We are currently accepting submissions for our 14th Annual Best of the Northwest Wine Competition!
The deadline to submit online and get product delivered is October 24, 2025
All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of the Northwest’s top palates, including sommeliers, wine buyers, producers, distributors, wine writers, and industry professionals. The top four in each category will be awarded Platinum, Double Gold, Gold, or Silver medals. Larger categories will also have Judges’ Picks, recognizing the next highest-ranking beverages after the medalists.
The results will be released on Dec 10, 2025 on sipmagazine.com, sent out digitally to our 55,000+ readers and shared across our social media outlets. Medalists will also be featured in the 2025 Annual Print Buyers Guide.
Upon request, tasting notes will be provided for each submitted product, offering feedback from our judging team who blind-tasted your entries.
At the end of the competition, readers will gain valuable insights into the evolving Northwest wine scene and receive an expertly curated shopping list of must-try beverages for the coming year and beyond.
Here what our judges have to say about the Best of the Northwest competition here.
2025 LIST OF WINE JUDGES
SUBMISSION DETAILS
1. Cost of entry is $80 for each individual product submission. Payment is accepted by credit card when submitting via the Enofile software or by check via mail to 1335 N. Northlake Way, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98103. All applicable submission fees must be paid in full and wine delivered by Friday, October 24 to be entered in the judging.
2. Please submit your wine by clicking . If paying with a credit card, you will pay here. The submission will not be entered in the judging unless the Enofile form is completed.
3. Send three (3) samples of each submission of 750ml or three (3) samples of each submission of 500ml or less. For dessert wines, send two (2) samples of each.
4. List the price of the product based on suggested retail price before taxes.
5. The product must be currently available through March 2026.
6. All products must be produced in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or British Columbia with fruit grown in one of those regions/states.
7. Submission receiving deadline is Friday, October 24.
*Submission form and Credit card payment link: CLICK HERE.
** NOTE: If you are submitting through the Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) Consolidation Program the deadline to submit is August 22. Please reach out to them directly for submission requirements. Click here for details.
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
Shipping Instructions
1) Carefully package wine as shipping companies are not always gentle.
2) Please do not use packing peanuts or popcorn.
3) Ship all entries to the following address:
SEATTLE WINE STORAGE
ATTN: SIP MAGAZINE BEST OF WINE
9401 AURORA AVE N, SEATTLE, WA 98103
For personal delivery, Seattle Wine Storage is open daily from 12-6pm.
2025 CATEGORIES
RED WINE
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carménère
- Grenache
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Mourvedre
- Pinot Noir
- Red Blend – Bordeaux-style – Cabernet Leads (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and/or Carménère)
- Red Blend – Bordeaux-style – Merlot Leads (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and/or Carménère)
- Red Blend – Bordeaux-style – Other BDX Style grape Leads (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and/or Carménère)
- Red Blend – Proprietary (a blend that uses red varieties that originated from all over, “a kitchen sink” blend)
- Red Blend – GSM
- Red Blend – Rhône-style (a blend of the red grapes of Rhône Valley origin; Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Counoise, etc.)
- Red Single Varietal
- Red Single Italian Varietal
- Sangiovese
- Syrah
- Tempranillo
WHITE WINE
- Albariño
- Chardonnay — Oaked
- Chardonnay — Unoaked
- Chenin Blanc
- Gewürztraminer
- Pinot Gris/Grigio
- Riesling
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Viognier
- White Blend
- White Blend – Rhone Style (Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, etc)
- White Single Varietal (Pinot Blanc, Semillon, Madeleine Angevine, Siegerrebe, Muller Thurgau, Marsanne, etc.)
SPARKLING WINE
- Traditional
- Non-Traditional Sparkling
- Pét Nat
ROSÉ
- Blends
- Single Varietal
DESSERT
- All types (including fortified/Port-style, late harvest, ice wine, etc.)
While unlikely, categories are subject to change based on the number of submissions. If submissions are low, wines may be combined with the most appropriate category. If submissions are high, a new standalone category may be created.
Sip Magazine is an award-winning publication covering the wine, beer, spirits and cider of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
To view the complete list of winners from last year click here.
ONE LAST NOTE FROM OUR JUDGES
“One Sip, countless wines. Year after year, it has been an exciting journey for me to uncover the remarkable talents of the Pacific Northwest, all thanks to the dedicated team at Sip Magazine. My go to source for the key players in our region.” Cyril Frechier – DipWSET, Wine Educator and Trade Wine Specialist
“I am especially fond of the Sip Magazine Annual Best of the NW Wine competition. It’s a highlight for me as a judge to spend time tasting through so many styles and recognizing the diversity in our NW wines. Each year during this annual competition I consider it a wonderful experience to taste the varietals and blends shaped by the terroirs and talented winemakers within our states. It is deeply rewarding to connect with fellow industry, and I am continually inspired by the dedication, innovation, and craftsmanship that define Pacific Northwest wines. I consider it an honor to play a small part in recognizing and supporting that excellence.”Regina Daigneault, Reggiewine LLC, Wine Educator.
