to stronger visibility and commercial results.

The IWC Medal system
Trophies & Special Awards

Trophies & Special Awards

"Best in Show" — Celebrating the very best wines and winemakers.

Gold (95–100 points)

Gold (95–100 points)

Outstanding wines of exceptional quality and character.

Silver (90–94 points)

Silver (90–94 points)

Impressive, well-crafted wines showing real distinction.

Bronze (85–89 points)

Bronze (85–89 points)

Wines with notable style, character and quality.

Commended (80–84 points)

Commended (80–84 points)

Recognition for wines with clear varietal or regional expression.

Why IWC Medals Matter

Independent research from global wine‑economics studies shows that medals do far more than recognise quality: they influence price, sales and consumer trust.

Higher Prices, Stronger Positioning

Studies show that medal‑winning wines can command significantly higher prices at the cellar door and on wine lists, confirming the commercial value of visible, credible awards.

More Sales at the Shelf

Retail trials demonstrate that medal stickers can meaningfully increase the likelihood of a shopper choosing a wine, especially for less confident consumers seeking reassurance.

Trusted, Rigorous Awards Stand Out

Independent, tightly controlled competitions such as the IWC help consumers distinguish credible recognition from more generous schemes, reinforcing long‑term brand value.

A High‑ROI Tool for Producers

In a crowded market, medal success is one of the most cost‑effective ways to drive visibility and differentiate at a glance — from shelf edge to online retail.

The Trophy Journey

Every Gold starts the journey. Only the exceptional make it to the top.

Sub-Regional Trophies

Gold medal winners compete for recognition as the finest wine from their specific sub‑region, celebrating terroir‑driven excellence.

Regional Trophies

The best wines from each region are honoured, showcasing the diverse quality and character of major wine‑producing areas.

National Trophies

Country champions emerge as the finest representatives of their nation's winemaking heritage and innovation.

International Trophies

Global category winners represent the pinnacle of international winemaking across varietals and styles.

Champion Wine

The final, highest accolade. The top wines from the International Trophy round are blind tasted once more to determine the Champion. This is announced at our Industry Awards Dinner in the Autumn.

Additional IWC Awards

Every Gold starts the journey. Only the exceptional make it to the top.

Awarded to Trophy or Gold medal wines that are certified:

Organic
Biodynamic
Fairtrade
or meet recognised sustainability standards.

These celebrate producers whose excellence starts in the vineyard.

Recognising the individuals whose skill, vision and consistency define world‑class winemaking.

Honouring wines that deliver outstanding quality at accessible price points across styles and regions.

Celebrating retailers whose own‑label ranges set a new benchmark for breadth, quality and value.

Reserved for outstanding achievements that fall outside traditional categories but deserve global recognition.

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If you make great wine, let the world know.

Join the world's most prestigious wine competition and gain recognition for your exceptional wines.