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 –
March 13, 2026 is the Entry Deadline to ship out wine!
Registration for the 2026 WineMaker International Amateur Competition is now open! The competition takes place April 24-26, 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 for the full brochure or 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 ship out your entry by March 13, 2026.
Send your completed entry form and wine to:
Battenkill Communications, Inc.
c/o Hardpack Distributors
116 Hills Court
East Dorset, VT 05253 USA
Key Dates
March 13, 2026
Entry shipping deadline for wines. Your entries have to be sent by this date. Please note new shipping address (listed above).
April 24-26, 2026
Wines are judged
May 15, 2026
Live online announcement of top winners followed by full results posted to Winemakermag.com. Judging notes and any awards will be mailed out to entrants after this date.
Important Links & Downloads
2026 WineMaker Competition Brochure:
2026 WineMaker Competition Entry Form
Download PDF | Download JPG | Register Online