Entries for the "Washu Awards 2024" have already begun in 2024.
We would like to introduce in detail what kind of competition the "Washu Awards" is, along with the judging scene, participation procedures, and more.
First of all, while many wine and sake competitions exist these days, the following 2 points can be cited as broad features of the Washu Awards.
・A golden opportunity to promote your own wine, sake, and producers overseas (in the East Asian region)
Judges gather professionals from the food and beverage industry who are active across diverse genres, mainly from Hong Kong and other East Asian countries, such as wine and sake judges, wine and sake journalists, importers, sommeliers, chefs, and educators.
Having these individuals, who hold influence in the industry and take a keen interest in Japanese sake and wine, taste your products directly and provide comments will surely be deeply meaningful.
Please note that this award does not guarantee subsequent commercial distribution.
(However, there are opportunities to receive inquiries from buyers after the judging, and we may contact producers individually in such cases.)
Last year, following the judging session, a large panel (English version) was posted across an entire wall of the booth to promote entries at "RESTAURANT&BAR HONG KONG 2023," a major exhibition where Hong Kong's food and beverage industry professionals gather.
・Despite being an overseas competition, the participation procedure is simple!
Since CruX Inc., which operates this site "NIHON WINE.JP," serves as the Japan Secretariat, the contact person at the Washu Awards Secretariat within CruX serves as the point of contact for interactions with domestic producers.
Therefore, all communication is conducted in Japanese. In addition, entry fees are paid in Japanese yen to CruX Inc.
Submitted wines are also sent to a domestic warehouse designated by the management secretariat, so producers do not need to ship overseas themselves.
What is the Washu Awards?
This competition is a Japanese wine and sake competition organized by "The Time Sommelier ltd.," managed by Mr. Kenneth Lee, a young entrepreneur passionate about promoting Japanese wine in Hong Kong.
Until last year, it was held 4 times under the name "Hong Kong Washu Awards."
In Hong Kong, where the awards are held, the recognition and number of Japanese restaurants across all price ranges have recently been expanding.
At the same time, Japanese wine has also gained market recognition and buyer awareness over the past few years.
The selection of Japanese wine has expanded, and it is handled by renowned restaurants and hotels.
The 1st edition was held in 2020, and 2024 marks the 5th edition.
Many Japanese wines have participated so far.
This year, the International Wine & Spirits Fair 2024 organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) (a quasi-governmental organization established in 1966 to promote trade) is also cooperating, aiming for the further development of this award.
About the Judging Session
The Washu Awards judges are composed of food and beverage industry professionals active across diverse genres in Hong Kong, including wine and sake judges, wine and sake journalists, importers, sommeliers, chefs, and educators.
Furthermore, as it is a competition in East Asia, judges gather not only from Hong Kong, but from various parts of Asia (Macau, China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and perhaps even more!).
Judging is conducted by dividing into groups of 5 people in 1 team, assigning each category to each group, and scoring through tasting flight by flight. The judges evaluate each wine on a 20-point scale. Then, led by each group leader, the average of those scores is calculated, and its merits are discussed.
Mr. Reeze Choi, who placed 3rd at the 17th A.S.I. Best Sommelier of the World Contest in Paris, will continue to serve as the Head of Judges, following last year.
There are 3 types of awards prepared: Platinum, Gold, and Silver.
Last year, 15 items received Platinum, 33 items Gold, and 68 items Silver, and the award ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
(The award ceremony in Tokyo was held at the "Vin Japonais Fes 2023.")
RELATED STORYヴァン・ジャポネ・フェス2023 フォトアルバム【Click here for last year's award results】
RELATED STORY香港和酒アワード2023〜受賞式レポート〜
How to Participate
As mentioned earlier, CruX Inc., which operates "NIHON WINE.JP," serves as the Japan Secretariat.
Therefore, communications with producers are handled by the Washu Awards Secretariat (washuaward@crux-wine.com).
Step ①
First, please enter from the link below!
If you wish to participate in the awards, please fill in the URL below.
Because there is a deadline for the next Step ②, even if you are still in the process of selecting your items, please input your intention to participate as early as possible.
Step ②
Please submit the entry form. (The deadline is September 16 (Mon, national holiday)!)
This is an Excel format where you enter information such as the categories and alcohol content of the entered wines and sakes.
This format is emailed to producers who have completed Step ① entry.
You will also need to attach bottle images of the entered products.
Step ③
Please pay the entry fee.
An invoice will be issued by CruX Inc., the Japan Management Secretariat. Please settle payment by the end of October for billing closing at the end of September.
【Entry Fees】
1 – 5 varieties: ¥19,800 (tax included) / bottle
6 varieties or more: ¥16,500 (tax included) / bottle
Step ④
Please ship the entry bottles to the designated location. (Arrival date specified for Friday, October 4!
)
Please ship to the designated warehouse (domestic) communicated at a later date.
4 bottles are required per 1 entered variety.
In this way, compared to typical overseas competitions, the participation method is extremely simple.
We have prepared an entry manual for producers.
If you do not have one on hand yet but would like to consider participating, please feel free to contact the secretariat.
【Contact Information
】
Washu Awards Japan Secretariat (CruX Inc.)
Serizawa Bldg. 3F, 2-11-11 Moto-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0041
Tel: 03-5826-4440 / Fax: 03-6231-7266
Mail: washuaward@crux-wine.com
【Washu Awards Official Website】
https://www.washuawards.com
