IWC splits into four regional competitions

International Wine Challenge will split into four regional competitions from 2026, moving judging closer to producers before gold medal wines progress to London for international trophies.

Wines will still be judged blind within each region before advancing to London for international trophy evaluation. The Americas competition will take place in Mendoza in November 2026, followed by Asia Pacific in Adelaide and Europe in Montpellier. The UK judging stage will be held in London in May 2027. Gold medal wines will return to London for final International Trophies judging. The awards ceremony will follow at Guildhall in September 2027.

Owner Chris Ashton said the restructure improves accessibility and strengthens links with regional producers. New regional co-chairs include leading Masters of Wine and journalists across key markets.

Entries for Americas open on 1 July and Asia Pacific entries follow later in July. The model reduces shipping and brings judges closer to wines globally.