WSWA’s 2026 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, an anonymous selection committee of WSWA members 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, 2023.

Past winners include Ette Spirits (2025), 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 2026 WSWA Access Craft Advisory Council