About
The Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge was established, in conjunction with LA beverage professionals, to highlight the best of the best wine & spirits producers in the world. Our panel of esteemed judges include winemakers, distillers, sommeliers, beverage trade and media.
The mission is to introduce those elite producers to the Southern California market of consumers, one of the largest in the country.
Media Sponsor
2025 Best of the Best Spirits
Reasons to Enter
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter?
Early Bird Entry Fee: $325 per online entry / $175 Mixers and Pre-Mixed Cocktails.
*2026 Early Bird Entry Deadline TBA.
Regular Entry Fee: $345 per online entry / $195 Mixers and Pre-Mixed Cocktails.
*2026 Entry Deadline TBA.
Is there a paper entry form?
When is the deadline to enter?
How many bottles need to be sent per entry?
When will the competition take place?
When will the winners be announced?
Where do I send my spirits?
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Official Rules
-
Deadlines
Early Bird Entry Deadline: TBA
Regular Entry Deadline: TBA
Delivery Deadline: TBA
Competition Judging: TBA
-
Fees
Fees are $345 per entry online or $195 for Mixers and Pre-mixed Cocktails.
*Save $20 per entry with early bird discount by registering before: TBA
-
Legal
Spirits produced in any region of the world that meet the applicable federal legal requirements.
-
Who may enter
Open to Commercial Distillers, Craft Distillers, Producers, Importers and Distributors.
-
Advertising Opportunities
For more information about advertising with the Los Angeles Times, please contact Eric Ma, Executive Director, Media and Advertising Sales @ eric.ma@latimes.com or Dustin Erb, Associate, Director Events and Sponsorship @ dustin.erb@latimes.com.
-
Entries
An official entry shall consist of two (2) bottles, each bottle no less than 750 ml in volume or larger. For sizes less than 750 ml, please submit three (3) bottles per entry. If packaged in cans, please send 6 per entry.
-
Labels
Any spirit that is delivered to the competition without a full and proper label will be disqualified from the judging. Please do not send spirits with laboratory, temporary, photocopied, or altered labels
-
Medals
Please note that Gold and above winners will be receiving medals automatically. Digital awards will be available on the website for all winners to use as they choose for individual award promotion. (websites, social media, advertising, etc.)