Now in its seventeenth year, the prestigious International Women’s Wine Competition has added spirits to its lineup,

making it the first and only competition of its kind in the United States — possibly in the world. Its mission? To uniquely identify specific wines and spirits that women will enjoy and ultimately purchase.

Based on the knowledge that most of the wine consumed at home is primarily purchased by women, event founder and

president Debra Del Fiorentino started this contest to bring a unique perspective to a judged experience. The decision to include spirits in the judging was made, she says, “in response to the rapidly expanding craft spirits universe.

There are so many great producers out there; earning a medal here is one way to grab consumer attention.”

The competition brings together esteemed judging panels made up exclusively of professional women winemakers, distillers,

sommeliers, retail buyers, beverage industry educators and journalists. The judges will recognize not only the best wines and spirits

submitted, but also those they feel would appeal most to women buyers and consumers.

For extra recognition, if your facility has a woman winemaker or distiller, be sure to note it at time of entry.

Aside from judging wines on their own merit, a special award will be given to the Best Woman Winemaker and Best Woman Distiller.

That said, however, this competition is open to all distillers, regardless of gender.