Eligibility
Competitors must hold active membership in a BCAWA-affiliated club with current dues paid. The competition is for wines, beers, and ciders produced in the homes of members — brew-on-premises products are not eligible.
Number of Entries
A competitor may submit two entries per class, provided they use different ingredients, varieties, vintages, or vineyards. Minor variations in yeast strain or blending adjustments alone do not constitute distinct entries.
Entry Documentation
Each entry requires a completed entry form identifying the class, vintage year, primary ingredients with percentages, sweetness level, and style. Kit wine entries must include the manufacturer and kit name. Grape-based entries must include geographic sourcing information.
All entry forms, bottles, and fees must reach the Chief Steward, Registrar, or a designated drop site by the published deadline.
Bottle Requirements
- Minimum 375 mL capacity (750 mL required for table wine classes)
- No capsules, branded corks, or identifying labels — bottles must be anonymous
- Sparkling wines must be in thick-walled sparkling wine bottles with no sediment
- Beers and ciders: glass or plastic bottles approximately 350 mL with appropriate closures
Bottle Identification (Bottle Tags)
The only permitted identification is a Bottle Tag attached by elastic band to the bottle neck. Luggage tags or tags cut from file folders work well. Each tag must include:
- Your name and club
- Class ID and class name
- Entry designation (Entry 1 or Entry 2)
- For beer: subclass ID
Preparing Your Bottles
It is strongly recommended that every bottle be opened, tasted, and topped up before entry. This helps avoid submitting corked or oxidised bottles. Handle bottles carefully before submission to avoid disturbing any sediment.