Decanter World Wine Awards Opens 2026 Competition to Global Producers

Wine producers from around the world are being invited to enter the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), with entries closing on March 17, 2026. Now in its 23rd year, the DWWA is recognized as the largest and most influential wine competition globally. The event provides a platform for wineries to benchmark their products against international standards and gain access to new markets. Medals awarded by the DWWA are widely respected by both the wine trade and consumers.

Each year, more than 18,000 wines from nearly 60 countries are submitted for blind tasting by a panel of over 250 experts. The judging panel includes Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, buyers, journalists, authors, and educators. The competition is known for its rigorous and transparent tasting process. Wines are evaluated within their categories based on region, color, grape variety, style, vintage, and price point. This ensures that each entry is compared fairly with its peers.

Producers who have previously won medals at the DWWA report increased visibility in the market, new listings, and growth in exports after the results are announced. All entrants receive detailed tasting notes from professionals, regardless of whether their wines win medals. These notes provide valuable feedback that can help producers improve future vintages and develop their portfolios.

Beth Willard, Co-Chair of the DWWA, said that a medal from the competition is more than just a mark of quality; it can open doors for producers seeking to expand their reach. She emphasized that expert assessment combined with global exposure makes participation a worthwhile investment for wineries aiming to grow.

For 2026, several changes have been introduced to enhance the competition. The leadership team has been refreshed with a new Resident Co-Chair role that will rotate annually among Regional Chairs. Caro Maurer MW is the first to take on this position. Maurer has served as Regional Chair for South & Eastern Mediterranean and Germany and brings significant experience to the role. She joins Andrew Jefford, Michael Hill Smith AM MW, Beth Willard, and Ronan Sayburn MS on the Co-Chair panel.

Sustainability continues to be a priority for the DWWA. Initiatives include reusable packaging, onsite glass crushing, and converting leftover wine into clean energy. For 2026, reusable cotton blind-tasting bags will replace 20,000 single-use plastic bags to further reduce environmental impact. The competition’s efforts in sustainability were recognized at the 2025 Green Awards UK, where it was a finalist in two categories: Excellence in Waste Management and The Green Transformation Award.

In response to ongoing global cost pressures affecting producers, entry fees for 2026 remain at £172 per wine. Consolidated shipping costs have been reduced to £54 per entry. Producers also have the option to drop off samples at major trade fairs such as ProWein for £32.

Judging will take place in May 2026 in London. Wines will be blind-tasted and re-tasted as needed by panels of experts. Medals are awarded based on quality: Bronze (86-89 points), Silver (90-94 points), Gold (95-96 points), and Platinum (97-100 points). The top 50 Platinum wines will be selected for Best in Show honors.

Entries are currently open and will close on March 17, 2026. Producers interested in participating can find more information on the official Decanter World Wine Awards website.