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.
Results will first be announced on May 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. Eastern during a live video feed at this web link: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/2026winemakercompetitionawards
The live announcement on the Crowdcast platform will cover the top Best of Show awards. At the end of the video event a link will be provided to download a PDF file with the full results of all medals awarded this year. That PDF link will also be added to this page as well right after the video announcement is over. All judging notes and any awards will begin to be mailed out to entrants the week of May 18.
The competition judging took place April 24-26, 2026, at the Mount Snow Grand Summit Lodge in West Dover, Vermont. This marks the 24th year of the event.
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
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