Whisky Tourism Awards

Global Whisky Challenge Whisky Tourism Awards

Whisky tourism has evolved into a refined, multi-billion-dollar global industry, inspired by the heritage-driven visitor experiences long perfected by France’s great châteaux and the iconic estates of Napa Valley. Today, leading distilleries are no longer just places of production, they are destinations.

Whisky tourism represents a distinguished multi-billion-dollar global industry, drawing upon the refined practices and time-honored traditions established by the prestigious chateaus of France and the renowned estates of Napa Valley. The Global Whisky Tourism Awards celebrate and honor distinguished distilleries whose
exceptional visitor centers deliver immersive, world-class experiences, exclusive rare tastings, and meticulously curated culinary pairings with whisky.

Why Enter the Global Whisky Tourism Awards

Enter the Global Whisky Tourism Awards to gain international recognition, marketing value, and prestige in the whisky tourism industry. Benefits include a $1,500 magazine feature, $700 in branded assets, and eligibility for crystal globe trophies. Stand out globally and showcase your destination’s excellence.

Distillery Categories include:

Levels of tours & tastings (beginner, enthusiast, connoisseur, and ultra-luxury)
Tastings with food pairings
Visitor centers with restaurants
Distilleries with lodging accommodations.

Industry Partner Categories include:

Tour and Luxury Transportation
Whisky Bars and Restaurants
Regional Promotional Boards and Commissions
Whisky and Bourbon Trails

How to Enter

Enter online: May 1, 2026
All information, forms, and photographs must be delivered digitally no later than May 15th, 2026.
Pay your entry fee: $575 USD per entry
Ship entry: 2-700/750ml (or equivalent ounces)

*Value over $1,000 USD! New-Global Impact Rate!

Final Sample Delivery Date: May 29, 2026

Why Enter

Boost your visibility
Get featured in The World Book of Whisky Annual Magazine-1/2-page listing
with photo ($1,500 value)
Receive Global Recognition for your business- All entrants receive a handsome
engraved color wood-mounted award plaque ($250 value)
Downloadable Award Certificate PDF and JPEG. ($250 value)
Downloadable award graphics- royalty-free usage ($200 value)
Additional top-level awards for “Best of Class”, “Best of Region”, and “Best of
Country” with crystal globe trophies with frosted continents and laser-engraved
barrel heads available for purchase.
Competition

Dates: June 6-8, 2026

Information Required:

Entrants will be emailed our comprehensive entry form and checklist.

All applicants must supply digital copies of all tour documents
A one-page cover letter on your company letterhead describing your distillery facilities, visitor center, and tour-related activities, with inclusions, tastings, etc.
3-6 digital photos of the distillery (Front of building, interior, tour groups).
Headshot of your head distiller, blender, or Brand Ambassador.
If your business has a restaurant, please include menus, pairing menus, food photos, and a headshot of the chef.
If you are a tour operator, please describe your tour experiences and activities

Questions? Please email Christopher J Davies, Competition Director, at cdavies@winecountrynetwork.com