Our Judges
At the heart of the competition are the judges — emerging voices from every corner of the wine world who are already influencing what’s being produced, poured, posted, and purchased. The Next Gen International Wine Awards is evaluated entirely by wine professionals 39 and under — the winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, media voices, and influencers who are actively shaping what younger consumers drink, share, and discover.
These judges bring a fresh, modern perspective to quality, authenticity, style, and value. Because they represent the tastes and expectations of their generation, their feedback offers wineries real insight into what resonates with the next wave of wine drinkers.
To keep the panel continually relevant, judges transition to alumni status at 39, making room each year for new voices and emerging leaders from across the industry.
Who Are They
- Winemakers and Assistant Winemakers shaping new styles and sustainability practices.
- Sommeliers and Wine Directors defining what younger audiences drink and how they experience it.
- Retailers and Buyers curating what appears on shelves and in tasting rooms.
- Media and Influencers amplifying the stories, trends, and labels that connect with modern consumers.
Why They Matter
- They represent the next generation of decision-makers in the global wine community.
- Their perspective provides wineries with a direct line to tomorrow’s market.
- Judges transition to alumni status at 39, making room for emerging voices while maintaining continuity and mentorship
- When your wine earns recognition here, it’s not just another medal — it’s validation from the voices shaping the future of wine.
Nominate a Judge
We’re building a panel of dynamic, forward-thinking wine professionals — and we invite the industry to help us identify the rising leaders shaping the future of wine.
If you know someone (or are someone) who represents the next generation of talent, we want to hear from you.
We welcome nominations for wine professionals, 39 and under who are making an impact in any area of the industry, including:
- Winemakers and assistant winemakers
- Sommeliers and beverage directors
- Retailers and buyers
- Wine journalists, educators, and media voices
- Influencers and digital creators
- Importers, distributors, and category specialists
- Hospitality or tasting room professionals
- Anyone whose work influences what younger consumers drink today
Ideal nominees are:
- Passionate about wine and the future of the industry
- Actively engaged with younger consumers or next-gen trends
- Curious, open-minded tasters
- Interested in contributing to a meaningful, forward-focused competition
What Happens Next?
Our team reviews nominations on a rolling basis. Selected nominees will be contacted with next steps and asked to provide additional information, availability, and tasting background.