International Wine & Spirit Competition announces 2013 Winners

A Vintage Year for England

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) widely acknowledged as the most prestigious and independent contest of its type in the world, has announced the winners from its rigorous judging: the tastings last seven months with over 300 judges from 30 countries.

The winners were announced at last night’s awards ceremony held at The Guildhall in London, attended by the industry’s most renowned including Wolf Blass, Mauricio Gonzalez-Gordon and G. Garvin Brown IV, the IWSC President for 2013. Laura Catena, fourth generation Argentine vintner, was announced as the President for 2014, marking the 45th year of the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

The International Wine and Spirit Competition’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Anna Grant, said, ‘The entries for the IWSC have once again been of exceptional standard. Now approaching its 45th anniversary, The International Wine and Spirit Competition still has the same unrivalled judging process that it started with in 1969.’

Amongst the honoured last night:

· IWSC Winemaker of the year trophy: Wolf Blass Wines

· Distiller of the Year in the 2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition: William Grant & Sons Distillers Ltd

· The Retailer of the Year: Tesco Stores Ltd

· United Kingdom Spirits Producer: Diageo Brands BV

· English Wine Producer of the Year: Gusborne Estates

· The Gin Guild Trophy for Gin: Adnams Copper House Gin

· The Whiskies of the World Trophy for Worldwide Whiskey: Kavalan Distillery for Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky

· Spirits of Mexico Trophy for Tequila: Beam Inc for El Tesoro Tequila Reposado

For a full list of trophy winners please use the results tab on the website outlining all winners in wines, spirits and individual honours.

For further information on The International Wine and Spirits Competition please visit http://www.iwsc.net/home

Editors’ notes:

For more information please contact Holly Axelrad at Green Row, Holly@greenrow.co.uk

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. All entries are blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary.

IWSC 2013 President: G. Garvin Brown IV, Chairman of Brown-Forman Corporation’s Board of Director and an Executive Vice President of the corporation.

13th November Awards Banquet at Guildhall, City of London 

For More Information please visit http://www.iwsc.net/search2013/wine