A welcome return to our global judging panels
Decanter|September 2022
It was the DWWA’s first time back at full strength since 2019, and it broke all records. An astonishing 18,244 wines were assessed by 237 judges, but the selection process was as tough as ever. Our Co-Chair explains the process of awarding the sought-after medals
ANDREW JEFFORD, DWWA CO-CHAIR
A welcome return to our global judging panels

Great to be back! After two years of dislocated schedules, two years without our vital overseas judges and two years without the social interaction that makes the Decanter World Wine Awards a kind of informal wine-world summit, this 2022 edition of the competition re-established the familiar pattern we last enjoyed, pre-Covid, back in 2019. Everyone loved it: thank you, vaccines and those scientists who worked so hard to create them.

Once again, we broke records with our entry this year: 18,244 wines tasted from 54 countries. Some 3,379 wines went home with no medal, and there were 8,074 Bronzes awarded to ‘sound and satisfying’ wines. Silver medals (where we hope you will find ‘excitement and personality’) numbered 5,900, or 32.34% of the total – but it is with Gold medals (‘outstanding and memorable’ wines) that we get really picky.

This story is from the September 2022 edition of Decanter.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2022 edition of Decanter.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DECANTERView All
Wine wisdom
Decanter

Wine wisdom

Our regular learning section helps you get more from your glass

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
Around ABRUZZO
Decanter

Around ABRUZZO

A stunning, under-explored, year-round destination with an extraordinary natural setting, Abruzzo’s appeal lies in its rustic villages and a sunny-natured, hospitable local character

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2024
UMBRIA A wine lover's guide
Decanter

UMBRIA A wine lover's guide

In the heart of Italy lies an undulating landscape dotted with hilltop villages and draped with olive groves, where winemakers are breathing new life into long-neglected indigenous grape varieties

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
Lessons in LAMBRUSCO
Decanter

Lessons in LAMBRUSCO

Coming from the same region of northern Italy as some of the world’s most famous names in food, the wide range of Lambrusco wines provide ample scope for complementing meals both local and international, while refreshing the palate, too

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024
Sustainable cocktails THE FUTURE?
Decanter

Sustainable cocktails THE FUTURE?

In every industry, it's pretty much the hottest topic right now, but what does the S-word mean when it comes to cocktail-making? Leading experts give us their take and share eco-conscious recipes to replicate at home

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024
VENTOUX AOC The rising star of the Rhône
Decanter

VENTOUX AOC The rising star of the Rhône

The Southern Rhone appellation is emerging as a community-led force of innovation and sustainability.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2024
Polkadraai Hills
Decanter

Polkadraai Hills

This lesser-known corner of South Africa’s Stellenbosch region is starting to turn heads, thanks to its special soils and a close-knit community of talented young winemakers

time-read
10 mins  |
April 2024
BY FARR
Decanter

BY FARR

The enigmatic Nick Farr, of Australia's celebrated By Farr winery, is famously reluctant to entertain the wine media or submit samples for tasting. So we jumped at an opportunity to visit the family estate in Geelong to taste some of the country's most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

time-read
9 mins  |
April 2024
Brunello di Montalcino 2019: 30 picks from a 5-star vintage
Decanter

Brunello di Montalcino 2019: 30 picks from a 5-star vintage

It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2024
Brunello di Montalcino 2019
Decanter

Brunello di Montalcino 2019

It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2024