The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), the largest and most influential wine competition globally, has opened its entries for 2026. This prestigious platform, known for its commitment to benchmarking wine quality, continues to evolve, introducing new leadership within its judging panel, reducing shipping costs, and emphasizing sustainability.
Since its inception over two decades ago, the DWWA has been a key measure of quality in the wine industry, attracting participation from more than 18,000 wines across 60 countries. Each wine undergoes a rigorous blind tasting conducted by over 250 esteemed experts, including Masters of Wine and high-profile wine professionals. A medal from the DWWA signifies excellence and enhances visibility for producers, often leading to increased listings and export opportunities.
Beth Willard, Co-Chair of DWWA, highlights the significance of this recognition, stating, “A DWWA medal is more than a seal of approval – it’s a catalyst for opportunity.” The competition also offers entrants professional tasting notes, providing valuable feedback for future vintages, regardless of whether they win a medal.
Innovations for 2026
The 2026 edition brings notable changes, including the appointment of Caro Maurer MW as the first Resident Co-Chair, aiming to infuse fresh perspectives into the judging committee. Along with her, five new Regional Chairs will further enhance the competition’s expertise, ensuring that wines are judged by true specialists in their respective regions.
DWWA is also prioritizing sustainable practices. The competition has embedded circular systems in its operations, which include reusing thousands of cardboard boxes and converting leftover wine into energy. For 2026, it plans to replace single-use plastic bags with reusable cotton bags, aiming to lower its environmental footprint further.
To address economic challenges, the entry fee remains at £172, with reduced shipping costs and convenient submission options at major trade fairs. Additionally, those entering by January 14, 2026, will have exclusive access to an online session with the DWWA Co-Chairs, providing insights on what makes a wine stand out.
Entries are open until March 17, 2026, with sample delivery deadlines beginning in February. For detailed information on entry procedures, guidelines, and related fees, producers can refer to the DWWA entry page.
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