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How to Enter WINE / Rules

QUESTIONS?

Contact Debra Del Fiorentino,  debra@winecompetitions.com

 

ENTRY DETAILS

  • An official entry consists of four (4) standard size bottles. Send equivalent amount when using smaller bottles / cans.

  • Paper entry forms are available to download on the page for each specific competition.  The entry fee is to be submitted with the entry form. Please see the individual competition entry forms, or Enofile for the price per entry.  NOTE - there is a discount on most competitions for online entries.   You can begin your online entry at winecompetitions.com.  EnofileOnline customers may enter directly through their EnofileOnline account and enjoy the same online savings.  Entry forms must be received online or by mail by the published deadline date. NOTE* Paper entry forms are not offered for the Experience Rose', Sunset Wine Competition and Craft Distillers Competition. 

  • Entrants who received a special promotional code and will enter via mail: please indicate the promo or discount code on the entry form checklist.

  • You may link to your award results to your brand's homepage. Links are free and may be activated at any time.  If you wish to activate a link, contact Debra Del Fiorentino (see contact information above).

  • All entered wines must be available to the general public.

  • Entrants must specify residual sweetness accurately as a percentage.

  • Certain classes may be subdivided by price, at the discretion of the Chief Judge.

  • Entrants must specify the winery suggested retail price (SRP) for each wine entered.

 

entries & DEADLINES
Entries may be made by mail or online by midnight on the stated deadline date. See each wine competition page for specific deadlines and prices. Wine  entries online enjoy extra savings on fees.  Early birds save even more. 

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If submitting a paper entry, write the class number on the entry form, along with the vintage, wine name/type, appellation or other significant information, varietal composition by percentage, vineyard designation (if any), production, price and residual sweetness. State residual sweetness correctly, as judges may reject a wine with a sweetness level that does not correspond to the entry form. Entrants should specify class number of entry, or a class will be selected at the discretion of the Chief Judge. A wine can be entered in a single class only. (Sunset International Spirits, Experience Rose, and Craft Distillers competitions do not allow paper entries.)

 

Mail completed entry forms and fees to: (Name of) Wine Competition, c/o Wine Competitions Management & Productions, 30 Palomino Ct., Petaluma, CA 94954 (This address is for entries only.  Wine shipment address is listed below). Online entries: winecompetitions.com or enofileonline.com.  All payments are final.

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WINE SHIPMENTS & DELIVERY

Wine shipments must arrive at Express Wine Delivery by the stated date. Clearly mark boxes on all sides for "(Name of) Wine Competition Entry". Indicate box 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc. to ensure entire shipment is received.  Please ship four (4) 750 ml bottles or six (6) 375 ml bottles per wine type entered.  For your convenience, you may download pre-addressed shipping labels.  See the specific wine competition page on this website.

Please ship wines to - "wine competition name", c/o Express Wine Delivery, 7970 Cameron Dr.,Windsor CA, 95492. (707) - 838 -8477.  Because we manage multiple wine competitions, it is important to  reference the name and year of the competition you're entering.

 

JUDGING METHODOLOGY
Panels will be comprised of qualified members of wine media, wine/vineyard research, winemaking, wine education and wine marketing. Majority will rule in reaching a consensus. New bottles will be opened for medal-round tasting. Judges may ask for a new bottle to be poured if they believe a wine to be "corked." Medals awarded will be Best of Class,  Double Gold, and Gold. Double Gold is only awarded when all judges on the panel agree on a gold on the first round, without any discussion of moving one (or more) judge's Silver up to a Gold. Best of Show is determined from the following categories: Best White, Best Red, Best Rosé/Blush, Best Dessert/Late Harvest (including Ice Wine), Best Sparkling Wine, Best Fruit Wine. In order to progress a Best of Class to Sweepstakes, there must be a minimum of five (5) wines in that class.

 

With exception: 

  • International Women's Wine Competition offers a special award for Best Woman Winemaker.

  • International East Meets West Wine Challenge conducts a Riesling Championship for the Eastern Division and also conducts a "face-off" for best of the Eastern vs. Western Divisions.

 

NOTIFICATION
Award recipients will be notified within 10 working days of the last day of the competition.

 

NOTE - ONLY Gold and above awards will medals.   A link for a Media Kit will be posted on the website. Digital Medals / PR, etc., will be included to download. This will include all levels of awards after the results are released.  Medal winners will also be posted on WineCompeititons.com and EnofileOnline.com within ten (10) working days of the final judging day.

 

DISCLOSURES
Any wine remaining at the conclusion of the judging becomes the property of Wine Competitions Management & Productions.

 

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Entrants may link their results to their websites free. The link will be active for the duration that results remain online. Winners will also be entitled to display the trademarked competition logo on their websites and in marketing materials in compliance with the event owner's policies. NOTE - for the Sunset International Wine Competition policy, see Advertising & Licensing Opportunities on the Sunset Website.  All other competition logos will be available for download using the Media Kit link.   All winners will receive an official press release after the competition once results are official and winners have been notified.  You may tailor it to your winery's needs.

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For Sunset International Wine Competition policy click here

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