IWSC Wine Judging in Austria
What you need to know
The IWSC returns to Austria in August 2026 for its fourth Global Judging in the country, bringing a stellar team of UK wine professionals and offering unparalleled exposure for Austrian wine producers.
Following three successful Global Judging events from 2023 to 2025, the IWSC is returning to Austria - in partnership with Austrian Wine. This year, the judging will take place in Vienna, offering producers a unique opportunity to showcase their wines on the global stage and build long-lasting relationships with the UK wine trade, while benefiting from convenient local delivery.
The judging will take place on 10-14 August 2026, with results announced on 20 August 2026.
Entry deadline: 15 July 2026.
Who are our judges?
Our team of international judges heading to Austria includes sommeliers and buyers from UK's key hospitality, on-trade & retail institutions. Master of Wine Dirceu Vianna Junior MW will oversee the tasting for the fourth consecutive year.
Dirceu Vianna Junior MW - IWSC Judging Committee Member
Brazil’s first Master of Wine, Junior is a highly respected global wine consultant, educator, author and the IWSC Judging Committee member with nearly three decades of industry experience. Based in London, Junior consults for wine businesses worldwide.
David Kermode - Journalist & Broadcaster
David Kermode is a renowned wine and spirits journalist, broadcaster, and IWSC judge with over two decades of experience across TV, radio, and print media. He writes for leading publications including Club Oenologique and The Buyer, and hosts the IWSC’s The Drinking Hour podcast.
Philipp Reinstaller - Head Sommelier at Labombe by Trivet, UK Sommelier of the Year 2024
Originally from Austria, Philipp built his career in top Michelin-starred restaurants including Tantris in Munich and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, before earning his Advanced Sommelier certification. He later became Head Sommelier at Trivet and joined the opening team at Raffles London.
Emma Penman - Wine Buyer at Waitrose
Emma boasts over a decade of experience in UK retail. At Waitrose, one of the country's leading supermarket chains, she curates a diverse global portfolio, including key European regions and emerging markets.
Adam Michocki - Founder & Director at Central Wines
Adam is a Polish-born sommelier, wine importer, and director of Central Wines, specialising in promoting Central and Eastern European wines in the UK. He has built strong connections with Michelin-starred restaurants, helping introduce these lesser-known wines to a wider audience.
Beatrice Bessi - Head Sommelier at Chiltern Firehouse
Originally from Italy, Beatrice is a sommelier and Wine Director with over 20 years of experience in hospitality. Beatrice leads the wine programme at Chiltern Firehouse, London's five-star hotel and restaurant.
Zareh Mesrobyan - Head of Wine at Estelle Manor
Zareh Mesrobyan is Head of Wine at Estelle Manor, leading a multi-outlet programme. An Advanced Sommelier, he has held senior roles at Cliveden House and Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, and worked in distribution with Jackson Family Wines, combining technical expertise with strong commercial insight.
Why enter the IWSC Judging
Entering the IWSC Judging in Austria offers producers an opportunity to elevate their wines on the international stage, connect with key trade figures and strengthen their presence in important markets:
- Present your wines to leading international experts, including Masters of Wine, top sommeliers, buyers and influential communicators
- Benefit from your wines judged within the context of their origin, alongside convenient local shipping
- Gain global recognition through IWSC promotion, Club Oenologique and leading trade and consumer media
- Receive globally recognised medals, certificates and marketing toolkits, backed by the IWSC’s rigorous judging process
In recent years, producers entering the IWSC Judging in Austria have seen a direct commercial impact from their medals, securing new listings with leading UK importers and retailers, including Waitrose, Corney & Barrow, and Ellis Wines. Read some of the recent success stories below:
Austrian family winery secures prestigious Corney & Barrow listing
Two Austrian Producers secure UK listings with Waitrose and Ellis Wines
IWSC Austrian Wine Producer Trophy
The IWSC Austrian Wine Producer Trophy recognises outstanding producers in the region, celebrating excellence, consistency and craftsmanship across a portfolio of Austrian wines.
In 2025, the trophy was awarded to Weingut Forstreiter, recognised for its exceptional quality and strong medal performance across the judging.
All producers entering the IWSC and judged during the Austrian session are automatically considered for this prestigious award. Following the judging, the highest-performing producers are shortlisted based on their results.
The shortlist is then reviewed by members of the IWSC Judging Committee, who select the overall winner.
The winning producer will be announced shortly after the judging, with formal recognition at the IWSC Awards Celebration later in the year.
Key Information
Entry deadline: 15 July 2026
Judging: 10-14 August 2026
Results announcement: 20 August 2026
Entry fee (online entry): 1-3 entries - £174 per wine; 4+ entries - £162 per entry.
When entering your wines, please select “Wine Judging in Austria” as your judging location.
Delivery information:
Please send 2 bottles* of each entry to the below address:
ÖWI Handels-GmbH
Josef Hafner Strasse 4
2100 Korneuburg, Lower Austria
Note on wine box: IWSC Judging
Delivery window: 30 June - 17 July
*Please note, if your wine is awarded a Gold medal, we will require 4 x additional bottles to be sent to the UK for our Trophy judging and Awards Celebration.
If you have any questions, or require further assistance please contact us.
