London, UK — The prestigious London Wine Competition is officially open for entries for its 2026 edition, and this year promises to be the most impactful yet for wine producers looking to grow their brands in the UK and beyond.

Now in its ninth year, the London Wine Competition continues to lead the industry by judging wines not just on quality, but on value and packaging appeal—the three key factors that influence real-world buying decisions by trade and consumers.

Over the past few years, the London Wine Competition has steadily evolved from a respected UK-based contest into one of the most globally recognized wine competitions in the world. What sets it apart is its modern judging philosophy—awarding wines based not only on quality, but also value and packaging appeal, reflecting how real trade buyers make decisions. 

As international interest in the competition has grown, so too has its ambition. The 2025 edition marked a turning point, with a major global push that saw coverage across top industry publications, new markets discovering the LWC seal, and medal winners using their accolades to gain listings from London to Hong Kong.

A large part of this global momentum came from the competition’s active presence at international trade fairs, including Wine Paris, ProWein Düsseldorf, and the Manchester Hospitality Show. 

These events were not only about showcasing the LWC brand but also about supporting past winners, building buyer awareness, and connecting with producers on the ground.

In parallel, the team rolled out the Global Ambassador Program—designed to highlight industry leaders who align with the competition’s standards—and began laying the foundation for a new Export Success Program, aimed at helping top-performing entrants gain entry into new markets through targeted introductions and promotion.

What truly resonated with producers last year was the personal touch: Special Category Award winners received beautifully packaged physical medals shipped directly to them, reinforcing the sense of prestige and international relevance. This growing ecosystem—of awards, outreach, and AI-powered trade support—is what makes the London Wine Competition more than just a medal; it’s now a launchpad for global brand success, and 2026 is set to build on that even further.

Why 2026 Is a Game-Changer for Entrants

The 2026 competition introduces a powerful suite of benefits designed to help winning wines achieve greater visibility, stronger trade traction, and global consumer recognition:

1) New Retail and On-Trade Exposure Programs
Top category award-winning wines will get buyer meetings and pitches with top UK retail buyers, sommeliers, and wine directors through Beverage Trade Network's new buyer outreach campaigns and beverage meetings platform.

2) Digital Shelf Promotions & Media Amplification
Winners will receive enhanced content placement on platforms like London Drinks Guide, Sommelier Business, On-Trade, and Drinks Merchants, along with customized digital shelf talkers, medals, and marketing toolkits.

3) Expanded Judging Panel of Real Trade Buyers
The 2026 panel includes some of the UK’s most influential wine buyers, ensuring wines are evaluated with direct relevance to what sells in today’s market. The judging panel will include more off-trade retailers, importers, distributors, and multiple restaurant operators. It will also include wine buyers from all over the UK.

4) Entry to Beverage Trade Network’s new AI Ecosystem
All medal winners will be integrated into BTN’s new marketplace and distributor meeting programs, offering routes to market and business development support.

A Competition Designed for Commercial Success

Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and the founder of the London Wine Competition, says: “The 2026 competition is about more than medals. It’s about commercial impact. We’re giving every entrant the tools and channels to turn recognition into real revenue.”

Wineries, importers, and brand owners are encouraged to submit their wines early to take advantage of the Super Early Bird pricing, available until August 31, 2025.

Importers, Producers, and Wine brands are encouraged to enter before the August 31 super early bird deadline.

Also Read:
From Hemel-en-Aarde to London: Ernest Named Winery of the Year 2025
Peter Lehmann Wines’ Wigan Riesling Wins Wine of the Year at London Wine Competition
Isabel Estate’s Wild Barrique Takes Top Spot at London Wine Competition 2025