Answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the Sommeliers Choice Awards. 

How much does the entry fee cost (per entry)?

Please visit Key deadline and pricing to learn more about the entry cost.

What are the shipping options and where to ship?

The delivery address is in the Submission Label/s of your account when the payment is completed. Delivery address is in Chicago.  

Please send your samples (2 bottles per entry) to SCA warehouse on or before April 25, 2025.

Goods receiving time: Monday – Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.

*Official SCA Submission Label/s MUST BE USED and are on the 'My Submission Label' section of 'My account'. You can download and print your Submission Label/s. Please note that your reference number is on the Submission Label/s and it is very important for SCA team to see your Submission Label/s on your box and one copy inside your box. Clearly, label each box of wine using the Submission Label/s. Official SCA Submission Label/s must be used to send samples.

Are there any extensions to deadlines for samples shipping?

No. Wines that arrive after the deadline date will not be accepted and refunds will not be issued. We encourage you to ship your samples as soon as you can.

Can you tell me about the deadlines?

Please visit key deadlines and pricing for more information

Can I pay entry fees using my own currency? 

All SCA Invoices are issued in USD, however, you are welcome to pay the equivalent amount in your local currency for your convenience. We recommend you refer to a currency conversion website like http://www.xe.com/ for today's rates.

More Shipping Questions

How many bottles per entry do we need to send?

2 bottles of each entry along with a copy your entry form. Clearly mark ‘Sample Material - Not For Resale - Glass Enclosed’ on the outer carton/s. Paste a copy of our Submission Label/s outside the box and leave a copy inside the box as well.

Where do we send my samples

Please see shipping instructions.

Can I deliver samples in person?

The Sommeliers Choice Awards recommends shipping samples, but it is also possible for you to organize delivery direct to our warehouse. 

How do we know SCA received the samples?

Please email benjamin@beveragetradenetwork.com to inquire about the status of your samples if you have any questions. 

Our samples did not arrive in time or were late for the SCA. They are on hold by customs/damaged by courier//late to arrive. Can we still send our samples? 

For the SCA Judges to taste your products it is essential they arrive on time. If your samples do not arrive in time for the SCA, they will not be able to be blind tasted, or placed by the Judges.

Where can I print an address label on the website?

Log in > Manage entries > print Submission Label

Invoice and Billing questions

How will my invoice be sent to me?

Your invoice is under your Account under My Billing. You can also request if a manual invoice is required for VAT/ Bank wire, please contact benjamin@beveragetradenetwork.com or aakash@sommelierschoiceawards.com

Do we need to pay taxes and duties?

Yes, you need to raise the documents to ship with all charges being billed back to you.

Login Questions:

I don't have an account with SCA, can I still enter?

Yes, please create your account HERE. It will help you manage your entries, track your samples and market your wins.

Forgotten your password?

Use the link 'Forgotten password?'. An email will be sent to the contact email address for your Company's account.

Results and Winners

How will I be informed of my results?

Via email/ newsletter and your results will be uploaded to your account. You can login and view under My Results.

How do I order stickers/artwork?

You can order from your account area and also from the website under Winners > Order Stickers.

Where are my stickers?

Please contact us via email benjamin@beveragetradenetwork.com or call us at +1 302 803 4758

Are SCA Medal Sticker Price and SCA License to print the same?

The purpose of License to Print was primarily arranged for the convenience of Winners that have larger quantities of bottles to add their SCA Medals. Large scale usage of License to Print enables Winners to save manpower to add to all bottles by hand and/or they can arrange their printing more efficiently without needing to find a machine that can attach stickers with the exact dimensions that SCA Medals are issued at, can be time-consuming/not easily accessible.

SCA Medal's showcase winning wines and spirits to buyers who are seeking the all-important SCA stamp of approval. Whether you are the Producer, Distributor, Importer or Retailer, now is your chance to celebrate and boost sales. SCA Winners choose what is more convenient for them to enhance their sales - and order Medal Stickers or the License to Print here...

What are the usage rights to SCA Medal artwork?

Is there a restriction on what we can use artwork for? Shall we purchase the License to Print? 

Winners are welcome to use the SCA artwork on marketing materials related to the winning products with no restrictions if it's used for marketing material, presentations, website, press releases, trade shows and any other marketing purpose.

For usage of the SCA materials on Bottles or Packaging/Boxes, winners order either SCA Medal Stickers or the SCA License to Print. Both have no time limit to usage and are based on quantity ordered. Order yours HERE

Order of Medal sticker

On your first order (only) of medal stickers, we'll add 1 roll as a complimentary. Once the order is placed, the order shall be delivered by 2-3 weeks depending upon the order. At times it may take longer due to stock, customs.

Shipping of stickers will be through Royal Mail 2nd class delivery. For fast delivery, additional charges would apply by contacting the competition team.

Orders ones placed will not be refunded. Orders returned will not be refunded and additional shipping cost would apply for re-shipping.

General Questions

When and where will the judging take place?

Judging will start at 10 am on May 19, 2025, Skyline Ballroom, 16th Floor, Midwest Conference Center, 401 West Lake Street Northlake, IL 60164-2401. (No entry will be permitted as it's a closed event. Direct shipping of samples at this address, will not be considered.). Judges please arrive by 9.30am.

Who are your judges? 

Please see the Sommeliers Choice Awards Judges section.

I’d like to take part in the judging. How do I apply?

If you’re an on-premise wine buyer, wine director or a sommelier and would like to apply to judge at SCA, you can send an email at sid@beveragetradenetwork.com

Have further questions?

Please call +1 855 481 1112 or email benjamin@beveragetradenetwork.com or aakash@sommelierschoiceawards.com