IWC 2026 Sake Judging in Hiroshima

18-21 May 2026

The IWC (International Wine Challenge) Sake Awards, usually held annually in London, took place in Japan this year for the first time in eight years. Hiroshima, which is one of Japan’s premier sake-producing regions, became the host of the event. The event ran from 18th to 21st of May 2026.

Marking its milestone 20th anniversary, a record-breaking 1,738 sake brands have been entered into the competition.

This year a new “Fruit Infused Sake” category has been introduced, bringing the total to 11 categories. A total of 457 breweries (including 12 from overseas) have entered the competition.

The blind tasting evaluation was conducted by 70 judges representing 21 countries and regions including Japan, UK, Channel Islands, France, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and South Korea.

The medal results and trophy winners for each category will be announced on 22nd May 2026 at 15:00 during the Award Lunch at the Sheraton in Hiroshima Prefecture. Furthermore, the Champion Sake is scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, 8th September, during the evening Awards Dinner in London, UK.