The China Wine Competition 2025 is officially open for entries, offering wineries from around the world a unique opportunity to have their wines evaluated by China's top on-trade buyers. As the only wine competition in China where wines are judged specifically for the on-trade and by on-trade buyers, this event provides invaluable insights into how wines perform in the country's thriving restaurant, hotel, and bar sectors.
Who are the judges for 2025 China Wine Competition?
The China Wine Competition 2025 boasts a distinguished panel of judges comprising Master Sommeliers, top sommeliers, on-trade wine buyers, and wine directors from China.
These experts are actively involved in developing wine lists and making purchasing decisions for leading establishments. Notable judges include Arnaud Bardary MS, Master Sommelier and Head of Sales for Wholesale at Watson's Wine; Tom Baxter, Sotheby's Deputy Director and Private Sales Manager; and Yohann Jousselin MS, Head of Fine Wines at Kerry Wines.
Their collective expertise ensures that wines are evaluated with a keen understanding of the Chinese palate and the nuances of the on-trade market.
View the full list of judges here.
Now in Its 4th Year
Since its inception, the China Wine Competition has established itself as a premier wine competition tailored specifically to the needs of China's on-trade sector. Now in its 4th year, the competition continues to provide wineries with a platform to showcase their products to key decision-makers in China's hospitality industry.
Why Enter the China Wine Competition 2025?
- Judged by On-Trade Buyers Unlike other competitions, the China Wine Competition is assessed by leading sommeliers, restaurant wine directors, hotel beverage managers, and importers who specialize in the on-trade market. These are the professionals responsible for curating wine lists and making purchasing decisions for China's top dining establishments.
- Market Relevance Wines are evaluated based on three key criteria:
- Food pairability
- Typicity
- Quality: How well the wine meets high standards in taste and craftsmanship.
- Value for Money: How competitively priced the wine is for the on-trade sector.
- Packaging: How appealing the bottle looks to both trade buyers and consumers.
- Boost Your Sales in China Winning wines gain industry recognition and market credibility, making them more attractive to China's importers, distributors, and hospitality professionals. With the Chinese on-trade market continuing to expand, success in this competition can lead to lucrative business opportunities.
Organized by Beverage Trade Network
The China Wine Competition is organized by Beverage Trade Network (BTN), a global leader in beverage industry events and competitions. BTN is behind some of the world's top wine and spirits competitions and trade shows, including the London Wine Competition in the UK and the Sommeliers Choice Awards in the USA. Their extensive expertise ensures a well-structured and highly credible competition that benefits both producers and buyers.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to:
- Wineries looking to expand or strengthen their presence in China.
- Importers and distributors representing brands seeking on-trade placements.
- Wine producers who want feedback from industry professionals with direct purchasing power.
Key Dates for 2025:
- Super Early Bird Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Early Bird Deadline: April 1, 2025, to June 31, 2025
- Regular Deadline: August 1, 2025 to September 18, 2025
- Warehouse Deadline: September 30, 2025
- Judging Date: October 22, 2025
- Winners Announcement: November 6, 2025
Enter Now!
For wineries aiming to succeed in China's dynamic wine market, the China Wine Competition 2025 is the ultimate platform to gain visibility and credibility. Don't miss your chance to have your wines judged by buyers shaping China's wine landscape.
Submit your entries today and put your wines in front of China's top on-trade buyers! For more information and to register, visit Official Website Link.
