Nearly 500 wines from 20 countries compete in the 18th SIWC. [Photo/WeChat ID: waigaoqiaowindows]

On June 17, the 18th Shanghai International Wine Challenge (SIWC) was launched at the Global Hub in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, which is operated by the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

As one of Asia's premier wine evaluation events, SIWC aims to provide a platform for domestic and international wineries to expand their presence in the global market. It serves as a pioneer platform for international trade and cultural exchange, further boosting the prosperity of the imported wine trade through the Shanghai Port. This event also accelerates Shanghai's development as an international consumption hub.

Over the course of three days, the competition evaluated nearly 500 wines from 20 countries, with notable entries from France, China, Spain, and a resurgence of Australian wines, reflecting market diversity. Hungary also debuted Tokaji, its national wine.

The judging panel for this edition comprises 15 authoritative experts. The competition will utilize the internationally recognized blind tasting method to select the best, platinum, gold, and silver award winners.

This year's SIWC has partnered with Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com to promote premium wines across the country, and has also invited a British institution to act as the international promotion representative, expanding the reach of the SIWC brand and the award-winning wines to a broader international audience.

The SIWC 2024 awards ceremony is set to take place on June 21 at the Grand Ballroom of the Kerry Hotel Shanghai. Participants, professional media, and retail buyers are set to gather to witness the crowning glory of the award-winning wines.

The judging panel blind tastes competing wines and selects the best ones. [Photo/WeChat ID: waigaoqiaowindows]