Global Wine & Spirits Awards

Amphora / Qvevri Wine Award

Where Millennia of Tradition Meet Modern Excellence

Dating back over 8,000 years to the ancient cellars of Georgia, fermenting and aging wine in clay vessels is one of the world’s oldest unbroken winemaking traditions, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, this ancient art has sparked a vibrant global resurgence. From traditional Georgian qvevri and Portuguese talha to modern amphorae used by pioneering winemakers across Europe and the New World, clay vessels are redefining the premium craft wine landscape.

Why Amphora & Qvevri Wines?

The Fastest-Growing Niche in Fine Wine
Amphora, qvevri, and clay-vessel wines are among the most talked-about categories in the international wine market. They attract massive attention from sommeliers, premium retailers, media, and younger consumers seeking authenticity, craft production, and unique origin stories.

Gastronomic Appeal
The unique micro-oxygenation of clay vessels softens tannins early and enhances texture, creating vibrant, structured wines that excel in food pairing. This makes them highly sought after by top-tier restaurants and trendsetting wine bars looking to diversify their lists.

Judging Criteria

Honoring Natural Expression

All entries are evaluated using the rigorous, blind-tasting standards of the long-established GWSAA judging process. However, because wines fermented or aged in clay vessels possess distinctly different profiles than conventionally made wines, our expert panels apply special consideration for their natural behavior. Best in Class, Gold, Silver, Bronze awards will be offered.

Judging Process

Join the Award

On-Site Judging & Live Announcement at ProWine Shanghai: official award judging will take place directly on the fairground, with the winning entries announced live at the Skin2Skin Orange Wine Zone
Direct Access to Top-Tier Asian Trade: positions your brand directly in front of key importers, distributors, wholesalers, and media actively seeking new wine trends and partnership opportunities.
Stand Out in a Dedicated Category: provides dedicated recognition for ancient winemaking techniques, elevating your brand equity and craft credentials.
Commercial Acceleration: Use the official GWSAA Amphora / Qvevri Wine Award medals on marketing materials, digital collateral to boost sales, secure distribution, and capitalize on growing trade interest across Asian markets.

Amphora and qvevri winemaking is no longer just a historical curiosity; it represents one of the most dynamic and conversation-starting movements in the global wine scene today. Consumers in Asia are eager for authentic stories, ancient techniques, and the incredible textural complexity that clay vessels provide. The GWSAA Amphora / Qvevri Wine Award shines a dedicated spotlight on this craft, celebrating quality and giving top producers the recognition they deserve in front of Asia’s most influential buyers.

Debra MeiburgMaster of Wine

Key Dates

Registration:
on or before 6 November 2026

Sample arrival at Shanghai:
8-9 November 2026

Fee:
USD 120 / SKU (RMB 800)

Orange Wine Zone
ProWine Shanghai

10-12 November 2026 | Shanghai New International Expo Centre

Exhibition Package

High-Impact Trade Interest

41% of buyers are importers and wholesalers

Exhibition Package

From Clay to Market

22% of visitors actively seeking new market trends

Exhibition Package

Wineries participating in the award can extend their physical presence at ProWine Shanghai inside a feature area Orange Wine Zone organised by Meiburg Wine Media. Participation options include:

Display Bottle Package: Ideal for remote producers wanting bottle display and listing visibility without needing a physical table.
Display + Tasting Support: Includes bottle display and active pouring support by the MWM team for curated tasting moments.
Exhibitor Table & Content Opportunities: Physical table presence, with options to host 30-minute Pop-up Talks, In-Booth Mini Masterclasses, or feature your wines at the Themed Tasting Bar.