Wineries producing wines with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the archipelago have until May 5, 2026, to formalize their participation. The competition's main objective is to recognize and promote the best wine productions from the islands, granting a quality distinction that supports their commercialization in an increasingly competitive market.
“"The competition seeks to promote these productions from the archipelago, granting a quality distinction to all awarded wines and offering wineries support in the commercialization of their differentiated quality productions to an increasingly demanding consumer in a global market."
The 2026 edition will take place in El Hierro from May 12 to 14 and in Tenerife on May 19. It will feature fourteen different categories, ranging from still white and red wines from various vintages (2024-2025, 2022-2023, or earlier) to semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet, sweet malvasia, dry rosé, liqueur wines, tea wines, and sparkling wines. The inclusion of vermouths responds to the growing prominence of this beverage in the islands.
The submitted productions must correspond to qualified batches and commercial brands available on the market, complying with current legislation. A portion of the stock must be available for commercialization at the time of registration. Samples must be delivered to the ICCA facilities at the Enological Station (Experimental Winery), located in Valle de Guerra (Tenerife), by May 7.
The competition will be governed by a blind tasting system, where a panel of about twenty specialists will evaluate the samples without knowing their origin. Grand Gold Medals, Gold Medals, and Silver Medals will be awarded, in addition to special distinctions such as Best Wine of the Canary Islands, Best Wine chosen by Canarian Oenologists, Best Organic Wine of the Canary Islands, Best Vermouth Production of the Canary Islands, and Best Image and Presentation.
Awarded productions may use the official distinction for one year and will participate in promotional events organized by the ICCA. Furthermore, the ICCA will cover the registration and logistics costs for participation in the annual CERVIM (Research, Study, Protection, Coordination, and Valorization of Mountain Viticulture) competition for wineries admitted to Agrocanarias, as well as logistics costs for the national wine competition to be determined.
