November 11, 2025 (Pomona, CA) — Entries are now being accepted for the 91st edition of the Los Angeles International Wine Competition (LAIWC). Los Angeles’ original wine competition since 1935, announces the opening of entries and a new, industry media partnership with The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel magazines. Together, Fairplex’s LAIWC and two of the most influential trade publications in U.S. wine are creating an unparalleled platform that turns medals into momentum and visibility into sales.
“This partnership marks a defining moment for the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. I’ve always believed that a medal should be more than a moment—it should be a movement. By joining forces with The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel, we’re transforming recognition into reach, giving our winning wineries a powerful voice in the marketplace. As we enter our 91st year, I’m proud that one of the oldest wine competitions in America is partnering with the most influential wine publications to celebrate and elevate the people who make great wine.” — Spreti Valente, CS, Chair, Los Angeles International Wine Competition
Industry Game-Changer: Editorial Integration That Shapes Markets
- National Recap Coverage in The SOMM Journal, highlighting LAIWC results, judges, and trends.
- Extended, post-judging visibility across The Tasting Panel’s national distribution.
- Pre-event judge profiles and competition features, showcasing the caliber and credibility of LAIWC’s vetted panel.
- Direct line of sight to the buyers, sommeliers, and decision-makers who build wine lists and purchasing programs across the U.S.
“The Tasting Panel and The SOMM Journal believe that partnering with the Los Angeles International Wine Competition fits a high standard for our national print publications. Together we will emphasize the award-winning, noteworthy wines by creating a special results section in 2026 to augment their status. The palates who judge each wine are armed with reputation, experience, and talent and The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel aim to recognize their efforts as much as the blood, sweat, and tears poured into the production of the Gold Medal recipients.” — Meredith May, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, The SOMM Journal & The Tasting Panel
Opening for Entries (2026 Season)
- Entry portal opens: November 3, 2025
- Entry deadline: March 6, 2026
- Early Bird: $90 through January 5, 2026 (save $25)
- Regular fee: $115 after January 5, 2026
- Judging: March 25–27, 2026
- LA County Fair: May 7–31, 2026
- Cheers: LA’s Wine, Spirits, Beer & Food Festival: June 27, 2026
More Than Medals: Tangible Marketing Value
Most competitions stop at the medal. LAIWC begins with it. Our mission is to market and promote every winning wine through verified, measurable channels — not empty promises.
Massive Consumer Visibility (Fairplex Platform)
- 780,000+ annual attendees at the LA County Fair.
- Wall of Winners: every medal-winning wine showcased during the Fair.
- Tasting Room Marketplace (2025 results): 20,987 samples poured • 5,126 glasses sold • 750 guests in classes led by LAIWC judges — real consumer engagement, not theoretical reach.
Cheers: Public Celebration of Gold Medal Winners
- The Cheers Food & Wine event showcases Gold Medal wines, plus Gold winners in spirits, dairy, and olive oils.
- Draws 800+ consumers and trade, creating another stage for pouring, networking, and brand growth — included in the entry fee.
Design Label Awards (Bonus Exposure)
- A dedicated jury of professional graphic designers awards separate Best Packaging Design medals.
- Designer bios will be published ahead of the competition, adding an extra spotlight for participating wineries.
Shelf Power: Medal Stickers & Downloadable Assets
- Official medal stickers available for easy purchase, helping your bottles stand out on retail shelves.
- Downloadable medals and logos for publications, marketing, and social media to extend your win into every channel.
Judge Credibility & Vetting
- LAIWC’s panel includes Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, top buyers, retailers, and chefs — each carefully vetted for expertise, impartiality, and alignment with the competition’s mission to elevate winning wines.
- A public list of judges and bios will be released ahead of judging for full transparency.
The LAIWC Marketing Ecosystem (What You Get with One Entry)
- National trade media coverage via The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel
- The Fairplex stage: 780K+ consumer touchpoints at the LA County Fair
- Digital reach: 100K+ website visitors & 375K+ social followers
- On-site tastings, education, and public events that turn recognition into sales
- LAIWC = Competition + Marketing + Visibility + Sales Support — all in one.
About the Los Angeles International Wine Competition
Founded in 1935, the Los Angeles International Wine Competition is one of America’s oldest wine competitions and a proud Fairplex tradition. Now in its 91st year, LAIWC continues to honor excellence while delivering real marketing impact for winning wineries. Wine Professionals are encouraged to sign up for a membership to Somm Journal and Tasting Panel for more details.
