6 reasons to enter the 2026 WineGB Awards
Entering the WineGB Awards isn’t just about medals, it’s about being part of a bigger story, one that celebrates progress within the UK wine industry, champions quality and continues to build the reputation of English and Welsh wine at home and abroad. And what’s more, Gold medal winners have the chance of being selected for the WineGB Golden 50 Wine List.
With entries now open for 2026, here’s a few reasons why producers across the country should consider putting their wines – and the stories behind those wine – forward this year.
Entries to the WineGB Awards 2026 close on 6th May 2026. Good luck!
1. Benchmark your wines against the best in the UK
The WineGB Awards are dedicated entirely to English and Welsh wines, offering a rare opportunity to measure your wines alongside your peers in a truly relevant context.
This isn’t about competing on a global stage, it’s about understanding how your wines perform within the unique conditions of the UK.
2.Showcase quality, consistency & progress in UK Winemaking
At its core, the awards exist to send a powerful message about the quality, consistency and diversity of UK wines and by entering you’re contributing to that wider narrative.
Each entry helps demonstrate how far the category has come, from pioneering sparkling wines to the growing strength of still wines across multiple grape varieties.
3. Gain valuable marketing visibility for your brand and drive sales
Award-winning wines don’t just stay within the industry, they reach consumers, buyers and the press. The results become a trusted reference point, helping people decide “the bottle to put on their table tonight.”
Whether you’re a small producer or an established name, a medal can act as a powerful endorsement, opening doors to new listings, customers and conversations.
4. Be part of a growing, dynamic category
The UK wine scene is evolving rapidly, and the awards are evolving with it. For 2026, new categories, including Innovative Label Design and Cellar Door awards, highlight not just the wines themselves, but the broader experience around them.
There’s an increasing focus on storytelling, celebrating the people and creativity behind the bottle – a reminder that today’s wine industry is as much about connection and identity as it is about the wines.
5. Celebrate your team and Tell your story
Behind every wine is a team of hardworking people and the WineGB Awards are placing more emphasis than ever on recognising that.
With the introduction of storytelling elements and expanded categories, there’s now space to highlight and tell the whole story from vineyard, to winery, to cellar door, and beyond.
6. Join a community that champions UK wine
The awards are open to WineGB members only, connecting entrants to a wider network that supports the growth of the industry through events, tastings, and trade opportunities.
From the annual Trade & Press Tasting to ongoing campaigns and initiatives, being part of the WineGB community offers far-reaching benefits beyond the competition itself.
Entering the Awards is one way to actively engage with —and contribute to — that collective momentum.
Whether you’re releasing your first vintage or your 15th, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and help shape the future of UK wine.