Brand Battle

• Any wine, spirit, low-alc/no-alc, or hard seltzer brand new-to-market or emerging in the U.S. may enter. Product must have been recently introduced in the U.S. in 2020 or later or have limited distribution (less than 5 states). 
• All new product launches since August 2022 are welcome to submit an entry. Widely distributed products launched before August 2022 are welcome to submit an entry. Widely distributed products launched before August 2022 are not eligible.
• Company must have a TTB license, and the product must have a Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (COLA).
• All product entries must be listed on a completed registration form, the entree fee(s) must be paid in full, and a 2-3 minute video submission must be received by dates noted in application. Failure to submit any of these items properly may result in disqualification.
  • Entry fees, per category entered, are as follows (all entry fees are non-refundable):
    • FREE for Associate Members exhibiting at 2023 Access LIVE
    • $500 for non-Associate Members exhibiting at 2023 Access LIVE
    • $150 for Associate Members not exhibiting at 2023 Access LIVE*
    • $650 for non-Associate Members not exhibiting at 2023 Access LIVE*
  • *If a non-exhibiting contender decides to exhibit, the difference between the non-exhibiting fee and the exhibiting fee will be credited towards their booth/suite.
• All entrees submitted accurately and on time, will be reviewed and considered for the competition.
• Category winners must be present at Access LIVE for the final Championship round. If you are yet registered, please do so here.
• Presenter must be 21 years old or older.

• Raise your brand's profile, prestige, and credibility with industry decision-makers and influencers.
• Opportunity, if selected as a competitor, to showcase your product to top wholesaler decision-makers from across the country and receive valuable feedback.
• All entrants are featured in the Tournament directory, whether or not selected as a competitor.
• Competitors are promoted in advance of and throughout the tournament. All competitors also receive digital images to promote their participation in this tournament.
• Establish confidence that your product has what it takes to excel in a dynamic marketplace.
• Learn how to improve your marketing, product and pitch.
• Gain insider insight into what makes brands successful.
• We work with our media partners to highlight the competitors and winners.
• Winners receive benefits in 2023, as well as at Access LIVE in 2024.

The following details the criteria the Selection Committee will evaluate when reviewing all applicants and determining competitors in each category. 

Selection Committee will do the following for each entrant: 

• Review the entry form and product description. Assess if the story or product is unique, new, trendy, and/or classic. 
• Watch the entry video to determine if the presentation dynamic and the story and/or product compelling.
• Selection Committee will choose 5-6 competitors per category based on information provided in the entry form and video.
• All entrants will be notified, whether or not they are chosen to move forward as a contestant.
  • Entrants selected to compete during the virtual event will receive detailed instructions on how to send samples of their product to the judges for their competition.

As a winner of a category or the overall tournament, you will receive many benefits in addition to the bragging rights that your product was “Best in Category” or “Brand Battle Champion.” Being a winner will give the industry confidence that your brand is a rising star positioned for success in the industry!

Each Best in Category Winner receives: 

• Complimentary 2023 WSWA Access LIVE TASTE Table ($650 value)
• $500 discount off a 2024 WSWA Access LIVE HQ Exhibit Booth with priority placement opportunity
• Interviews with select media
• Best in Category digital award file for use in marketing collateral
• Promotion on WSWA website, in email marketing and on social media
• Automatically entered to participate in the final Brand Battle Championship Event, live on stage at Access LIVE, Monday, April 2, 2023.

Brand Battle Champion receives: 

• The same awards as each category winner, PLUS the addition of 1 (one) complimentary 10”x10” Exhibit Booth at the 2024 Access LIVE ($3,500 value) in lieu of a $500 discount.
• Brand Battle Champion Award, mailed to winner
• Brand Battle Champion digital award file for use in marketing collateral
• $1000 cash award
• Invitation to sit on the WSWA Access Craft advisory board.
• Additional exposure to industry experts!

Criteria to be a judge:

• Must work for a WSWA wholesaler member in good standing or a retailer in the wine & spirits industry.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be able to receive samples at your wholesaler warehouse in advance of the competition. 
• Must have an expert understanding of the specific category you are interested in judging. Ability to articulate specific characteristics that make brands successful and insight into new products that will have a strong chance at succeeding in the marketplace.
• Must be willing to spend up to 60 minutes on a run-through preparation webinar and up to 90 minutes the day of the tournament on a virtual platform.
• Consent to the tournament being recorded for viewing at a later time.
• Industry designations are a plus, but not required.