Awards

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.

Deadline for Nominations: November 1, 2024

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.

Deadline for Nominations: November 1, 2024

WSWA Access Craft’s 2025 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 the beginning of Access LIVE’s closing party, Ovation LIVE. Brands eligible for the award must not have launched or entered the marketplace before January 1, 2022.

Past winners include NightOwl Martini (2024), 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 2025 WSWA Access Craft Advisory Counsel