Introducing: Top 10 Young Georgian Winemaker Award

This November the IWSC is returning to Georgia and, to celebrate our ongoing association with the Georgian wine industry, we are launching a new joint initiative: the Top 10 Young Georgian Winemakers Award.

This award is inspired by the rapid growth of Georgia’s wine market, which has led to a surge of interest in winemaking as a profession. Increasingly, people without a family connection to the industry are choosing winemaking as their career path.

Our objective is to celebrate emerging talent, encourage more people to enter the field, and strengthen interest in related professions such as wine communications, sommelier roles, and retail and distribution.

How to get involved

The award is open to winemakers under the age of 35, with registration available through a dedicated platform launching soon. Aspiring participants will be able to submit their applications here for consideration.

To be eligible, entrants must submit wines to the IWSC’s Global Judging in Georgia, which takes place this November. Winners will be determined by the points their wines receive at the IWSC in Georgia, ensuring the process remains transparent, merit-based, and internationally recognised.

IWSC in Georgia

This marks the fourth edition of the IWSC’s Georgian Global Judging event in association with the Wine Agency of Georgia and Gurjaani Wine Festival. We are accepting submissions of wine, brandy, and chacha, awarding bronze, silver, and gold medals, with the overall Georgian Producer Trophy presented, to those products that meet the IWSC’s exacting standards.

For the first time the event will take place in Ajara, on the Black Sea coast, giving judges the opportunity to experience the rich culture of western Georgia. This exposure will deepen their knowledge and ensure they return home as ambassadors for the region.

IWSC product entries open on 1 October and can be accessed via the IWSC website. A link to the Top 10 Young Georgian Winemakers will appear on the site once live.

About the IWSC

The IWSC is the oldest wine and spirits competition in the world. Established in 1969, we take pride in our rigorous and fair process, and in the professionalism of our judges, who help to shape the global drinks agenda. More than 90 per cent of our judging panel work as senior buyers in retail, hospitality, and distribution, holding qualifications such as Master of Wine and Master Sommelier.

Our Global Judging events shine a light on the intricacies of each host region, bringing them to international attention while fostering connections and community across the drinks industry.