Next Gen International Wine Awards — In Detail

What are they and why do they matter?

The Next Gen International Wine Awards, scheduled for August 25–26, 2026 in Sonoma County (California), were created with the goal of establishing a new standard in wine competitions — one built for an evolving industry and designed to reflect how wine is discovered, evaluated, and purchased in today’s market.

The defining element: judges under 40

The competition is judged exclusively by wine professionals under the age of 40. Created as a complement to traditional contests, it focuses on market relevance, generational perspective, and real consumer purchasing behavior, while maintaining rigorous professional standards. At a time when brand discovery, price sensitivity, and consumer expectations are rapidly shifting, the competition offers wineries a modern lens through which to assess quality.

Who’s behind it

The competition is managed by Wine and Spirits Competitions Management & Productions, with three decades of experience in U.S. wine contests, led by industry veteran Debra Del Fiorentino. The presenting sponsor and promotional partner is Wine Industry Network (WIN), which has been connecting wine professionals for nearly 20 years.

«This competition reflects today’s market realities. From the under-40 judging panel to the price brackets and modern award structure, it gives producers insight into how the next generation of buyers and professionals experiences wine» — George Christie, President of WIN.