<strong>JUDGING METHODOLOGY</strong> Panels will be comprised of qualified members of wine media, wine/vineyard research, winemaking, wine education and wine marketing. 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 "corked." Medals awarded will be Best of Class, Double Gold, and Gold. Double Gold is only awarded when all judges on the panel agree on a gold on the first round, without any discussion of moving one (or more) judge’s Silver up to a Gold. Best of Show is determined from the following categories: Best White, Best Red, Best Rosé/Blush, Best Dessert/Late Harvest (including Ice Wine), Best Sparkling Wine, Best Fruit Wine. In order to progress a Best of Class to Sweepstakes, there must be a minimum of five (5) wines in that class. <strong>WITH EXCEPTION</strong> – International Women’s Wine Competition offers a special award for Best Woman Winemaker. – International East Meets West Wine Challenge conducts a Riesling Championship for the Eastern Division and also conducts a "face-off" for best of the Eastern vs. Western Divisions.