The Prestige of Platinum: From Regional Excellence to Global Demand
The introduction of the Platinum medal (96+ points) is the pinnacle of the BIWC 2026 scoring hierarchy, serving as a catalyst for brand positioning and commercial success. Platinum crowns the elite of BIWC 2026, and it is your winery’s ticket to global distinction in a crowded market.
A Platinum medal is a great storytelling tool for a winery. It positions the label within the top 1% of regional wine production, proving world-class quality to all wine enthusiasts. This high-tier recognition builds trust and luxury associations, commanding a premium brand image. The Platinum status simplifies the decision-making process for importers and retailers, serving as a key driver for international distribution. This top-tier accolade offers the prestige and assurance collectors demand for elite investments. The highest-scoring wines will be competing for the prestigious BIWC 2026 Trophy and Grand Trophy titles.
BIWC employs the Australian Wine Show’s 100-point blind-tasting system, one of the few competitions in Europe to do so. Medals are awarded at the following thresholds:
> Platinum: Exceptional entries scoring 96+ points
> Double Gold: 94–95 points
> Gold: 89–93 points
> Silver: 85–88 points
> Bronze: 81–84 points
For 15 years, BIWC has successfully propelled Balkan wines onto the global stage.
Igor Luković, President of BIWC, highlights the competition’s impact: “BIWC has become a benchmark for the dynamic and evolving wine industry of the Balkans. Year after year, we witness wines that receive their first major recognition here, only to later gain international acclaim. This growth is a testament to the dedication of our team and the meticulous selection process by our panel of world-class judges, including Masters of Wine. ”
Galina Niforou, Wine MBA and Director of BIWC, emphasizes the importance of this vision:
“Since its inception, BIWC has been more than a competition; it is a platform for collaboration, education, and market expansion. This initiative propels our mission to create synergy between Balkan winemakers and the global industry. Our goal is to set the course for the future of Balkan wines and solidify their place on the world wine map.”
Enter BIWC 2026 now via the official form: 🔗 https://balkanswine.eu/entry-forms/
