This Year’s Wine Competition Once Again Sets Unparalleled Standards and Uncovers the World’s Best Wines
May 18, 2014, New York, NY- In its fourth year, the New York International Wine Competition (NYIWC) welcomed close to 1000 submissions from the United States and over 30 countries from all over the world.
The NYIWC is the only major international wine competition to be judged solely by trade buyers. Each wine is judged 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 brand sales.
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, sommeliers, distributors, and importers. The judges were excited by the high quality of known wines submitted as well as the large number of new wines looking to break into the New York market and the United States as well.
What sets this competition apart from others is that the judges know the actual retail price of the wine they are judging and will the judge the wine as if they are buying it for their company. The wines are presented to the judges in their category as well as their price range. For example, the judges will be told that the wine they tasted is a “Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 or later” and whether it retails for $26 or $39.
All wines are judged in a blind tasting method and are sampled for appearance, aroma, taste, mouth feel, and finish. Each judging panel confers together to come to a unanimous decision. The judges make their decisions knowing that their peers (other trade buyers in New York and throughout the world) will also be making real buying decisions based upon the medals awarded at this particular competition.
Adam Levy, the founder of the NYIWC states, “This wine competition is designed for both the consumer and the trade buyer for 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?”
Wines landing on these shelves are carrying awards designated as either: Double Gold, Gold, Silver, or Bronze though not every bottle entered received a medal, as is common practice with many other competitions. 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 win a medal. This year less than 30% of those who submitted won a medal. Our trade buyer judges take the judging seriously and honorably.
USA Individual Awards
California Winners
Alexander Valley Winery of the Year
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Anderson Valley Winery of the Year
Harmonique
Dry Creek Valley Winery of the Year
Geyser Peak Winery
Lodi Winery of the Year
Oak Ridge Winery
Multi Appelation Winery of the Year
Bogle Vineyards
Napa Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
Ca’Momi Winery
Napa Valley Organic Winery of the Year
Rocca Family Vineyards
Napa Zinfandel Winery of the Year
Sbragia Family Vineyards
Paso Robles Winery of the Year
Broken Earth Winery
Russian River Valley Winery of the Year
Trecini Winery
Santa Barbara County Winery of the Year
Pizzulli Family Winery
Suisun Valley Winery of the Year
Chamard Vineyards
Temecula Valley Winery of the Year
Fazeli Cellars
Connecticut Winery of the Year
Chamard Winery
Iowa Winery of the Year
Cedar Valley Winery
Kentucky Winery of the Year
Baker-Bird Winery
Maine Winery of the Year
Cellardoor Winery
Michigan Winery of the Year
Obstbaum Orchards
Nevada Winery of the Year
Tahoe Ridge Winery
New Jersey Winery of the Year
Turdo Vineyards and Winery
New York Winners
Cabernet Franc Winery of the Year
Swedish Hill Winery
Riesling Winery of the Year
Heron Hill Winery
Finger Lakes Winery of the Year
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
New York Sustainable Winery of the Year
One Woman Wines & Vineyards
Oregon Winners
Southern Oregon Winery of the Year
Cliff Creek Cellars
Willamette Valley Winery of the Year
Seufert Winery
Tennessee Winery of the Year
Arrington Vineyards
Texas Winery of the Year
Solaro Estate Winery
Virginia Winery of the Year
Pearmund Cellars
Virginia Hard Cider of the Year
Bold Rock
Monticello Winery of the Year
Roundabout Cellars
Virginia Red Wine Winery of the Year
Annefield Vineyards
Virginia White Wine Winery of the Year
Pollak Vineyards
Washington Winery of the Year
Ste Michelle Wine Estates
Columbia Valley Winery of the Year
Northwest Mountain Winery
Dundee Hills Winery of the Year
Stoller Family Estate
Walla Walla Winery of the Year
Nodland Cellars
Red Mountain Winery of the Year
Delille Cellars