The USA Wine Ratings is the only Wine Competition in USA that is focused on independents, regional and national retailers. It is designed to recognize and reward wines that are not only high in quality but also deliver value and packaging that appeal to consumers. To ensure a fair and transparent judging process, the competition evaluates entries across three key criteria: Quality, Value and Package.

Judges work in groups to assess wines against the three criteria: Quality, Value, and Packaging. Each wine is scored on a 100-point scale, with points allocated based on the respective weights of the criteria. Judges provide comments to highlight the key attributes of top-scoring wines.

USA Wine Ratings judges are top trade buyers and Masters of Wine. Get key feedback from these top buyers and grow your brand in the off-premise channels of USA.

Judging Process for the USA Wine Ratings

The USA Wine Ratings is the only Wine Competition in USA that is focused on independents, regional and national retailers. It is designed to recognize and reward wines that are not only high in quality but also deliver value and packaging that appeal to wine consumers. To ensure a fair and transparent judging process, the competition evaluates entries across three key criteria:

1. Quality (50%)

Judges assess the wine for its aroma, taste, and finish. Wines are scored based on balance, complexity, and typicity within their style. Each entry undergoes a blind tasting to ensure impartiality, with wines identified only by their region and varietal (not brand or producer). The aim is to reward wines that display excellence in craftsmanship and deliver a memorable drinking experience.

2. Value (25%)

Judges consider the wine’s price point in relation to its quality. Wines offering exceptional drinking experiences at competitive prices are scored highly. This criterion ensures that consumers receive great value for their money when choosing a medal-winning wine.

3. Packaging (25%)

Packaging is judged for its design, functionality, and shelf appeal. Judges evaluate the label clarity, bottle design, and the overall presentation to determine how well the wine captures consumer attention and aligns with market trends. Wines with thoughtful and innovative packaging receive higher scores, as presentation plays a critical role in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. View full judging process and medal definations here.

Key Deadlines

Super Early Bird Ends - December 20, 2024
International Submission Closes - May 31, 2025
Domestic Submission Closes - June 30, 2025
Warehouse Closes - June 28, 2025
Judging Day - July 28, 2025
Winners Announced - August 12, 2025

Wine Competition that is focused on independents, regional and national retailers. The super early bird deadline is December 20, 2024. Enter your wines today and save.