As the world’s largest wine competition, with more than 18,000 entries in 2024, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) offers producers an unrivalled opportunity to benchmark their wines against high-quality peers.
A rigorous judging process sees top experts, including many Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, meticulously blind-taste all entries.
‘The DWWA isn’t just one person’s palate; it’s a rigorous structure with the best palates from around the world,’ said Hailey Trefethen, owner at Trefethen Family Vineyards, which saw its Dragon’s Tooth 2021 win a coveted Best in Show medal at DWWA 2024.
Winning a DWWA medal, from Best in Show to Bronze, provides a passport to myriad benefits, giving producers an edge in today’s super-competitive wine market.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents to a recent Decanter survey said winning a DWWA medal led to ‘improved brand awareness and reputation’. Other benefits included higher sales and help breaking into a target market.
With the final cut-off for DWWA 2025 fast approaching on 18 March, wineries only have a few days left to submit their entries, and potentially reap the rewards on offer.
Below, we highlight previous winners and dig deeper into some of the key advantages that success at DWWA has brought to wineries around the world.
Six key benefits a DWWA medal can bring:
Endorsement of quality from world-leading experts.
Expand brand awareness among consumers and trade buyers internationally.
Enhanced opportunities to enter new markets, turbo-charging your drive to increase sales.
Benchmark your wine against best-in-class peers.
Promotional opportunities via tastings and masterclasses.
Recognition for all of your hard work.
Success stories: DWWA medal winners share their experiences
Since its inception in 2004, DWWA has always prided itself on showcasing under-the-radar talent alongside the best examples of classic styles in the modern wine world.
Last year’s competition saw a first ever Best in Show medal for Retsina in the shape of Kechris winery’s ‘Tear of the Pine’ Retsina 2022, for example.
‘As a pioneer in the revival of Retsina, this recognition highlights the quality and authenticity of our work in redefining and elevating this traditional Greek wine,’ said Afroditi Antoniou, marketing manager at Kechris, who described the award as a milestone achievement.
‘The award opens doors to new partnerships, expands our consumer base, and further strengthens our position as a benchmark for quality,’ said Antoniou.
‘Beyond prestige, the Best in Show medal is a powerful marketing asset. It attracts extensive media coverage, while its presence on our labels, promotional materials, and digital media reassures consumers of the wine’s exceptional quality.’
Bodegas Frontaura’s Aponte Plus Tempranillo 2018 also won one of just 50 Best in Show medals at DWWA 2024, shining a light on Spain’s DO Toro region, in Castilla y Léon.
Owner Camino Pardo said winning the Best in Show medal has ‘elevated our winery’s reputation and visibility’ in a competitive wine world, leading to ‘increased sales, enhanced marketing opportunities, and a boost in consumer trust and interest’.
It brings greater attention from media and trade professionals, and is particularly exciting for this historic region more broadly, Pardo said.
‘Having our wines recognised by the DWWA is a great honour for our winery. It means that our effort and dedication to producing quality wines are being valued by industry experts…It is truly a boost for our entire team.’
Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa, won a Best in Show medal at DWWA 2024 for its Banghoek Chardonnay 2022.
‘Green-gold in colour, this wine particularly impressed judges with its combination of fresh, nectarine-and-peach fruit with understated creaminess,’ said DWWA judges.
Jan-Nico Coetzee, head of wine sales at Delaire Graff, said, ‘The thorough and meticulous…
Source : https://www.decanter.com/decanter-world-wine-awards/tasting-dwwa-success-the-impact-on-medal-winners-552706/
