Judges, tasting blind, will award silver medals to wines that exhibit above average character for the wine type and place of origin. A gold medal (90 to 93 points) will be awarded to wines that possess an added dimension or profound characteristics that are recognized by two or more of the judges on a three-judge panel.

Platinum awards (94 to 100 points) are reserved for wines deemed to be contenders for best of category or best of show.

Best of category winners as well as grand prizes for best of show sparkling, white, red, rose and dessert wines may be given, as well as Wine of the Year. The Director may, at his discretion, recognize outstanding performances by a winery or importer following tabulation of all results. Awards will be announced at www.WinemakerChallenge.com and winners will be notified by U.S. mail.