The Process

The most exclusive wine show in the world

The Challenge is more than just a competition

Exclusive to the nations of the New World, this challenge is accessible by invitation only and is restricted to the top 120 wines of each country competing – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa & the USA – as defined by top wine authorities in each country.

The very high level of wine quality together with world leading wine judges are supported and managed by the world leading Drinkme Digital software suite – custom built to our detailed specifications and centered around instant access to information. All of these components not only uphold the prestige of the awards but also guide consumers in discovering outstanding wines that stand a cut above the rest.

Stage 1 – Entries open

All nominated wineries are notified that entries are open. Subject to meeting entry criteria, wineries may submit entries via the Drinkme Digital portal.

Stage 2 – Submission

Entries are processed and confirmed digitally via Drinkme Digital. Dispatch instructions are emailed and freight labels are available from the Drinkme portal.

Stage 3 – Receipt

Entered wines are dispatched by the winery (6 units of each wine) and received into the nominated warehouse, checked and prepared for airfreighting.

Stage 4 – Entries close

Deadline for entries into each country can be found here. Please ensure you dispatch your entries well in advance of this deadline.

Stage 5 – Judging

Wines are judged in a blind tasting format over 4 days (8th – 11th October 2024). Results are recorded via our leading software and medals attributed.

Stage 6 – Results

Winners are announced on Friday 15th November 2024 via social channels and via the Drinkme Digital software which releases images, wine details and judges commentary directly to our website.

Class 1 - Sparkling Wine
Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Pinot meunier.
Class 2 - Riesling
Riesling
Class 3 - Aromatic Whites
Gewurztraminer, Gruner veltliner, Muscat, Torrontes, Moscatel, Siegerrebe, Viognier, Muscat, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Sylvaner, Verdelho
Class 5 - Pinot Gris / Grigio
Pinot gris, Pinot grigio
Class 6 - Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc
Class 7 - Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Class 8 - White Blends
Semillon, Sauvignon blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne.
Class 9 - Non-Aromatic Whites
Semillon, Roussanne, Marsanne, Chenin blanc, Trousseau gris, Vermentino, Grenache blanc
Class 10 - Rosé
Rosé style wines.
Class 11 - Pinot Noir
Pinot noir
Class 12 - Merlot
Merlot
Class 13 - Shiraz / Syrah
Shiraz, Syrah
Class 14 - Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet sauvignon.
Class 15 - Cabernet Franc
Cabernet franc.
Class 16 - Medium Bodied Other Reds
Gamay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Pinot meunier, Lagrein, Nero d'Avola, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Marzemino.
Class 17 - Full Bodied Other Reds
Malbec, Petit verdot, Zinfandel/Primitivo, Mourvedre/Mataro, Tempranillo, Montepulciano, Carignan, Durif/Petite sirah, Pinotage, Blaufrankisch, Aglianico, Graciano, Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Saperavi, Tannat, Counoise, Pais, Cinsaut, Carignan.
Class 19 - Bordeaux Blends
Comprising Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit verdot, and Carmenere.
Class 20 - Red Blends
Blends of Cabernet sauvignon Shiraz, Cabernet sauvignon Merlot, Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre.
Class 21 - Dessert Wines
Riesling, Vidal, Chenin blanc, Semillon, Pinot gris, Muscat de Frontignan.

The Global Fine Wine Challenge features various classes that cater to different varietals of wines.

Scoring Methodology

Scoring is preferentially based per class. The scoring begins at 1 point for each judges’ best wine and continues in normal numerical sequence. The wine with the lowest cumulative score is the trophy of that class.

Drinkme Digital wine judging software will inform the judges as to how many wines in each class are to be ranked. Classes with 28 wines or less – 50% will be ranked. Classes with 29 to 39 wines – 40% will be ranked. Classes with 40 wines or more – 30% will be ranked.

The lowest scoring wine wins the trophy. The next lowest wine wins Runner-up and a Double Gold Medal. The next 10% of wines in that class receive Double Gold medals. The next 20% of wines in that class receive Gold medals. Extra medals can be awarded at the Judges’ discretion during the class discussion.

Following the judging of each class, the judges submit their scores electronically which is immediately recorded into the judging software, generating an immediate set of results. Discussion takes place over the removing or awarding of extra medals if appropriate.

Request Consideration

Entry is by invitation only, but please feel free to contacts us to express your interest in joining.