2026 WineMaker Competition
About the WineMaker International Amateur Competition
The annual WineMaker International Amateur Competition is the single largest and most diverse collection of hobby wines assembled annually under one roof.
Over the course of three days, experienced judging panels examine each wine using the UC Davis 20-point wine scale, evaluating appearance, aroma, taste, aftertaste, and overall impression. Wines are entered in 50 different categories and include an astonishing array of varietals and wine styles. Kit wines compete alongside fresh-grape entries in this blind tasting.
Entries are awarded gold, silver, bronze, and Best of Show medals based on the average score given by the judging panel. The Gene Spaziani Grand Champion Wine award is given to the top overall scoring wine across all categories. The Club of the Year is awarded to the club whose members won the most medals, and the Retailer of the Year and U-Vint of the Year awards are given to the winemaking supply stores whose customers outperformed other similar shops. Finally, the Winemaker of the Year award is given to the individual entrant who has the highest average score across their top five scoring wines in the competition.
2026 WineMaker International Amateur Competition
Registration for the 2026 WineMaker International Amateur Competition is now open! The competition takes place April 11-13, 2026, at the Mount Snow Grand Summit Lodge in West Dover, Vermont. This marks the 23rd year of the event.
Enter your wine now and beat the rush. Your wine entry will be safely stored in a climate-controlled warehouse until it’s time to compete. You can gain international recognition for your winemaking skills and get valuable feedback on your wines from the competition’s judging panel.
How to Enter
Click here to download our printable entry form as a PDF or as a printable JPG, fill it out and mail it to us.
Or complete and print this online entry form. Be sure to submit your entry by March 13, 2026.
Send your completed entry form and wine to:
Battenkill Communications, Inc.
c/o Hardpack Distributors
116 Hills Court / P.O. Box 730
East Dorset, VT 05253 USA
Key Dates
March 13, 2026
Entry deadline for wines to arrive in Vermont at new shipping address (listed above)
April 24-26, 2026
Wines are judged
May 15, 2026
Results first announced at Winemakermag.com.
Important Links & Downloads
2026 WineMaker Competition Entry Form
Download PDF | Download JPG | Register Online