With northern hemisphere judging now under way, the UK’s most prestigious independent wine competition is calling for spirits entries and wine entries from southern hemisphere countries.

The International Wine & Spirit Competition has seen in recent years an increase in wine entries from Latin American producers, particularly from Argentina.
Last year, New World producers found themselves in favour, with Australia taking six awards, including the riesling, chardonnay, merlot and single estate wine trophies.

In a move set to please New World producers, the IWSC trialled domestic tastings for the first round of judging this year in the USA, with the judges having been recruited locally. If successful, the competition aims to roll this initiative out into other New World countries in the next few years. This procedure aims to further raise standards, reduce shipping costs and carbon emissions for producers and ensure winners benefit from a higher profile on a local level as a result.

The IWSC says it is proud to be the only competition of its kind that conducts a full blind tasting with extensive chemical analysis and a panel of more than 300 fully qualified, experienced industry judges. The three-fold judging cycle has been created with particular consideration for wine producers’ vintage releases, allowing the IWSC to produce the only truly indicative awards of the year’s releases.

The IWSC ensures winners gain truly international exposure and commercial benefit for their achievements by showcasing them at top international trade events including Prowein, the London International Wine Fair (LIWF), Vinexpo and Vinitaly. The IWSC also helps raise the profile of winners by generating editorial coverage in international publications and through retail promotions.

To enter, go to: www.iwsc.net. You can also request an entry pack by e-mail at info@iwsc.co.uk or by phone on +44 (0)1483 548 963.