The Judging Process
There are two panels of Judges – the Judging Panel and the International Supreme Panel and both these panels are made up of a specially selected group of experts from China and around the world.
Impartiality is a key consideration in the judging process. No judge is judging a list that comes from where they live, and the Judging Panel has the responsibility to judge every single list and determine the finalists. Should a conflict ever arise with any outlets being judged then the effected Judge abstains from judging.
The Judging Panel selects the finalists from each Region and Award Category, which are then submitted for final selection by the combined Judging Panel and International Supreme Panel.
Each establishment across China will be given a rating. The best will receive either one glass (Recommended), two glasses (Outstanding) or three glasses (Excellent).
Regional winners will be those establishments scoring highest points in each region, regardless of the Category in which they enter.
Each of the Categories will have a China winner. This will be awarded to the establishment scoring the highest points. There will be a final round of judging for the highest scoring wine lists, to decide the two China’s Wine Lists of the Year, where the Judging Panel will be joined by a group of Chinese and International judges to add an extra layer of impartiality to the final judging.
Establishments can only win China’s Wine List of the Year Award once, but they are still eligible to win their Regional and Category Awards three times. Once they achieve these milestones they will be listed in the China’s Wine List of the Year Awards Hall of Fame each time they enter provided they maintain their high standards. To retain Glass Ratings all restaurants must enter each year.
Each entering establishment is given a rating:
Three glasses (excellent)
Two glasses (outstanding)
One glass (recommended)
What are the Judges looking for?
Content
- Quality is key to the choice of wines
- Having an original & innovative choice, with some mature wines from good vintages, avoiding poor vintages
- Carefully matching varieties and regions
- Having an appropriate variety of wines by the glass
- Adequate list of aperitifs, beers, spirits, liqueurs and waters/non-alcoholic
Balance
- Balance of pricing relevant to your establishment
- Domestic & imported wines, regions and wine styles
Suitability
- To cuisine, style and image of establishment
Presentation
- Includes vintages
- Accurate and consistent presentation of information
- Clear design for easy navigation
Pricing
Download Judging Criteria
Who are the judges?
China’s Wine List of the Year Awards bring together a selection of some of the most respected independent experts in the world of wine, wine service, judging and commentary from China and around the World. These international authorities will ensure that China’s winning lists, a proud representation of China’s food and wine industry, receive the worldwide recognition they deserve.
MORE ABOUT THE JUDGES