The Process

How to submit your wines into the Awards and important things to note

The Awards are more than just a competition

They are a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity in the wine industry. Each entry is meticulously evaluated by a panel of 12 expert judges lead by Master of Wine Toni Paterson, ensuring that only the best wines receive the accolade they deserve.

This rigorous assessment process is underpinned by the world leading DrinkMe Digital wine judging software suite – custom built to our rigorous specifications and centered around instant access to information. All of these components not only uphold the prestige of the awards but also guide consumers in discovering outstanding wines that stand a cut above the rest.

Stage 1 – Entries open

All eligible wineries are notified that entries are open. Subject to meeting entry criteria, wineries may submit entries via the Drinkme Digital portal.

Stage 2 – Submission

Entries are processed and confirmed digitally via Drinkme Digital. Dispatch instructions are emailed and freight labels are available from the Drinkme portal.

Stage 3 – Receipt

Entered wines are dispatched by the winery (3 units of each wine) and received into the Sydney Warehouse, checked and placed into classes.

Stage 4 – Entries Close

Deadline for Australian entries into Sydney is Friday 16th October 2026. Please ensure you dispatch your entries well in advance of this deadline.

Stage 5 – Judging

Wines are judged by panels of experts in a blind tasting format over 3 days (4th – 6th November 2026). Results are recorded via our leading software and medals attributed.

Stage 6 – Results

Winners are announced on Friday 4th December 2026 via social channels and via the DrinkMe Digital awards results software which releases images, wine details and judges commentary directly to our website.

The Classes Judged

Class 1 - Sparkling Wine
Class 2 - Riesling
Riesling
Class 3 - Semillon
Class 4 - Sauvignon Blanc
Class 5 - Chardonnay
Class 6 - Pinot Gris | Grigio
Class 7 - Other Whites
Gewurztraminer, Gruner veltliner, Muscat, Viognier, Muscat, Pinot blanc, Sylvaner, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Chenin blanc, Trousseau gris, Vermentino, Grenache blanc etc
Class 8 - White Blends
Semillon, Sauvignon blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne.
Class 9 - Rosé
Class 10 - Merlot
Class 11 - Pinot Noir
Class 12 - Shiraz | Syrah
Class 13 - Cabernet Sauvignon
Class 14 - Italian Red Varieties
Lagrein, Nero d'Avola, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Montepulciano, Aglianico, Graciano etc
Class 15 - Other Red Varieties
Gamay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Pinot Meunier, Malbec, Petit verdot, Zinfandel/Primitivo, Mourvedre/Mataro, Tempranillo, Carignan, Durif/Petite sirah, Pinotage, Blaufrankisch, Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Saperavi, Tannat, Counoise, Pais, Cinsaut, Carignan etc
Class 16 - Bordeaux Blends
Class 17 - Red Blends
Class 18 - Dessert Wines
Riesling, Chenin blanc, Semillon, Pinot gris, Muscat de Frontignan, Fortified, Tawny, Topaque etc

The ANZ Boutique Wine Awards features 18 classes that cater to different wine varietals & blends.

Scoring is standardised with Gold, Silver & Bronze medals being awarded. Gold medals are allocated to wines 95 points and above; Silver medals are 90 to 94 points; Bronze medals are 85 to 89 points. Our judging methodology, high caliber of judges, high standards and vast cumulative wine judging experience mean that wines have to really stand out to achieve recognition in the Awards.

“On average, only 6% of all wines entered into the Awards earn Gold medals & 15% earn Silver medals! There are no participation medals here – only the best wines shine through! A medal from the ANZ Boutique Wine Awards is a significant result to be celebrated.”

Ross Anderson – Owner & Director

DrinkMe Digital technology

ANZBWA uses DrinkMe Digital wine judging software to support online entry, judging and results workflows for the awards. Learn more about the platform at DrinkMe wine awards results software.