Competition Rules

The Good Choice Wine Awards Competition Rules

1. Purpose:

The Good Choice Wine Awards is an international wine tasting competition celebrating the diversity and excellence of wines from around the world. Its purpose is to:

  • Promote high-quality wines to trade professionals and consumers.
  • Recognize and reward outstanding winemakers and producers.
  • Provide insightful feedback for continuous improvement in the wine industry.
  • Reward those wineries who have shown a commitment to innovation and sustainability

2. Eligibility:

  • Producers of still wines, sparkling wines, and fortified wines are eligible to enter.
  • Wines must be commercially available and produced to conform to all legal regulations in their country of origin.
  • South African Wines must be accompanied by a current WSR2A form. This form is to be submitted with the wines online entry. White wines must have been tasted and approved by the board no more than 12 months before the entry date and 18 months before the entry date for red wines.
  • No refunds will be paid if a wine is entered with an incorrect WSR2A form, this wine will be disqualified. No entry refunds will be paid for disqualified wines
  • No wine will be accepted for the competition without its relevant analysis form.
  • There is no limit on the number of entries per producer.

3. Registration:

  • Only online entries via the competition website will be accepted.
  • All required information, including wine details, technical analyses (WSR2A form) and paid entry fees, must be submitted by the entry deadline.
  • Payment for early bird entries must be made before the 30 April 2025 to qualify as an early bird entry.
  • Closing date for entries is the 31st May 2025.
  • Late entries will not be accepted.

4. Samples:

  • Three bottles (3 x 750ml) of each entry must be submitted and marked clearly. Entries do not need to be finished labeled products, but do need to be approved by the Wine & Spirits Board of South Africa and accompanied by a current WSR2A form.
  • For other bottle formats, the following amount of samples need to be submitted:
    • 6 x 187 ml
    • 6 x 250ml
    • 6 x 375 ml
    • 2 x 1000 ml
    • 2 x 1500 ml
    • 2 x 2L Box
    • 2 x 3L Box
    • 2 x 5L Box
  • All entries are to be boxed and marked clearly, indicating Producer, Cultivar / Blend, vintage and designated class.
  • Samples can be shipped to the designated address. Designated address to be advised in the near future.
  • The organizer is not responsible for damage or loss of samples during transport.

5. Categories:

  • Wines will be categorized by:
    • Wine type (still, sparkling, fortified)
    • Color (red, white, rosé)
    • Grape variety/blend
    • Class
    • Vintage (optional)
  • Additional categories may be added at the organizer’s discretion.

6. Blind Tasting:

  • All wines will be tasted blind by a panel of qualified judges, selected for their expertise and independence.
  • Judges will assess each wine based on the UC Davis 20 point scoring system.

7. Awards:

Awards will be given for each category based on a point system. Potential award categories include:

  • Trophy winner for category
    • Gold Medal = 19-20 Points
    • Silver Medal = 17-18.5 Points
    • Bronze Medal 15-16.5 Points
    • Excellent Value – Awarded to wines retailing at less than R100 per bottle, scoring 14.5 points and higher
    • Sustainable Producer – Awarded to producers whose farming practices and wineries operate in a sustainable manner. A producer needs to score 15 points or more on the sustainability scoring system, in order to be awarded as a Sustainable Producer.
  • Wineries entering for the sustainability awards, need to enter a minimum of one (1) wine for the tasting competition.
  • Award winners will be announced online on the 2nd of July 2025.

8. Entry Fees:

  • An entry fee is charged for each wine submitted. Fee structure is detailed on the competitions website.
  • Entry fees cover the costs of administration, tasting, and promotion.
  • Payment for early bird entries must be made before the 30 April 2025 to qualify as an early bird entry.

  • 9. Disqualification:

Entries may be disqualified for:

  • Failing to meet competition criteria or entry guidelines.
  • Submitting tampered or incorrectly labeled samples.
  • Providing false or misleading information.
  • Violating competition rules.

10. Disputes:

  • Any disputes arising from the competition will be settled by the organizers. The organizers decision is final.

11. Publicity:

  • Winners grant the organizer permission to use their names, wines, and images for promotional purposes.
  • All wines entered may be featured in promotional materials and media coverage.

12. Acceptance of Rules:

  • Participation in the competition constitutes acceptance of these rules.

Additional Notes:

  • The organizer reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.
  • It is the entrant’s responsibility to stay informed of any changes.
  • For further information, please contact the competition organizers via the email address provided.