2026 will mark the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 13th Anniversary
“Our mission is to encourage producers to raise the quality bar continually through year on year feedback on their wines; and to guide wine lovers towards the best champagnes and sparkling wines on the planet.”
Tom Stevenson.
The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC) is the only international sparkling wine competition judged by sparkling wine specialists, for the new generation of sparkling wine consumers who enjoy sparkling wine on any occasion and recognise its exceptional versitality when partnering food at the table.
The CSWWC endorses provenance and promotes world-class sparkling wines of every region as gastronomic wines par excellence. It is the largest and toughest sparkling wine competition in the world.
2026 key DATES:
January: Open for 2026 entries
April: Entries Close
May: Deadline for wines to arrive at Sensible Wine Services
1st – 12th June: CSWWC 2026 two weeks judging
September: Results announced
29th October: Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships Awards Dinner
How to enter: www.champagnesparklingwwc.co.uk/how-to-enter/
For more information
- The judging process champagnesparklingwwc.co.uk/how-we-judge/depth-judging-process/
- Full list of of classes champagnesparklingwwc.co.uk/how-we-judge/trophies/
- For more information on the competition and differentiating factors champagnesparklingwwc.co.uk/about/unique-to-our-competition/
The Judges
Tom Stevenson
“Champagne’s higher divinity.” —Anthony Rose, The Independent
Founder of the CSWWC and author of the World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wine. Tom is one of the leading authorities on Champagne and sparkling wines, with extensive expertise in their history and production. Over his career, he has served as a judge for prestigious competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge.
Essi Avellan MW
“Mind like a steel trap.” —Karen Palmer, Champagne Editor, Galaxy Guides
Master of Wine and Champagne specialist, Essi Avellan has authored several books on Champagne and sparkling wine and actively contributes to various magazines. She judges sparkling wines also at other prestigious competitions such as the IWSC, and is the creator of the annual Grand Champagne event. Throughout her career, Essi has maintained a strong focus on education, working tirelessly to share her knowledge and passion for sparkling wines.
George Markus
One of Austria’s most respected wine writers, George has authored several books on wine and gastronomy. His expertise spans Austrian and Central European sparkling wines. He has participated as a judge in notable panels such as the Austrian Wine Challenge and the International Wine & Spirit Competition. George holds formal education in oenology and wine marketing.