Global Judging 2026: IWSC returns to Georgia, ‘the cradle of winemaking.’

The IWSC is returning to Georgia in November 2025 to kick off our 2026 Awards. In what will be our fifth visit to Georgia where we are working in partnership with the Gurjaani Wine Festival and National Wine Agency of Georgia. The competition is open to from wine, chacha and brandy producers

Our group will be led by wine judging committee member and leading Georgian wine expert Sarah Abbott MW. She will oversee our judges, who will be a combination of returning and new IWSC judges in the Georgian competition.

“I’m thrilled to be leading such a great team of judges to Georgia. Georgian wine is booming in the UK: so many supermarkets, wine Indies and restaurants are introducing or expanding their Georgian wine listings. I’m excited that we will host our judging panels in Ajara. This thrilling terroir of the Black Sea is emerging to take its place with the more familiar regions of the Kakheti.” Sarah Abbott MW, IWSC Wine Judging Committee.

The intention behind IWSC Global Judging

Our Global Judging programme is a unique opportunity for entrants and is at the heart of our mission to create mutually beneficial connections, educate and shine a light on the regions we visit.

The IWSC provides winners with an independent quality endorsement and allows for bench marking against wines and spirits from across the Globe.

IWSC Judges: shaping the global wines and spirits agenda

IWSC judges are all experts in their fields, and unlike other competitions, more than 90% hold day jobs as senior buyers with distributors, retailers and hospitality venues.

An integral part of all IWSC Global Judging sessions are the immersive visits, tastings and experiences created for our team. These experiences ensure that entries are assessed with the most up to date regional knowledge and experience and create a set of enthusiastic ambassadors on their return home.

A new host location

For the first time, this year’s judging sessions will take place in Ajana, a region in the South-West of Georgia, bordering the Black Sea.

The Ajana region has undergone a revival in recent years, that has showcased its varied terroirs and seen the development of several local grape varieties.

We look forward to exploring the wines from this region as part of the complex tapestry of wines and spirits produced today in Georgia.

“I am extremely proud of the long term partnership the IWSC has developed with the Georgian Wine and Spirit industries and am very happy to have the opportunity to build on this in the Ajara region this Autumn. The Georgian wine renaissance is well underway, and we are happy to have been able to play a part in bringing Georgian wines and spirits to greater attention over the last few years” Christelle Guibert CEO, IWSC

A very special announcement to come

This year's Georgian Competition includes a new element that will recognise industry talent.  We are excited about this development and will be revealing the full detaiils very soon.

Producers entering the IWSC 2026 Wine Judging in Georgia will benefit from:

• Discounted entry fee
• Convenient local delivery
• Award-winning wines put in front of the IWSC’s global audience
• Inclusion in the IWSC’s 2026 communication campaigns
• Access to a panel of the IWSC’s internationally renowned wine judges

The IWSC 2024 Wine Judging in Georgia will take place on 25^th to 28^th November 2025, with the results announced on 2^nd December. Entries will open this Autumn, keep an eye out for news here, on our social media channels and in your inbox.