Entries are open for the 2027 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), now in its 24th year. Organisers say the competition will be easier and less costly to enter, while maintaining the judging standards behind its medals.
Producers will submit three bottles per entry, down from four. A review found the fourth bottle was rarely needed for most wines. The change is supported by Coravin preservation systems and does not alter the judging process: a fresh bottle will still be opened for each round when a wine advances.
The competition is also continuing efforts to reduce its environmental impact. In 2026, more than 20,000 single-use plastic tasting bags were replaced with reusable cotton ones, over 1,000 cardboard boxes were reused, and bottles and leftover wine were recycled.
Fees and shipping
The entry fee remains £172 for the third year in a row. Consolidated shipping has fallen to £51, down £3 from 2026 and £8 from 2025. Producers attending Barcelona Wine Week, Wine Paris or ProWein can use a fair drop-off service for £32.
Entries submitted by 29 January 2027 qualify for a special consolidated-shipping offer.
All entrants will also be invited to a new webinar with the competition’s Co-Chairs after judging. The session will include their observations on the wines and a live question-and-answer session.
Judging and feedback
Wines are judged blind in carefully organised flights, with Bronze, Silver and Gold medals awarded in the first round. Gold-winning wines proceed to further rounds for Platinum and Best in Show. In 2026, just over 7% of wines received one of these top three accolades.
Every entered wine receives professional tasting notes, whether or not it wins a medal. The feedback can help producers assess wines, inform future vintages and compare results over time.
The 2027 judging panel will include more than 240 wine professionals. Paz Levinson joins Andrew Jefford, Beth Willard, Michael Hill Smith AM MW and Ronan Sayburn MS as a Resident Co-Chair, succeeding Caro Maurer MW.
Key dates
- 29 January 2027: Early-bird consolidated-shipping deadline
- 26 February 2027: Consolidated-shipping deadline
- 15 March 2027: Entry and payment deadline