LOW & NO
Launched for Tranche 2, 2026
Low and no alcohol wine is no longer niche. It’s a fast-growing part of the global wine market, driven by changing drinking habits, health awareness and rapid improvements in production techniques.
Major retailers now give low and no alcohol wines dedicated shelf space, while pubs, bars and restaurants increasingly feature no- and low-alcohol options on drinks lists. Consumer demand is growing — and expectations around quality are rising with it.
At the International Wine Challenge, we recognise that low and no alcohol wines must be judged on their own terms. That’s why, for 2026, this category has been refined and strengthened with a dedicated judging approach designed specifically for low and no alcohol wines — judged for what they are, not what they’re compared against.
Judged on their own terms
These wines are assessed by a specialist panel led by Angela Mount, whose experience spans large-scale retail wine buying, category development and many years as a Panel Chair at the International Wine Challenge.
Formerly Head of Wine Buying at Somerfield, Angela has evaluated wines at commercial scale and understands how quality, flavour and consistency translate into real-world listings. Her more recent work across no- and low-alcohol drinks — across both retail and on-trade — gives her direct insight into how the category is evolving, what consumers expect, and how quality should be assessed on its own terms.
The focus is clear: balance, flavour integrity and drinkability.
What this means for producers
- Dedicated Low / No judging panel and Category Chair
- Wines judged within their own category — not against alcoholic wines
- Clear recognition for wines that meet the quality benchmark
- Results promoted alongside core IWC winners
Entry criteria
- Wines must be predominantly grape-based (minimum 65% grape content)
- Wines may include flavourings or blends
- Maximum alcohol: 5% ABV
- Wines are grouped and tasted from dry to sweet
How to enter
During the standard IWC entry process, select Low / No Alcohol in the entry form and confirm your submission.
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IWC ICON WINES
Launched for Tranche 2, 2026
IWC Icon Wines is a dedicated category created for the world’s flagship wines — the bottles that define a winery, not just represent it.
These wines sit outside the standard competition framework and are judged separately, because they deserve a different conversation.
Judged where they belong
Icon Wines are assessed by a hand-picked panel of leading sommeliers and fine-wine buyers — people who work daily with prestige wines, rarity and top-tier lists. Wines are judged only against others of similar stature, in an environment designed specifically for fine wine.
There’s nothing closed or secret about entering. Producers submit Icon Wines through the normal IWC entry process. What’s different is how the wines are handled, served and judged.
How Icon Wines differs
- Dedicated Icon Wines judging panel
- One sample bottle required
- Small additional judging fee (£25)
- Wines do not receive standard IWC medals or trophies
- Top-performing wines receive a 100-point score and dedicated Icon Wines branding
- Results listed separately under Icon Wines in IWC search results
The emphasis is on careful handling, appropriate service and a judging environment built for serious bottles.
Who should enter
- Flagship wines with a minimum £60 retail value
- Prestige cuvées, limited releases and ultra-premium expressions
How to enter
During the standard IWC entry process:
- Select Icon Wines
- Confirm the expected UK retail price
- Submit one bottle sample
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