45 Years.
The Original Wine & Spirit Competition
REWARDING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1969
IWSC.NET
POSITION YOUR BRANDS ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE AMPLIFY YOUR SUCCESS; INCREASE SALES
PROMOTED INTERNATIONALLY
A TRUSTED SEAL OF APPROVAL
Success in the IWSC can increase sales and open new export opportunities:
Making it through the IWSC rigorous tasting process and winning an award is just the beginning. We support winners throughout the entire year to effectively promote their results internationally:
Winning a coveted IWSC Award is no mean feat. The trust that the IWSC commands is what makes our awards so meaningful for trade and consumers alike:
• International promotion at the industry’s leading trade shows including ProWein, Vinitaly, WSWA, The Beautiful South and Vinexpo • Opportunity to participate in showcase events around the world for winning products • Network of trade and media partners in all key markets around the world backed by a dynamic communications campaign • International sales agents working in key markets drive awareness of the Competition and promote winners all year round.
• A structured and rigorous two-stage judging process • Blind tasting by pre-poured, numbered glasses (judges never see a bottle) • The only competition to carry out detailed chemical and microbiological analyses • In-house team of WSET qualified staff, permanent on-site cellars and three dedicated tasting rooms • Each product is assessed meticulously and with the greatest care • Support of the leaders of the wine and spirit industries
• Winners are published in our annual Drinks Business report which is sent to global leaders in the industry • With media partners in 12 international markets, IWSC coverage is truly global • IWSC award bottle stickers generate a tangible impact on sales • Dynamic social media networks promote results and engage with influencers • Free marketing toolkit and expert guide on how to promote your award • 12 month PR campaign to promote the Competition and its wines globally
12 month PR campaign highlights winners to the world “If you are lucky enough to win an International Trophy from the IWSC the reputation of your brand is immediately enhanced domestically and internationally. Wine show success at the IWSC has an incredible positive influence on wine buyers around the world, especially to those in the emerging markets.” Neil McGuigan, CEO Australian Vintage
45
ABOUT THE IWSC
Years.
Established in 1969, The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) was the first competition of its kind, set up to seek out, reward and promote the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Now in its 45th year, The IWSC’s relentless pursuit of excellence underpins every aspect of the Competition today.
The Original Wine & Spirit Competition
What sets the IWSC apart is the formidable reputation of its judging process. Our panels of carefully selected global industry experts comprise Masters of Wine, buyers, Master Distillers, Master Blenders, Master Sommeliers; WSET qualified educators and respected wine and spirit journalists. Every single wine and spirit is assessed on its own merits within the context of its class. Currently receiving entries from around 90 countries, the IWSC is truly international in its reach and recognition. Our partners around the world work throughout the year to drive awareness and promote winners to both trade and consumer audiences.
OUR PRESIDENT
With 45 years heritage, an IWSC Award is recognised internationally as a badge of quality.
Dr Laura Catena, 2014 IWSC President The fourth generation of the influential winemaking family Catena, Laura is known as ‘the face of Argentine wine.’ Her Italian great grandfather settled in Mendoza and established the winery in 1902. Her father, Nicolas Catena Zapata was instrumental in bringing the Malbec grape onto the world stage. Today, she travels around the world, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the wines of her country.
WINE & SPIRIT ANALYSIS A key part of the IWSC process is to pass winning entries through to a round of detailed chemical and microbiological analysis to assess the overall stability and quality of the wine or spirit.
Laura is currently Managing Director of Bodega Catena Zapata and her own Luca Wines in Mendoza, a role which she combines with her other career as a practising physician of Emergency Medicine in San Francisco. The IWSC is honoured to have such a remarkable, dynamic and committed ambassador as its 2014 President and we look forward to a great year ahead.
BLIND TASTING
THE RIGOROUS JUDGING PROCESS... With a track-record of 45 years of experience and the support of the leaders of the wine and spirits industries, the IWSC staunchly upholds its original judging principles. It is this uncompromising commitment to these principles which sets the Competition apart. All judges must attend an introduction and briefing and may also be asked to attend a trial judging day before being permitted to sit on a panel. Detailed chemical analysis helps refine judging to further assess a product’s future stability and legal compliance. Every single wine is assessed on its own merits within the context of its class. The Technical and Judging Committee gives independent assurance to the IWSC Board of the quality, integrity, accuracy and impartiality of the assessment of products entered in the Competition each year.
iwsc.net/judges
“There’s absolutely no question that winning anything at the IWSC is not just another award, this is the premium competition, we always take part in it and it’s the one that I attach the most importance to.” Dr Bill Lumsden
The IWSC is the only competition of its kind that conducts full blind tasting (pre poured glasses) by panels selected from over 300 fully qualified industry judges from 30 countries around the world. Followed by an extensive chemical analysis.
...7 Months, 4 days a week 7 Judges per panel 3 panels per day 300 judges from over 30 countries ...including 40 Masters of Wine THE MARKING SYSTEM GOLD OUTSTANDING At the judges’ discretion
90 – 100 GOLD Superior example; setting the standard
86 – 90 SILVER OUTSTANDING Outstanding example; excellent quality
80 – 85 SILVER Fine example; excellent quality
75 – 79.9 BRONZE Good example; well above average For full details please visit iwsc.net
Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, Glenmorangie
“There are competitions and there are competitions, but the IWSC is one of the few that really works as it is recognised by consumers. Effective competitions need to connect with the consumer and that is something the IWSC does well.” Bruce Jack Winemaker, Flagstone Wines
HOW TO ENTER Entering one of your products for an award is easy, just follow the below steps. • Visit iwsc.net/how-to-enter • Click on the ENTER NOW button • Fill in the online form • Send your products to the Competition cellars iwsc.net/shipping
For a full list of entry categories, please visit iwsc.net/categories For a full list of trophies, please visit iwsc.net/trophies
NEW FOR 2014
SHIPPING INFORMATION For 2014 we have introduced a new, simple shipping system to make the entry process easier than ever before. For only £37 per entry, including duty, entrants will be able to ship their wines from any office of our partner, Hellmann Beverage Logistics. Find out more at iwsc.net/shipping
ENTRY DEADLINES NORTHERN HEMISPHERE WINES Eastern Europe/Far East & Asia England France/Portugal/Spain/Greece Germany/Austria/ Switzerland Italy USA/Canada/Mexico
3 February 6 February 28 February 14 March 19 March 26 March
SPIRITS ALL
16 May
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WINES South Africa* South America Australia New Zealand
27 June 27 June 18 July 1 August
* Please note South Africa judging will take place in Paarl, so products must be shipped there directly between 4th and 11th July
Visit iwsc.net/termsandconditions for a full list of rules as well as the terms and conditions for entry
SAVE THE DATE Annual Awards Banquet Wednesday 12 November 2014 The Guildhall, City of London
WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
WITH THANKS TO OUR MEDIA PARTNERS
The International Wine and Spirit Competition Ltd Building 17, Dunsfold Park, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh Surrey, GU6 8TB UK Tel: +44 (0)1483 548 963 Fax: +44 (0)1483 548 826 Email: info@iwsc.co.uk
IWSC.NET The International Wine and Spirit Competition Part of the
theIWSC @theIWSC
marketing@iwscgroup.com
theIWSC