International Wine and Spirit Competition

The International Wine & Spirit Competition is an annual wine and spirit competition founded in 1969 by the German/British oenologist Anton Massel. Each year the competition receives entries from over 90 countries worldwide. The awards given by the competition are considered as high honors in the industry. The judging occurs annually, in London. Only brands that pay the entry fee are judged, and two or four bottles of each entry must be supplied, depending on the category entered.

Depending on the points out of 100 awarded, submitted drinks can receive gold outstanding (for spirits only), gold, silver, or bronze awards, and there are no limitations on how many of each which can be awarded. There is also an extensive range of trophies each year.

Judging
The judging process consists of blind tasting and panel discussion. Entries are judged by panels drawn from 250 specialists from around the world.

Judging processes
In 2019, IWSC wine judging moved to London for the first time.

The competition makes use of over 250 specialist judges from all over the world. Many are Masters of Wine, Master Sommelier, some are winemakers or distillers, others are trade specialists, each judging in their special field.

IWSC's Annual Award Ceremony
The competition culminates in London in Autumn with the annual awards presentation and dinner, at the Roundhouse (previously the annual banquet was held at the City of London Guildhall).

Presidents/Industry Champion
A President/Industry Champion is selected annually from influential individuals in the wines and spirits industry. After their term, they serve on the competition’s Advisory Board.


 * 2023 Richard Seale, Barbados
 * 2022 Johann Krige, South Africa
 * 2021 Michael Urquhart, UK
 * 2020 Tamara Roberts, UK
 * 2019 George Fistonich, New Zealand
 * 2018 Facundo L. Bacardi
 * 2017 Chris Blandy, Portugal
 * 2016 Matteo Lunelli, Italy
 * 2015 Neil McGuigan, Australia
 * 2014 Dr Laura Catena, Argentina
 * 2013 G. Garvin Brown IV, USA
 * 2012 Mauricio Gonzalez Gordon, Spain
 * 2011 Prince Robert of Luxembourg, France
 * 2010 Prinz Michael zu Salm-Salm, Germany
 * 2009 Sir Ian Good, UK
 * 2008 Rafael Guilisasti, Chile
 * 2007 Gina Gallo, USA
 * 2006 Anthony von Mandl, Canada
 * 2005 Wolf Blass, Australia
 * 2004 Paul Symington, Portugal
 * 2003 Claes Dahlbäck, Sweden
 * 2002 Dominique Hériard Dubreuil, France
 * 2001 Warren Winiarski, USA
 * 2000 Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, France
 * 1999 Miguel A. Torres, Spain
 * 1998 Sir Anthony Greener, UK
 * 1997 Jean Hugel, France
 * 1996 Dr Anton Rupert, South Africa
 * 1995 Marchese Leonardo de Frescobaldi, Italy
 * 1994 Michael Jackaman, UK
 * 1993 Mme May de Lencquesaing, France
 * 1992 Chris Hancock Hon MW, Australia
 * 1991 Peter Sichel, USA
 * 1990 Robert Drouhin, France
 * 1989 Jos Ignacio Domecq, Spain
 * 1988 Marchese Piero Antinori, Italy
 * 1987 Kenneth Grahame, UK
 * 1986 Dr Max Lake, Australia
 * 1985 Marquis de Goulaine, France
 * 1984 Mme Odette Pol Roger, France
 * 1983 Robert Mondavi Hon MW, USA
 * 1982 Dr Hans Ambrosi, Germany
 * 1981 Harry Waugh Hon MW, UK
 * 1980 Peter Noble, CBE
 * 1979 Cyril Ray, UK
 * 1978 Sir Reginald Bennett VRD, UK
 * 1977 Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, UK