All wines are judged on their individual merit by price category and fruit variety or proprietary style. Approximately one-third of the judged wines are randomly selected and re-evaluated by a separate panel of judges to assure accuracy and fairness. Wines entered in the Tasters Guild Judging are evaluated using 18 and 22 ounce, high quality, professional, German crystal stemware.

Approximately 1,500 wine samples are annually evaluated from over 15 countries and 30 states/provinces in this professionally conducted wine judging. The TASTERS GUILD panel of consumer-oriented judges is composed of eminently qualified individuals with extensive experience in tasting and judging vinifera, labrusca and hybrid grape varieties as well as miscellaneous “other than grape” wines and distillates. Judges include wine writers, retailers, wholesalers, educators, restaurateurs, winemakers, and experienced “judging certified” consumers from around the country.

Three (3) bottle samples of each entry label are required.