Drink samples involve more than bottle count: drink type, strength, origin, vintage, destination and import arrangements also matter. Regions and consolidation routes may have different milestones, so one closing date is insufficient.
Fix the identity of the entered drink
The entry name should match the bottle, label and product records. Provide vintage, origin, variety or blend for wine and category, alcohol strength and volume for spirits as required. A company name is not a substitute for a wine name, and the submitted version should not be changed without confirmation.
Check whether ranges or vintages require separate entries. Retain entry references, bottle counts, specifications and box numbers so that documents and physical samples match.
Confirm quantity for the programme and route
The DWWA 2027 dates and prices specify three bottles per wine. This is the 2027 requirement, not a basis for retaining older quantities or establishing a universal rule for wine competitions.
IWSC’s 2027 London wine route requires four bottles per wine. The London spirits route has its own sample requirements. Even within IWSC, check the product type rather than applying one bottle count everywhere.
The delivery route determines the milestone
DWWA 2027 separates direct delivery, consolidated shipping and designated trade-show drop-off. A consolidation-point date can precede the final entry deadline, while late consolidation may serve only specified regions. Select the method before confirming its address, charge and date.
IWSC London wine similarly separates consolidation drop-off and direct arrival. Registration, arrival at a consolidation warehouse and final receipt are different tasks; none replaces all the others.
A footer address is not a receiving instruction
An organiser’s office may not be its judging warehouse. Use the current entry confirmation or sample guide, checking recipient, entry reference, parcel labels and receiving hours. Previous entrants should still confirm changes in warehouses and instructions.
Where a shipping partner receives the samples, record quantity and condition at handover. A delivery signature shows transport progress, but official sample registration should also be checked so that the parcel is linked to the correct wines.
Budget for transport and exceptions
Separate entry fees, consolidated-shipping fees and the company’s delivery to the consolidation point. Handle breakage, shortages, lost labels or misdelivery according to organiser instructions rather than assuming replacements can still reach the scheduled judging.
Check return, retention and display rules. The wine, spirits and beer directory lists programmes; sample coordination can organise dispatch, handover and arrival records.
Official sources
Reviewed on 15 October 2026. Quantities and dates apply to the 2027 routes identified.
- DWWA 2027: quantities, dates and routes
- IWSC 2027: London wine and samples
- IWSC 2027: London spirits
- IWSC: route deadlines
Preparation checklist
| Check | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Drink identity | Brand, type, origin, vintage, batch and alcohol strength |
| Samples | Quantity, volume, labels and accepted packaging |
| Delivery route | Direct, consolidated or local warehouse, with its own dates |
| Transport and import | Carrier terms, declared value, taxes and documents |
| Receipts | Separate courier delivery, official registration and exception notices |
A practical question
Does a free receiving service include international freight?
No such inference is justified. A zero receiving or service fee is different from international delivery to the warehouse. List transport, import, clearance and insurance under the actual conditions.
Check the directory, or compare entry options.
