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In a country where the alcobev landscape is rapidly evolving, the India Wines And Spirits Award (IWSA) has emerged as a benchmark for quality, recognising excellence, and celebrating diversityin the world of wine and spirits. Now in its 7th edition, the IWSA stands tall as the most credible and comprehensive awards platform for alcoholic beverages in the nation.
With each passing year, the awards have grown not just in size, expanding their scope from wine and sake to spirits, cider and mead. As the competition grows with each passing year, it remains committed to shaping consumer choices and offering brands a unique opportunity to earn recognition, win consumer trust, and showcase their labels to the best palates in the country..
Here’s everything you need to know about Indian Wine Awards 2025, including how it works, what makes it special, and why it matters more than ever.
What is the India Wine & Spirits Awards (IWSA)?
IWSA is India’s largest and most trusted blind-tasting competition, judged by the country’s top alcobev professionals, restaurateurs, sommeliers, writers, educators, importers, and hoteliers. Chaired by Sonal C Holland MW, India’s first and only Master of Wine, the jury panel brings integrity, transparency, and consumer perspective to the competition.
Why Winning an IWSA Award Matters
For producers, importers, and marketers, an IWSA medal isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s a powerful tool that helps consolidate strong brand identity and reputation amidst both trade and consumers.
✅ Consumer Trust:
The IWSA medal assures buyers that the product has been vetted by India’s top experts.
✅ Retail Shelf Space:
Retail and on-trade consider our winners’ list while building their catalogue.
✅ Media & PR Buzz:
Winners receive prolific coverage across social media, trade publications, and events.
✅ Credibility & Prestige:
An IWSA award is recognised across the industry as a true mark of quality, bringing pride and glory to the winners.
How to Enter the IWSA 2025
Entries are now open to all wines, spirits, ciders, sakés and meads sold or intended for sale in India. Whether you’re an Indian producer, a boutique importer, or a global brand making inroads into India, this is your chance to shine.
- Nominations Close: 18th September
- IWSA 2025 Tasting Competition: 23rd and 24th September
- IWSA 2025 Winners’ Night: 3rd October
- To Nominate: Write to us at shruti@sonalholland.com
Participation guidelines are available on the official website. Multiple entries allowed per brand across styles and price points.
Award Categories:
- Best in Show: The highest-scoring nominees in the competition.
- Gold: Nominees who secured 90 points and above.
- Silver: Nominees who scored 85-89 points.
- Best Value Buys: Top picks under ₹3000 and ₹1500 among international and domestic Best in Show winners.
Ultimate Drinking Guide:
Winners of the competition will be showcased in the yearly edition of the IWS Award: Ultimate D
Drinking Guide, whose previous edition was distributed among 5000+ consumers, retailers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and importers nationwide. It’s India’s go-to handbook for discovering high-quality wines and spirits available locally.
Let the countdown begin. The 7th edition of India’s most distinguished beverage awards is here. Does your brand have what it takes to win?
To submit your nominations or explore partnership opportunities, click here and reach out to us.
