2015 Winners

The 5th Annual NYIWC Took Place on June 15, 2015 in New York City

June 15, 2015, New York, NY- In its fifth year, the New York International Wine Competition (NYIWC) welcomed close to 1000 submissions from the United States and over 30 countries.

The NYIWC is the only major international wine competition to be judged solely by trade buyers, and where each wine is judged both by its category and retail price. All participating judges have purchasing power through their stores, restaurants, distribution networks, which results in their ability to have a direct impact on competitors’ brand sales, and evaluate the wines on the basis of whether they feel they would buy them or not. You can read more about our unique judging process HERE.

Once again held at the 3 West Club in midtown Manhattan earlier this month, this year’s impressive judging panel included buyers from top retail stores, restaurants, distributors, and importers. The judges were excited by the high quantity of known wines submitted, as well as the large number of new wines looking to break into the New York and United States markets.

Adam Levy, the founder of the NYIWC stated, “This wine competition is designed for both the consumer and the trade buyer, as they both buy on quality and price. For instance, a consumer will walk into a liquor store or ask at a restaurant for the best merlot at a certain price. The trade buyer also looks at their selection and will buy wines based upon the best value by category and price. Why should we not judge wine that way in our competition as well?”

Wines landing on these shelves are carrying awards designated as Double Gold, Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Not every bottle entered received a medal, as is common practice with many other competitions. A Bronze medal indicates it is something a judge would buy; Silver medals designate the spirit that judges really liked; Gold medals are affixed to brands that the judging panel believed was worth promoting to their customers. Double Gold is an amazing wine for its category and price.

The judges from the NYIWC take great pride in not being a “Medal Factory” like other wine competitions where over 80% of those who submit win a medal. We affectionately refer to it at “Third Grade Soccer,” where everyone who participates wins a medal. This year less than 30% of those who submitted won a medal. Our experienced judges take their duties seriously and perform them honorably.

Please also view our weekly updates on the liquor industry at the Alcohol Professor. Written for the trade and the enlightened consumer.