In the competitive landscape of the wine industry, where consumers are inundated with countless options, standing out is essential for success. One highly effective way for wineries to distinguish themselves and capture the attention of consumers is through ratings and medals in wine competitions and by having professional reviews. From enhancing brand credibility and visibility, which is essential when dealing with wine importers, to influencing consumer purchasing decisions, having your wines participating in wine competitions and seeking professional reviewers and ratings can be game-changers for wineries looking to thrive. BestWineImporters, in collaboration with its partner Steve Raye of Bevology, a highly respected expert in the U.S. wine market, has compiled a comprehensive list that provides all the necessary details for entering wine competitions and obtaining scores and reviews relevant in the U.S.
1.
Name: Decanter World Wine Awards
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: March 17 2026
Link for entry form/process: https://www.decanter.com/decanter-awards/
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): £172/SKU
Number of bottles needed per SKU: Not Specified
2.
Name: IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition)
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes, wines and spirits brands
Deadline: Varies by category and region: https://www.iwsc.net/entry-zone/entry-and-shipping-deadlines
Link for entry form/process: https://iwsc.net/how-to-enter
Entry cost per SKU: £174/SKU
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 4
3.
Name: James Suckling
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: Varies by category and region: NA
Link for entry form/process: By invitation only. https://www.jamessuckling.com/contact-us/
Entry cost per SKU: No charge
Number of bottles needed per SKU: Not specified
4.
Name: BTI – Beverage Testing Institute
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes, wines, spirits, and beer
Deadline: Deadlines by country and category throughout the year for both wines and spirits. Schedule for domestic and international wines https://bevtest.com/services/reviews/wine/
Link for entry form/process: Monthly rolling schedule for wines, spirits, and beers and does bespoke/custom reviews on request. https://bevtest.com/services/reviews/wine/
Entry cost per SKU: $165-300
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
5.
Name: New York International Wine Competition
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: May 2026
Link for entry form/process: https://nyiwinecompetition.com/how-to-enter/
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): $100
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 3
6.
Name: San Francisco International Wine Competition
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: November 2025
Link for entry form/process: https://thetastingalliance.com/competitions/
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): NA
Number of bottles needed per SKU: NA
7.
Name: Somm Journal/Tasting Panel
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: Custom/ Publisher’s Picks (not a formal competition)
Link for entry form/process: https://sommjournal.com/sample-submissions/
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): NA
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
8.
Name: TexSom
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Yes
Deadline: NA for 2026
Link for entry form/process: https://texsom.com/
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): NA
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 4 wine/ 2 spirits
9.
Name: Wine and Spirits Magazine
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: No
Deadline: Varies by category and region
Link for entry form/process: https://www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com/submissions-protocol
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): No charge
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
10.
Name: Wine Enthusiast
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: No
Deadline: Varies by category and region
Link for entry form/process: https://www.wineenthusiast.com/submit-for-rating/
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): No charge
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
11.
Name: Wine Spectator
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: No
Deadline: Varies by category and region
Link for entry form/process: https://www.winespectator.com/articles/how-to-submit-wines
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): No charge
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
12.
Name: WSWA Access (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America)
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: Must be an exhibitor at the convention
Deadline: For 2025
Link for entry form/process: https://accesslive.wswa.org/
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): NA
Number of bottles needed per SKU: 2
13.
Name: Vinepair
Accept brands not currently imported into the U.S.: NA
Deadline: Varies by category
Link for entry form/process: Must email [email protected] to schedule
Entry cost per SKU (Stock keeping unit): NA
Number of bottles needed per SKU: NA
Thanks to:
Steve Raye, [email protected], +1 860 833 6272
