Eileen Crane 2010 Honorary Chair

NWWC-10_Eileen_Crane_smWe are honored to announce Eileen Crane, Founding Winemaker & President of Napa’s legendary Domaine Carneros, as our Honorary Chairwoman for the 2010 competition. Often referred to as America’s Doyenne of Sparkling Wine, Eileen Crane has spent more than 30 years in the industry. She is the most experienced Sparkling Winemaker in the United States.

Please learn more about Domaine Carneros and Eileen’s remarkable achievements in the wine industry at www.domainecarneros.com.

About Our Judges

NWWC stresses integrity and transparency. We work hard to create an atmosphere where the "judges can judge." Our job is to attract the best judges, give them the environment they need to fairly evaluate your wines, and let the winners emerge victorious!

Click Here to see the 2010 Judges

Methodology and Philosophy

Judging Methodology

NWWC is a true blind tasting, which means that the judges do not know the maker of the wine, they never see the labels, nor do they know the price of the wine.

This makes it possible for our judges to identify outstanding wines across the range of price points and varietals. We also begin each judging session with an initial tasting of brut champagne to clear the judge’s palates to create the best tasting conditions.

Further, our judges receive the results of their panel’s work, ensuring the integrity of the judging.

Competition Philosophy

Since women make 60% (or more) of the wine purchases in the United States, it only makes sense to craft a competition judged entirely by women. As a marketing tool, NWWC provides a “woman to woman roadmap” of the wine industry. Medal winners can be assured that the leading women in wine have judged their wines exemplary. (Please note: to win a Bronze or Double Gold medal, all judges must be in agreement.