The USA Wine Ratings is the only Wine Competition in the USA that is focused on independent, 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 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.

Judging Process Timeline

Scoring Process

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.

Judging Integrity

By averaging scores across a panel of experienced judges, the USA Wine Ratings ensures fairness and accuracy. The blind tasting process prioritizes quality, while packaging evaluation is kept separate to maintain objectivity. This method guarantees that medal-winning wines are both outstanding in quality and ready to appeal to consumers.

Medal Allocation for 2025

Medals are awarded based on the average score calculated from the panel of judges. The updated thresholds for medals and recognition are as follows:

Gold: 95–100 – Excellent

Wines in this category are exceptional in every aspect, offering unparalleled quality, remarkable value, and outstanding packaging. They are benchmarks of excellence in the wine industry.

Silver: 90–94 – Accomplished

Wines that display superior quality, strong consumer appeal, and thoughtful packaging. These wines represent a high standard and a rewarding experience for buyers.

Bronze: 85–89 – Well Made

Wines that are well-crafted, reliable, and enjoyable. They meet the expectations of quality, value and package but may lack the exceptional edge required for higher medals.

No Medal: 80–84 – Acceptable and Simple

Wines in this range are palatable and straightforward but lack the depth and complexity to stand out in competitive markets.

No Medal: 75–79 – Palatable but Lacks Character

Wines that are drinkable but fail to deliver the balance, typicity, or structure needed to merit a medal.

The wine competition is organized by the Beverage Trade Network and happens annually in San Francisco. One of the unique things about USA Ratings is that it pulls a very powerful jury of judges who have a solid combined buying power. Detailed feedback on each judging criterion is given by these top judges to the entrants along with market feedback and professional tasting notes.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-55]]

The judges are from big retailers to independents. 2025 judges include buyers from:

1. Giant Eagle, Inc.

2. Southeastern Grocers

3. Albertsons

4. Total Wine and More

5. Wine.com

6. K&L Wine Merchants

7. Liquor Stores USA North Inc.

8. Grocery Outlet

9. Last Bottle, Inc.

10. Noe Valley Wine & Spirits

11. Naked Wines

12. Hunter Wine and Spirits

13. DFS Group Limited

14. Trader Joe's

...and more.

International and domestic wine brands are encouraged to enter by December 20 to showcase your best! The super early bird submission deadline is December 20, 2024.

Also Read:
Powerful Retail Buyers from Leading Wine Stores to Judge USA Wine Ratings
U.S. Wholesale Wine Distribution Today and What Does the Future Promises
Meet the Buyer: Insights from Greg Richtarek, Wine Manager at Safeway Stores