IWSC Wine Judging in Turkey
What you need to know
The IWSC returns to Turkey in June 2026 for its fourth Global Judging in the country, bringing an international panel of industry experts, and offering unparalleled exposure for Turkish producers.
Following three successful Global Judging events from 2023 to 2025, the IWSC is returning to Turkey - in partnership with Tuğrul Şavkay Turkish Wines Competition. This year, the judging will take place in Istanbul, 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 11-14 June 2026, with results announced on 17 June 2026.
Entry deadline: 22 May 2026.
Who are our judges?
Our team of judges heading to Turkey includes UK’s top wine professionals from hospitality and retail sectors, as well as an influential wine communicator. Master Sommelier Isa Bal will oversee the judging.
Isa Bal MS - Founder & Director, Trivet
Isa Bal MS is a globally respected Master Sommelier and founder of Michelin-starred Trivet in London. A former Head Sommelier at the Fat Duck Group, he won Best Sommelier of Europe in 2008, and is known for championing emerging wine regions
Sunny Hodge - Founder & Director, Diogenes the Dog
Sunny Hodge is a London-based wine expert, writer and founder of award-winning wine bars Diogenes the Dog and Aspen & Meursault. Known for his science-led approach to wine education, he is an author of The Cynic’s Guide to Wine, as well as a prominent media commentator.
Emma Robinson - Wine Buyer, Jeroboams
Emma Robinson is a wine buyer at Jeroboams, a London wine merchant with shops across the city and over 40 years of history. Throughout her career, Emma has held roles in sales, export and education, and now specialises in sourcing wines from key regions.
David Kermode - Wine Writer & Broadcaster
David Kermode is a leading wine journalist, broadcaster and IWSC judge with over 20 years’ experience across TV, radio and print. A former BBC editor, he writes for major wine publications, including Club Oenologique, and hosts The Drinking Hour podcast.
Why enter the IWSC Judging
Entering the IWSC Judging in Turkey 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 a Master Sommelier, a buyer from one of the UK's well-established wine merchants and an influential communicator.
- 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
Find out here how the IWSC promotes its winners.
Discover how Turkish wine found its way to London bars - thanks to the IWSC Wine Judging in Turkey.
IWSC Turkish Wine Producer Trophy
The IWSC Turkish Wine Producer Trophy recognises outstanding producers in the region, celebrating excellence, consistency and craftsmanship across a portfolio of Turkish wines.
In 2025, the trophy was awarded to Akberg Şrince Şarapçilik, recognised for its exceptional quality and strong medal performance across the judging.
All producers entering the IWSC and judged during the Turkish 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: 22 May 2026
Judging: 11-14 June 2026
Results announcement: 17 June 2026
Entry fee (online entry): £148 per wine.
When entering your wines, please select “Wine Judging in Turkey” as your judging location.
Delivery information:
Please send 4 bottles* of each entry. Delivery address will be confirmed soon.
*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.
