The Rules 
   
1. To qualify for entry in the San Diego International Wine Competition, a wine must have been produced for commercial sale. Homemade wines will not be accepted for judging.

2. Each wine's category will be determined by information on the label.

3. The decision of the judges is final.

4. The Director reserves the right to create new categories as entries warrant.

5. Six (6) 750ml or nine (9) 375ml bottles comprise a wine entry. Entries of distilled grape spirits such as brandy or grappa require three (3) 750ml or six (6) 375ml bottles.

6. Entries must be received by January 27 to qualify for the Early Bird entry fee of $75. For entries submitted after that date, the fee is $85.  Final entry deadline is Februrary 17.  Entry fees are non-refundable. Fees are due prior to the competition for an entered wine to be judged, unless prior arrangements have been made with the Director.

7. All wines entered must be received by February 24, 2012

8. Make checks payable to SDIWC. We also accept Visa, Master Card and American Express.

9. Wineries are required to donate one case of each Platinum, Gold and Silver medal-winning wine which will be sold at the 28th annual Wine & Roses charity event, the oldest charity wine tasting in San Diego.  Proceeds from Wine & Roses Wine Tasting and Sale support the charities of the Social Service Auxiliary of San Diego, primarily Camp Oliver in Descanso, CA.  Exceptions to this rule may be approved in advance by the Competition Director.

10. Wineries are also invited to poured their wines at the Wine & Roses event on Sunday, June 10, 2012.   Wines to be poured at the event are in addition to the donation of Sale wine.   To secure a winery reservation form for a pouring station, contact the Director at whitleyonwine@yahoo.com.

Foreign Wines

It is best for foreign wineries to use their own importer or agent to clear their wines through U.S. Customs. A winery without representation in the United States may still enter using the Winemaker Challenge's import agent, Accolade Brands. Accolade will need winery name, wine name, grape varieties, retail value and alcohol content on each wine for the forms it submits to the TTB for the approvals that are required. A fee of $75 will be charged for clearing up to three entries through U.S. Customs if the shipper uses a freight forwarder such as FedEx or DHL. The fee for entries that arrive via direct air freight is $150. The fee for more than three entries using a freight forwarder is $150; for more than three entries using direct air freight, $300. All import fees are due in advance along with the entry fees. Information about the wines to be cleared should be faxed to 619-294-4878 or emailed to Director Robert Whitley at whitleyonwine@yahoo.com. All foreign entries imported by the Competition should indicate Accolade Brands as the importer on the commercial invoice, using Robert Whitley as the contact person and 619-804-0371 as the contact phone number. IMPORTANT: Do not ship the wines until the necessary COLA waivers have been obtained from TTB.

NOTE:  The above fee is for import services only.   Sender is responsible for shipping costs and any duties, taxes, customs charges or other fees accessed by your carrier or third parties with whom you contract.