Awards

The Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O Award is an annual award presented to a member of the wine and spirits industry who is: A humanitarian, ethical, respectful and one-of-a-kind. Ray Herrmann was not only a beverage alcohol industry titan, but also a man of great character, ethics and philanthropy – a true humanitarian. The recipient of this award must actively display a character dedicated to integrity, philanthropy, inclusiveness and improving their community. An appointed executive selection committee will select the recipient.

WSWA Access Craft’s 2024 Hot! New! Now! Award will be awarded to an up-and-coming craft wine or spirits brand that is in attendance at Access LIVE. At Access LIVE, WSWA Access Craft Wholesaler Advisors and the Access Craft Director will walk the exhibit floor to discover new, eligible brands. Based upon presentation, engagement, tasting and other considerations, the panel of judges will deliberate and pick the winner no later than the second day of Access LIVE. The winner will be announced at Access LIVE’s Awards Program, immediately before Ovation LIVE at the conclusion of the show. Brands eligible for the award must not have launched or entered the marketplace before January 1, 2021.

Past winners include Cantadrink (2023), Skrewball Whiskey (2019), Gray Whale Gin (2018), and Bedlam Vodka (2017). Award recipients receive:

• One-year complementary SILVER-Level Associate Membership
• Induction into the 2024 WSWA Access Craft Advisory Counsel

The WSWA Wholesaler Movers and Shakers Award is an annual award presented to emerging wine and spirits wholesaler leaders in the industry. Awardees will demonstrate ambitious career progress and goals, impressive business accomplishments and high integrity. They will be highly respected by their peers for their work ethic and accomplishments.

Factors to consider include: 

• Inspiring personal story on the road to success  
• Has had a positive, significant impact on the wholesaler and/or industry 
• Strong positive reputation, known for integrity and work ethic 
• Innovative, creative, and redefines how things are done 
• Nominee’s position within the organizational structure and leadership skills; Note: Family owners are not eligible for this award. 
• Personal and industry awards, designations, and accomplishments 
• Potential for individual growth with a company and/or industry as a whole 

This annual award honors an individual in the wholesale tier who has gone above and beyond in their service to the beverage alcohol industry, WSWA, and the community at large across their career.

The Retailer Community Service Award honors a wine and spirits retailer, on-premise or off-premise, who has made significant contributions to building a sense of unity and purpose in his or her community. The awardee is someone who demonstrates positive values and behaviors that influence and inspire others to better stewards of their community and effect positive changes. The awardee must show evidence and measurable results of how they have impacted and built a stronger community, such as leading volunteer programs or outreach centers. They must be seen as a mentor in their community.

Criteria to consider: 

• Evidence of building stronger communities such as leading volunteer programs, social groups, outreach centers, sports programs, etc.  

• Mentorship in the community 
• Contributions to community programs or initiatives with measurable results of how they impacted participants of that community program/initiative