Reflections on DW WA 2023, in its 20th year

As the Decanter World Wine Awards celebrated a significant anniversary this year, the teams of international judges were as keen as ever to find out where this year's highest-performing wines would emerge from. Our Co-Chair breaks down the results and highlights key wine regions, styles and medal winners to look out for 

-  ANDREW JEFFORD, DWWA CO-CHAIR

Was it the coronation effect? St Edward’s crown was placed on King Charles III’s head in the middle of our Best in Show tastings in early May this year. Or perhaps it was the lure of our glitzy 20th anniversary party (see p26) – the very first DWWA having taken place in 2004.

Maybe the simple joy of travelling again after the years of Covid-induced pandemic lockdowns?

Whatever the truth, we were able to welcome back judges from the UK and overseas at full capacity for the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 (101 out of our full judging complement of 236 travelled from abroad). Most commented on the pleasure of being able to mix, mingle and talk freely again around our tasting sessions. Judging, in short, has never been more of a pleasure – and I’m fortunate enough to have judged in every single edition of our competition.