The Process

The most exclusive wine show in the world

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.

Invitation

Stage One

Selected wineries will be contacted privately to represent their countries with specific wine/s as chosen by the representative judge of that country.

Submission

Stage Two

Wineries can accept this invitation by submitting wines via our software, making payment and sending wines for evaluation

Judging

Stage Three

Entered wines are then judged by a panel of experts in a blind tasting format. Results are recorded via our leading software and medals attributed

Results

Stage Four

Winners are announced at a gala event, on the challenge’s website and via the software.

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 click the button below to express your interest in joining.