You are re-launching the Tranche 1 entry process for IWC 2026 - can you explain what you are doing?
Tranche 1 for entries was originally launched in 2014 with producers from the Southern hemisphere in mind. The idea was that judging in November would allow producers from those regions to enter their wines at a time for optimum freshness so they could showcase new vintages at their best.
However, there is also a clear benefit for Northern Hemisphere winemakers too, especially for their red wines, and for this reason, Tranche 1 is open to all.
How does the overall entry process work?
Very much the same as always. Enter and ship your wines by October 17and they will be judged up to medal level.
The Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners from Tranche 1 will be announced by November 18 to allow for plenty of time to promote results ahead of Christmas and in time for first quarter new listing reviews.
The top winning wines from Tranche 1 will then go forward and be judged alongside the top wines from the April judging in order to award the very best winning Trophies for the 2026 International Wine Challenge.
What advantages are there for entering early?
Very simply, there is no difference between entering now or in the Spring. We are now offering two entry periods into the same competition so that winemakers can enter their wines at the point that suits them best and for their markets.
You are into the first year of running IWC as a new independent events business - how is it going?
It is great to be back at the International Wine Challenge re-connecting with judges, winemakers, crew and all the people connected with the competition. For year one, we worked on the basis of evolution not revolution and only making small tweaks whilst listening to feedback from the industry.Now going into year two, we are ready to act and start to implement some big developments.
What have been the big steps you have looked to take in year one?
The re-introduction of Tranche 1 is one of the big changes we are implementing as discussed.There will also be the introduction of new technology to enable us to get results out much quicker and provide more insightful feedback to entrants.
Other changes include making the IWC Industry Awards Dinner a proper wine industry celebration, not only of the best performing wines from the IWC as well as the leading retailers, agents and on-trade businesses in the UK market.
Time to get the black tie out: The International Wine Challenge will be hosting its awards at the Guildhall in London on September 9
The IWC Wine Industry Awards will take place on September 9 at The Guildhall in London.We will have 400 guests on the night so it is a real bringing together of the top people in wine. We are down to our last few tables so if you do want to attend, please click here now to book your place!
Furthermore, the whole entry process for the 2026 IWC Industry Awards will be much more streamlined and easier for those wishing to enter.
On September 25 the first IWC Argentina Wine Industry Awards will take place in Buenos Aires, with the IWC Spanish Wine Industry Awards, now in its 10th year will happen in Madrid on November 3.There is more to planned on this front with the IWC growing both its UK and international footprint.
We also wanted the IWC to become a content hub for the global drinks trade and this is why we have launched IWC Insight a new fortnightly newsletter with contributing writers from across our network.
There will be a lot more to come too for 2026 which we will be announcing in the months to come.
What makes the IWC awards programme attractive for those entering?
We believe that an International Wine Challenge medal is more than an award – it’s a globally recognised guarantee of quality that inspires confidence among wine lovers and retailers alike. For producers and merchants, it’s also a powerful marketing tool to drive sales and stand out in a crowded market. Winning is just the beginning.
We are consistently told by retailers that the IWC medal on a bottle is the one award that sells wine. Consumers know and trust it.
Any key trends that you saw in the 2025 results?
Oz Clarke says the entries into the International Wine Challenge in 2025 were as diverse as he can remember
This can probably be summarised brilliantly by co-chair, Oz Clarke: “This year's International Wine Challenge produced the broadest range of medal-winning regions and countries that I can recall. Wonderful wines from Spain, Portugal, Italy and France, but also tremendous showings from countries like New Zealand and Australia.”
He adds: “I was particularly impressed by the rising standard of wines from newer countries like North Macedonia, and excited and intrigued by the range and quality of wines from Japan.
“I was thrilled and proud when faced with the spectacular quality of the English wines. If English wines want to prove themselves against the best in the world, the International Wine Challenge is the place to do it."
Anything else you want to say about the 2025 awards?
At the moment we are running The Discovery Tasting which provides a unique platform for IWC medal-winning wines and sakes seeking representation in the UK. Buyers can select medal-winning samples direct to their door via IWC Discovery Wines’ sample delivery service.
If you are a buyer based in the UK and would like to get involved or to find out more information, please contact Lee Sharkey, lee@iwcevents.com who will provide you with an access code.
Key entry deadline dates for IWC 2026 Tranche One:
- July 14: IWC Tranche One is open for entries.
- September 20: Deadline to register entry if using the consolidated shipping service.
- September 26:Consolidated shipping deadline - samples need to be with Hellmann Beverage Logistics.
- October 10: Deadline to register entry if delivering wines direct to IWC warehouse.
- October 17: Samples need to be at IWC warehouse.
- To enter your wines for Tranche One click here.
- Enter by August 22 using code IWCEarlyBird to receive a 5% discount.
- For more details on how to enter the overall IWC click here.
