A winemaker submits two commercially available wines. The two wines submitted by the winemaker are tasted side-by-side. They are not tasted blind. A general assessment of the quality of the wines is first made, before deeper discussion on the appeal and interest of the wine in the glass, and then the bigger picture of the winemaker: their creativity and leadership; the execution of their product in a wholistic sense; and the context of the individual and their work in the wine landscape today. This discussion is aided by written facts provided by the winemaker at the time of wine submission, enabling insight to the product, the person and their practice.
Each year we announce a group of finalists – Top winemakers – in the running, and we present those finalists through events and/or online activities, with the intent of having all wine lovers express their thoughts through the People’s Choice Award.
The Winemaker’s Choice trophy is our peer award, chosen by that year’s finalists. This trophy was introduced from 2013.
The Best New Act goes to a first-time finalist in our winemaker awards that is making a profound impression. This trophy was introduced from 2013.
The Danger Zone is the only trophy in our winemaker awards that goes to a wine product. It recognises a wine that successfully pushes the boundaries. This trophy was introduced from 2017.
The Vigneron – an award which celebrates makers that also lovingly tend to the land and the vines that they make wine from.
the Young Gun of Wine Award is our top trophy. It goes to an emerging producer that is not only making outstanding wine, but also demonstrating vision and leadership, and nailing the entire pitch, packaging and presentation of their product.
For those who have participated in YGOW previously, please note the recent evolutions to the program:
Register now. Complete the registration form before the end of November, 2024.
Submit two wines for the tasting panel at start of 2025 (further details will be provided by January, 2025).
If amongst the finalists:
Complete the registration form before December 8, 2024.
We will be in touch by January 2025 with submission details for your wines.
Is there an age limit on entrants?
The winemakers must be born after 01/07/1977.
Can I submit more than two wines for the tasting panel?
You can only register the YGOW Awards once per year, and must submit no more and no less than two wines (submitted in January 2025).
Are the two wines entered for the tasting panel the same wines shown at the events?
Not necessarily. You are free to show any of your chosen wines at any of the events.
How do I submit the wines for the tasting panel?
We will contact all registrants by January with further details for submitting wines in January.
Do my two wines need to be from the same producer?
Not necessarily. The two wines may come from one brand or two separate labels made by the same winemaker.
Can I enter as a winemaking partnership?
Yes. Please note, if entering two brands by a winemaking partnership, both wines submitted must be made by the duo – ie, not one label each from two individuals.
Any advice about which two wines to send in for the tasting panel at start of 2025?
Part of the Awards is having to choose which two wines to enter. Put your best foot forward. The wines have to be delicious. First and foremost, the winemaker is assessed on what is in the glass, and then broader topics such as the winemaker’s vision, leadership, creativity and execution comes into the discussion.
How are the wines assessed by the tasting panel?
The two wines submitted by the winemaker are tasted side-by-side. They are not tasted blind. A general assessment of the quality of the wines is first made, before deeper discussion on the appeal and interest of the wine in the glass, and then the bigger picture of the winemaker: their creativity and leadership; the execution of their product in a wholistic sense; and the context of the individual and their work in the wine landscape today.
Can I submit a barrel sample or blend that has not yet been bottled?
The wines submitted for tasting panel must be finished bottled product – either already in market, or ready for commercial release. If the bottled product is not labelled, that is acceptable. However, please note that we are interested in all aspects of people’s work, and packaging is something that the tasting panel looks at.
What if my wine is not labelled?
It’s in your best interest to have your wine labelled, however, submitting a labelled product for the tasting panel is not mandatory.
Can I get feedback about my wines from the tasting panel?
Yes! All winemakers will receive written feedback on their submissions to the panel tasting. Feedback will be sent to all unsuccessful applicants around April, while successful applicants may request further feedback from the panel after the trophy presentation.
Have you got firm dates for the 2025 events at this stage?
We will confirm the event program for 2025 at some stage by March 2025. The events are for finalists only, and will conclude withe the trophy presentation by early June 2025.
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