The IWC UK Industry Awards, formally known as the IWC UK Merchant Awards, recognise the incredible achievements of the inspirational teams behind the UK’s most innovative wine businesses.
With 25 categories, the Awards cover the entire industry. So, if you are an agent, independent merchant, on-trade supplier, online retailer, restaurant, educator or supermarket, these awards are for you! If your business has a particular country or category specialism, you can also enter the Specialist of the Year categories.
NEW FOR 2023: Entrants of single, multiple and large multiple retailers of the year categories, whose sites are all located in the same region, will automatically be nominated for a regional award. If you're an eligible company, this means one entry will put you in the running for two awards!
Why enter the IWC UK Industry Awards?
- Get your statistical feedback report benchmarking your business against the specific award category average to show accurately how you have performed against your peers and see where you sit in the marketplace.
REQUEST THE FULL SAMPLE REPORT

- Gain recognition for the team behind your business amongst industry peers, producers, suppliers and consumers. Reward your team, boost morale and attract new talent.
- Build consumer and trade awareness through an established UK and international PR and social media campaign.
- Offer huge marketing opportunities for your company.
- Establish your company in the highest regard amongst your peers.
Entering the IWC UK Industry Awards is easy. The questions are clear and concise and should only take a little of your time!
The Finalists will be announced on 22 May 2023.
Select the categories to enter
To view the criteria and fee for each category, please click on the dropdown arrows below:
B2B Supplier of the Year :
An importer representing agency wines exclusively in the UK and acts as the sales lead, brand builder & distributor (directly to customers or via other suppliers) into the Off-Trade and On-Trade. Entries should be able to demonstrate a strong portfolio of exclusive products, an extensive customer base and a dedicated approach to selling and promoting products.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images.
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE 195
To recognise and reward the best Buying Team that demonstrate successful contribution to their business demonstrating best-in-class category standards, team expertise and exceptional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and the wider wine industry.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images.
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 130
A company which is able to demonstrate a dedicated approach of wine sales into the On-Trade, with direct On-Trade sales to customers being an important element of their overall business model. Entries should be able to demonstrate supplying an extensive customer base, representing an extensive portfolio of wine and offering excellent On-Trade customer service.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 195
To recognise and reward the wine educator that has successfully delivered outstanding wine education for the UK wine trade. The Trade educator of the year should demonstrate their passion and talent in providing inspiration and exceptional wine education, with the ambition to continue growing capability and wine knowledge amongst professional teams and the general public. The winner would be seen by the judges as being influential in advancing wine knowledge and appreciation of wine, with extensive wine industry experience, excellent communication skills and sets high standards of teaching.
Winning this award should inspire others to achieve the highest standards of wine education.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images.
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
B2C Retailer of the Year:
To recognise and reward the wine educator that has successfully delivered outstanding wine education for UK consumers. The Consumer educator of the year should demonstrate their passion and talent in providing inspiration and exceptional wine education, with the ambition to continue growing wine knowledge amongst professional teams. The winner would be seen by the judges as being influential in advancing wine knowledge and appreciation of wine, with extensive wine industry experience, excellent communication skills and sets high standards of teaching.
Winning this award should inspire others to achieve the highest standards of wine education.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 100
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists Wine Retailers in the UK.
These retailers are passionate in developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that in turn positively impacts UK wine consumers experience and appreciation.
The winner would be seen by the judges as being influential in contributing growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the wine consumer's wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images.
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists Wine Retailers in the UK.
These retailers are passionate in developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that in turn positively impacts UK wine consumers experience and appreciation.
The winner would be seen by the judges as being influential in contributing growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the wine consumer's wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
Entrants of single, multiple and large multiple retailers of the year categories, whose sites are all located in the same region, will automatically be nominated for a regional award. For eligible companies, this means one entry will put you in the running for two awards.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Wine Retailers in the UK. These retailers are passionate in developing exceptional wine ranges, elevating their wine offer, customer service and engagement.
They have experienced and knowledgeable teams, focussed on delivering a strategy that positively impacts the UK wine industry.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to deliver credible category initiatives and competitively valuable ranges, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You will need to select the category you are entering: Single Site Retailer of the Year or Small Multiple Retailer of the Year (2 to 5 physical stores) or Medium Multiple Retailer of the Year (5 to 10 physical stores)
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images.
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 70
Entrants of single, multiple and large multiple retailers of the year categories, whose sites are all located in the same region, will automatically be nominated for a regional award. For eligible companies, this means one entry will put you in the running for two awards.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Wine Retailers in the UK. These retailers are passionate in developing exceptional wine ranges, elevating their wine offer, customer service and engagement.
They have experienced and knowledgeable teams, focussed on delivering a strategy that positively impacts the UK wine industry.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to deliver credible category initiatives and competitively valuable ranges, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images.
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 165
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Wine Retailers in the UK. These retailers are passionate in developing exceptional wine ranges, elevating their wine offer, customer service and engagement.
They have experienced and knowledgeable teams, focussed on delivering a strategy that positively impacts the UK wine industry.
The winner would be seen by the judges as being a major influential retailer, leading best-in-class initiatives growing wine sales in the UK, and customer penetration, all the more progressing the consumer's experience and appreciation for wine.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to deliver credible category initiatives and competitively valuable ranges, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 210
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Wine Retailers in the UK.
These retailers are passionate in developing exceptional wine ranges, elevating their wine offer, customer service and engagement.
They have experienced and knowledgeable teams, focussed on delivering a strategy that positively impacts the UK wine industry.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to deliver credible category initiatives and competitively valuable ranges, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Wine Clubs in the UK.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to deliver credible category initiatives and competitively valuable ranges, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 130
Specialist of the Year:
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your drinks list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their Sake offer. They support employees with Sake knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK Sake consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their Sake knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
The category must account for at least 7.5% of your wine list.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by Specialists in the UK. These companies are passionate about developing quality specialist ranges to elevate their wine offer. They support employees with wine knowledge that, in turn, positively impacts UK wine consumers' experience and appreciation. The judges would see the winner as influential in contributing to growth in the UK and customer penetration and progressing the trade and consumers' wine experiences for their specialist category.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's wine shopping experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10MB) and use the Theme/Section headings
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 60
Restaurant Wine List of The Year
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by restaurants in the UK.
These restaurants are passionate in developing quality wine lists to elevate their wine business. They support employees with wine knowledge that in turn positively impacts UK wine consumers experience and appreciation.
The winner would be seen by the judges as being influential in progressing the wine consumer's wine experiences in the on-trade.
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's food and wine experience.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 100
Winning this award should inspire others to improve their approach to their wine knowledge, expertise and offer, elevating the customer's food and wine experience.
The winner would be seen by the judges as being influential in progressing the wine consumer's wine experiences in the on-trade.
These restaurants are passionate in developing quality wine lists to elevate their wine business. They support employees with wine knowledge that in turn positively impacts UK wine consumers experience and appreciation.
To recognise and reward the investment and progress made by restaurants in the UK.
Notes:
- You may upload a PDF or PowerPoint to support your entry. This must be no more than 10 pages (max 10 MB) and use the Theme/Section headings.
- Marks are given against descriptive answers to guide the judges.
- Entrants may upload a selection of images/videos to support entry - a maximum of 10 images
TOTAL JUDGING SCORE: 100