DWWA 2026 judging week
(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

During the first two weeks of May, London was host to some of the world's most insightful wine conversations and evaluative tastings.

The 23rd edition of Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) has drawn to a close, and with 245 judges from 36 nations evaluating nearly 17,000 wines, the 2026 edition of DWWA is marked by exceptional quality of entries.

It’s been a fantastic week actually. I’ve realised during the week that the wine world is in crisis, but there’s one big advantage for DWWA, which is we get better quality of entries. We had a fantastic quality of entries this year.

Andrew Jefford

During the first week of judging (4–8 May), all wine entries were organised into flights by country, region, colour, grape variety, style, vintage and price point, and evaluated by over 240 judges coming from around the world.

The regional panels awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold medals, with high Silvers (94 points) and Golds (95-96 points) retasted and signed off by the Co-Chairs. This rigorous judging process ensures every wine is assessed against its peers, by experts with deep knowledge and understanding of the region.

Alongside judging, highlights from the first week also included the annual judges' party hosted at Vagabond Urban Winery, as well as an exclusive masterclass in partnership with Coravin preservation system, led by Coravin's founder and CEO, Greg Lambrecht.

The first week ended with over 1,200 Golds, which were brought to the table again to be re-examined for Platinum and later on for Best in Show.

During Platinum judging (11-13 May), wines can also be downgraded from Gold if they don't reach the Gold quality level. The judging concludes with a final stage (14-15 May) whereby the Co-Chairs re-taste all Platinum medals to determine the 50 Best in Show wines of the competition, as well as the 30 Top Value Golds.

I really love Platinum week, it seems like all of the hard work it’s been done the first week where you’re just tasting lots of wines of different qualities. But suddenly you get to Platinum week and you’re really tasting all of the Gold medals, which is terrific.

Michael Hill Smith AM MW

To celebrate two successful weeks of judging and ahead of the 2026 results announcement on 17 June, scroll down to relive the energy from DWWA's 23rd edition.

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(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

One of the five judging rooms. Across the first week of judging 231 panels evaluated nearly 17,000 wines.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

New Regional Chair for the Loire, Matt Wilkin MS discussing with Victoria Daskal and Daniele Arcangeli.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Nearly 17,000 entries were checked, categorised and bagged ready for tasting.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

The panels discuss each wine before a medal is awarded. Rhône panel from left to right: Matt Walls (Regional Chair), Bertrand Lutaud MS and Alexandre Freguin.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Co-Chair Ronan Sayburn MS gives a welcome speech on the first day of judging.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

DWWA Co-Chair Andrew Jefford re-tasting and discussing a wine with joint Regional Chair for Spain Almudena Alberca MW.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Judges Eugene Mlynczyk MW (left) and Yannick Benjamin (right) tasting on the US panel.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Wines are judged on a regional basis in carefully organised flights by country, region, colour, grape, style, vintage and price point.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Caro Maurer MW is the Resident Co-Chair for 2026, bringing dynamic perspectives into the leadership team.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

More than 20,000 single-use plastic bags previously used for blind tastings have been replaced with reusable cotton alternatives.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Co-Chairs Beth Willard and Andrew Jefford.

(Image credit: Future)

Decanter hosted an exclusive masterclass for judges during judging week covering Coravin's three preservation systems, led by charismatic CEO and founder, Greg Lambrecht.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

This year sees the largest-ever cohort of women judges at the competition: 106 out of the 245 judges.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Over 1,200 Gold medals were awarded during the first week of judging and re-tasted at Platinum week.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

This year, over 80 'runners' worked at the competition, contributing to its smooth running.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Some of the DWWA team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth execution of the competition.

(Image credit: Future)

Regional Chairs Justin Knock MW and Amanda Barnes MW during Platinum week at the Decanter's offices.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Over 240 trade professionals gathered at Vagabond Urban Winery for the annual DWWA Judges' Party.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

We provide high-quality glassware through our official sponsor Riedel, ensuring the best possible tasting experience for our judges.

Loukia Xinari
Loukia Xinari

Loukia is Marketing Manager at Decanter, supporting Decanter’s awards and events in the UK and overseas, including Decanter World Wine Awards, Fine Wine Encounters, Decanter Masterclasses and Decanter’s international presence at trade fairs and events.

Loukia is currently a WSET Diploma student and has a MSc (Hons) in marketing. Her background is diverse with her study focus being in law before she discovered her love for wine. She previously completed an internship in a winery in Naoussa, northern Greece and she also has experience working in the spirits industry with UK specialist retailer Master of Malt.

Loukia loves learning and exploring more about wine and her favourite grape varieties and wines at the moment include Assyrtiko, red Burgundy and Xinomavro.