The Wine Access 2012 International Value Wine Awards registration will open Friday, Jan. 20, 2012.

Due to Alberta’s liquor regulations, RedPoint Media Group Inc., Wine Access, and the Wine Access International Value Wine Awards cannot import entries into the province of Alberta. Entrants will have to independently arrange importing into the province through agencies outside of Alberta.

Before Entering your Wines

1. Read the complete Rules for Entry and ensure your wines qualify for this competition
2. Prepare your wine delivery in accordance with the following shipping guidelines

The IVWA requires shipment of 3 bottles of each wine, as competing wines will be tasted at least three times in separate blind tastings by different panels. The 3-bottle minimum is based on historical needs of the IVWA; wineries that feel 4 bottles would balance the risk of elimination due to flawed or “off” bottles are welcome to ship 4 bottles.

Sending Wine Through Your Local Agent

The easiest and most effective way for any winery to supply wines for this competition is to arrange for your Alberta agent to deliver your wine (in stock in Alberta) to us at:

Wine Access International Value Wine Awards
Attention: Tom Firth
RedPoint Media Group Inc.
#105, 1210-20 Ave. S.E.
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 1M8
Canada

Please keep in mind that judges prefer vintages likely to be available in the Canadian market in the fall of 2012, as this is when competition results will be released. Please ship the current or soon to be released vintage whenever possible.

The IVWA is held in Alberta because it is the easiest place in Canada for wines to be sourced. There are nearly 11,000 wines in stock at any time in the ALGC warehouse and are easily available to retailers and agents. You can check availability online at alberta-liquor-guide.com. Select CATALOG to search the entire inventory of available wines and find a retailer or agent.

Shipping Wine from Within Canada

If you do not have an Alberta agent, delivery of wine samples from elsewhere within Canada is the most efficient way to have samples delivered to the competition. Products shipped in this way should be sent to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission indicating the agent of record.

Shipping Wine from Outside of Canada

Delivery of wine from outside of Canada can only be shipped with the assistance of your agent in Alberta. Sending wine from a non-Canadian source may result in untimely delays; your product may not arrive in time for judging. Please factor in possible delays when arranging for your wine shipment. If you must ship from outside Canada then you must reference your Alberta agent. Your Alberta agent will be able to complete import procedures, and the wine will be delivered to IVWA.

If a winery does not have an Alberta agent, they must consult their agent elsewhere in Canada regarding how best to supply the wine being entered. As we are unable to assist with the shipment of wine, all wines being entered from outside of Canada must have assistance from a Canadian agent(s).

Shipments not coming via a Province of Alberta registered agent should be marked "Delivered Duty Unpaid" (DDU), and the shipments should clearly indicate the Agent of Record. The complete AGLC guidelines regarding the procurement of liquor samples can be found at: aglc.gov.ab.ca/responsibleliquorservice.

The shipping address of the AGLC is:

Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
ATTN: Sample Room c/o YOUR LIQUOR AGENCY
50 Corriveau Avenue
St. Albert, Alberta
T8N 3T5
CANADA

Please Take Note

• Province of Alberta liquor regulations do not permit Wine Access, the International Value Wine Awards or RedPoint Media Group Inc. to receive imported wine directly. Any wine shipped directly to us from overseas without using your Alberta Agent will be returned, at the cost of the shipper, by the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC).
• Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for wine damaged or lost in transit.
• Wine shipments from outside of Canada may be delayed in transit by Canada Border Services Agency. If you must ship wine directly from non-Canadian sources, please allow up to an additional four weeks for clearance by Canada Border Services Agency.
• Wine can be delivered to Wine Access 2012 IVWA from now until May 30, 2012. Delivery will not be accepted after May 30, 2012 unless arrangements have been made with the organizers of the 2012 IVWA.
• If you anticipate that some of your samples will arrive after the May 30 deadline, but before the start of judging on June 11, please contact Tom Firth IMMEDIATELY to make appropriate arrangements for processing your wines prior to the competition.
• Wines that arrive after the May 30 deadline and without prior arrangements made with the IVWA administration will not be eligible for any refunds or returns.
• Any wines that arrive after judging begins on June 11 are disqualified from the competition.

If your wines qualify for this competition and you are prepared to comply with these shipping guidelines, please proceed to the final step and Enter Online now.