This competition rates wines exclusively produced and bottled in the following California North Coast AVAs:
Lake County
Mendocino County
Napa County
Sonoma County
Marin County
Parts of Solano County
Eligibility includes any bottled wine labeled with these AVAs as their main source of grapes and whose winery is in California.

Judging Methodology
Wines will be designated the ranking of Best of Class by Category, Best of County, and ultimately the Best of the Best as top award. The competition will also introduce a new Luxury Class, for wines retailing at over $75.

Panels will be comprised of qualified members of wine media, wine buyers, sommeliers, winemakers, and wine educators. Majority will rule in reaching a consensus. New bottles will be opened for medal-round tasting. Judges may ask for a new bottle to be poured if they believe a wine to be “flawed.” Medals awarded will be Double Gold and Gold. Golds will be converted into a point score above 90 and all 90 point wines will get a marketable positive comment from the judging panel it was judged by.The Wine Challenge will be introducing a new approach to award designations. Wines will be designated the ranking of Best of Class by Category, Best of County, and ultimately the Best of the Best as top award.