Invitation

Dear Greek and Cypriot Winemakers and Distillers,
Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure and honor that we announce that the 26th Thessaloniki Wine & Spirits Trophy will take place on February 25, 26 and 27, 2026, in Thessaloniki. Since 1999, the Competition has aimed to highlight Greek and Cypriot quality wine, both locally and internationally, playing a key role in our country’s viticultural and winemaking sector, contributing more than any other initiative to the quality development and recognition of our wines.

Today, twenty–six years later, this mission remains unchanged, as does the value of the Competition, which continues to be consistently supported by the wine industry and relevant associations. Over the years, new goals and sections have been added to its structure, such as the creation of a spirits competition, the participation of Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers as Panel Presidents, the training of new associate judges, the communication with the wine enthusiasts through articles and interviews, and a series of annual events promoting award-winning wines and spirits.

A defining element of the Competition is its Presidency, which since 2017 has been entrusted to Master of Wine Konstantinos Lazarakis, whose international stature greatly enhances the Competition.

The high level of the Competition is further confirmed by the participation of internationally recognized judges - Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers -including DipWSET holders, MW and MS candidates, oenologists, awarded sommeliers, wine journalists, consultants, and opinion leaders from global markets.

Through blind tastings, the judges evaluate and highlight wines and spirits that stand out, giving them the opportunity to earn medals or distinctions. The presence of those wine experts reinforces the Competition’s credibility and has undeniably contributed to the visibility of Greek and Cypriot wines abroad.

Moreover, hundreds of thousands of medal stickers from the Competition accompany award-winning wines and spirits in markets around the world, enhancing their recognition and reputation.

Above all, the true value of the Thessaloniki Competition is proven by the unwavering participation of wineries and distilleries from Greece and Cyprus—your participation—which confirms the institution’s long-standing importance and its undeniable contribution to our sector.

As we prepare for the 26th Thessaloniki Wine & Spirits Trophy, I am delighted to inform you that the Panel Presidents have already confirmed their participation. Communication with judges and sponsors is ongoing, alongside the planning of additional promotional activities. The platform for registering samples for the 26th edition will be available from January 5th, 2026, with the final registration deadline on February 10th, 2026.

The results will be announced on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, through the Competition’s website, while the awards ceremony will take place in Athens at the Athens Conservatoire on Sunday, March 15th, 2026.

By supporting the national competition “Thessaloniki Wine & Spirits Trophy”, we collectively enable every participating winemaker and distiller to progress and gain recognition—thus continually elevating Greek and Cypriot wine and spirits on every level.

We look forward to welcoming you once again to our Competition.

We remain at your disposal for any questions regarding participation procedures or for any clarification or additional information you may require.