As it embarks on its 22nd edition, Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) continues to be the largest and most influential wine competition globally, consistently providing substantial returns for those who enter—be it through enhanced brand visibility, higher sales, or wider distribution in new markets.
The remarkable reputation of DWWA is anchored in its stringent judging process, managed by top-tier experts whose assessments maintain the integrity and worldwide acknowledgment of the competition.
For wine producers, receiving a DWWA medal signifies more than just a symbol of quality—it represents a standard of excellence achieved through a meticulous review that highlights only the best wines.
With less than 5% of submissions earning the prestigious Gold, Platinum, or Best in Show awards, and Silver and Bronze medals also distributed with utmost precision, a DWWA medal, regardless of its tier, establishes a universal standard for quality and prestige.
For those in the trade and wine lovers, the results of the DWWA serve as a thorough buying guide to the finest wines around the globe.
Participating is the first step to showcasing your wine in this esteemed arena.
The judging panel for DWWA includes 243 experts from 33 different nations, featuring 61 Masters of Wine and 20 Master Sommeliers. With extensive knowledge in wine purchasing, journalism, and hospitality, among other areas, our judges are well-versed in both wine quality and shifting consumer tastes.
‘We take great pride in our panel of judges: it’s like a small United Nations of wine,’ commented DWWA Co-Chair Andrew Jefford. ‘If DWWA is recognized as the largest wine competition globally (a title it has held since at least 2013), our judges are a vital part of that success.’
The upcoming 2025 competition will once again feature our five Co-Chairs—Sarah Jane Evans MW, Michael Hill Smith AM MW, Andrew Jefford, Ronan Sayburn MS, and Beth Willard—who lead panels, ensure consistency in judging, and personally oversee the selections for Best in Show and Top Value Gold winners.
With 40 dedicated Regional Chairs, DWWA upholds a stringent and consistent judging methodology across all wine regions. Newly appointed Regional Chairs for 2025 will add to this approach.
Senior judges and judges for the competition are chosen for their exceptional industry experience. Almost half of the 200-plus judges come from abroad, bringing their specialized knowledge and refined taste to ensure a diverse and impartial evaluation of every wine.
Understanding that wines require their cultural context to be appreciated, each wine is thoroughly assessed in thoughtfully organized flights based on factors such as country, region, color, grape, style, vintage, and price point, guaranteeing an exceptional level of evaluation and accuracy. Credit: Ellen Richardson
The process to enter wines in DWWA takes just five minutes, yet shipping samples to the UK can pose challenges. For 2025, DWWA has streamlined its sample logistics to ease the submission experience for participants. Enhanced consolidated shipping options, including a new depot in Oregon, USA, and additional sample drop-off locations at major trade events like the Barcelona Wine Week and Wine Vision by Open Balkan, as well as returning options at Paris & Vinexposium Paris and ProWein, make it easier than ever to submit your wines.
In response to current market dynamics, the competition has revised its unique price categories to more accurately reflect global price changes. New retail price bands for 2025 have been established:
Moreover, DWWA is expanding its criteria to include alternative packaging and larger bottle formats. Sparkling wines, such as those from Franciacorta, Alta Langa, Cap Classique, Cava, and others, can now be submitted in magnum sizes, a category that was first welcomed for Champagne in 2023.
With these enhancements, DWWA 2025 simplifies the process for producers to submit their wines and achieve recognition among the world’s elite.
Why participate in DWWA? Discover more in our entry pack
28 February 2025
Deadline for consolidated shipping delivery
18 March 2025
Deadline for entry, payment, and direct delivery
6-17 May 2025
Judging for DWWA 2025
18 June 2025
Results for DWWA 2025 will be released on Decanter.com