The Tasting Alliance is proud to announce that we will once again power the WSWA Access LIVE Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition in 2026. As one of the signature experiences at Access LIVE, this blind-tasting competition celebrates excellence in taste and gives participating brands a powerful platform for recognition before the industry’s most influential buyers and decision-makers.

The Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition is a highlight of Access LIVE, designed to reward outstanding wines and spirits through a rigorous, impartial blind evaluation. For both established and emerging producers, a medal win delivers meaningful credibility and show-floor visibility—helping brands stand out during the event and beyond. Access LIVE 2026 takes place February 2–5, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV at Caesars Forum, bringing together all three tiers of the beverage alcohol industry for relationship-building, dealmaking, and innovation. Winners will be announced by Tuesday, February 3, 2026, so accolades are front-and-center while the show is in full swing.

All winners receive ribbons and placards for on-site display, plus digital award files for marketing and sales use. Double Gold and Best of Show entries will be featured in the winners display case at Access LIVE, and Best of Show winners will be invited to Access HQ Connect, offering attendees a taste of their winning products. 

And there’s even more on the line: up to 10 Sweepstakes-round winners will earn the chance to participate in the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 2026 San Francisco International Wine Competition with their entry fee waived.

Judging and criteria are managed by The Tasting Alliance, the world’s leading authority in beverage competitions with over four decades of experience. Our legacy is built on blind evaluation, unmatched impartiality, and a deep bench of trusted expert judges—standards that have elevated thousands of brands worldwide. A medal from a Tasting Alliance–powered competition is widely regarded as a pivotal benchmark for producers seeking industry recognition and lasting credibility.

To be eligible, brands must have company representatives registered for Access LIVE as an exhibitor or suite holder. The registration deadline is January 9, 2026.

Ready to put your product in front of the industry’s most discerning palates? Learn more about rules, shipping, and entry steps on the official Access LIVE page: https://accesslive.wswa.org/wine-spirits-tasting-competitions.