About the International Wine Challenge Rating System

The IWC: Rigorous blind tastings by 500+ global experts for impartial evaluation. Benchmarks wines, offers market insights. Global reach via wine-searcher.com.

How International Wine Challenge Rates

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) uses a 100-point scale to evaluate wines, determining awards based on the wine’s quality and characteristics. Wines are judged by a panel of experts who assess factors such as balance, complexity, character, and the wine's true expression of its origins.

About the Scores
The IWC assigns awards based on the following point ranges:

95–100
Gold Medal
A superb wine with great personality, character, and complexity, true to its origins. These wines are considered exceptional and are highly recommended.

90–94
Silver Medal
An accomplished wine with considerable personality, demonstrating strong character and quality. These wines are also highly recommended.

85–89
Bronze Medal
A well-made wine that provides an enjoyable drinking experience. While it may lack the complexity or depth of higher-scoring wines, it still offers significant quality.

80–84
Commended Award
A wine that is good but may have some minor flaws or lack the complexity found in higher-rated wines. It still provides a pleasant drinking experience.

International Wine Challenge History

The International Wine Competition (IWC) establishes itself as a premier global benchmark for wine excellence through its rigorous and impartial evaluation process. Central to its distinction is the "blind" tasting method, where judges assess wines without knowledge of producer, price, or brand, ensuring objectivity. Each medal-winning wine undergoes scrutiny by a minimum of eight experts, guaranteeing a thorough and consistent evaluation.

The IWC convenes a diverse panel of over 500 experts from more than 38 countries, comprising Masters of Wine, buyers, and industry influencers. This assembly of global expertise contributes to the competition’s credibility and prestige. The competition offers winemakers a unique opportunity to benchmark their products against international standards, providing valuable insights into their wine’s quality and market position.

Furthermore, the IWC extends significant global exposure through various media channels, reaching a vast audience. The recent integration with wine-searcher.com amplifies this reach, connecting medal winners with millions of potential consumers. Beyond recognition, the IWC provides tangible benefits, including high-shine foil bottle stickers that demonstrably increase sales. Winning IWC awards enhances a winery’s global reputation, facilitating international trade and opening doors to new markets. The competition’s impact extends beyond accolades, driving sales and fostering global recognition.

  • Jancis Robinson

    Jancis Robinson: Influential wine writer (JancisRobinson.com, FT). Master of Wine, author of key references (Oxford Companion, World Atlas). OBE, 6 Beard Awards.

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  • Sam Kim of Wine Orbit

    Wine Orbit: Independent reviews by NZ's Sam Kim. NZ focus + global. Expert reviews for pros/enthusiasts. Submitted/event wines. Ad-free, NZ$34 fee. Unbiased, detailed.

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