2nd Annual

Los Angeles Invitational Spirits Challenge

Los Angeles Invitational Logo

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

Los Angeles Times logo
Click Image to View Full-Sized PDF
Uncle Nearest Uncut and Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey wowed judges with its “leathery,” “earthy,” and “Moose Lodge-class old-style rye” characteristics, as it marched to the top of the spirits sweepstakes entries to take Best of the Best honors.
Uncle Nearest Uncut and Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey - Best of the Best (2023).

Reasons to Enter

  • Increase brand awareness in the Los Angeles region, one of the top wine and spirits markets in the world.
  • Experienced judges representing:
    • Winemakers
    • Distillers
    • Wine & Spirits Media
    • Alcohol Beverage Educators
    • Trade and Restaurant / Hospitality Industries
  • Winning Producers will have the opportunity to participate in the:
  • Winners to receive multi-formatted digital medals specifically designed for online and social media marketing.
  • Gold and better listed and promoted on the website and through social media channels.
  • Winners will be promoted in a LA Times promotional campaign specifically targeting Food & Drink Enthusiasts
    • Tasting Notes Newsletter: 158,000 impressions
    • Targeted ad campaign: 140,000 impressions
    • Dedicated email: 140,000 impressions
    • Total campaign: 430,000+ impressions
  • Los Angeles Times Media Sponsor Reach
    • 40 Million Unique Visitors
    • 75 Million Page Views
    • 9 Million+ Social Followers
    • 250,000 Annual Event Attendees
    • 74% of visitors are from Mobile
    • 4.4 Million Weekly Print + Digital Readers in L.A.
    Source: Digital (Google Analytics, Jan. – Sept. 2021 Avg.), Readership (Scarborough LA 2021 R1).

Entry Deadline and Product Shipments Due

February 14th, 2023 (at 5 p.m.)

*The 2023 Competition is Complete! Thank you to all that entered!

Judging

February 21st & 22nd, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter?

The registration fee is $345 per on-line entry / $195 Mixers and Pre-Mixed Cocktails.

Is there a paper entry form?

No, all submissions must go through our online system for better and more accurate tracking and communication. Enter online here.

When is the deadline to enter?

The final deadline for entries and spirits delivery is February 14th, 2023 at 5 p.m.

How many bottles need to be sent per entry?

An official entry shall consist of two bottles per entry for 750 ml and larger. For sizes less than 750 ml, please submit three bottles per entry. If packaged in cans, please send 8 per entry.

When will the competition take place?

The judging will take place February 21st & 22nd, 2023.

When will the winners be announced?

Winning wines will be announced post competition and featured in a special promotional campaign with the LA Times in mid to late March, 2023.

Where do I send my spirits?

Please ship spirits directly to the address below. We will accept spirit shipments until 5 p.m. on February 14th, 2023. Please label boxes 1 of 1 or 1 of 2, etc.

LA Invitational Spirits Challenge
c/o Express Wine Delivery
7970 Cameron Dr.
Windsor, CA 95492

Download pre-addressed shipping labels

Who should I contact if I have more questions?

Please contact Debra Del Fiorentino at: debra@winecompetitions.com

(415) 640-6337.

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Official Rules

Cheers!

Feature your products in front of the perfect audience!