5th Annual

Sunset International Spirits Competition

SunsetSpiritLogoAward

About

SUNSET Magazine is the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle. Its International Spirits Competition makes its winning spirits part of the most influential spirit program in the country. With the number of subscribers, demographic of the Sunset Magazine reader base and number of social media followers this competition is a must-enter for all spirit producers desiring exposure to a perfect audience.

The esteemed judging panels represent large volume buyers, influential media, successful distillers and other professionals from the spirits category.

Winning producers will be featured in a Spring release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2024 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

The Sunset Magazine International Spirits Competition will take place on October 17th and 18th in Santa Rosa, CA and the deadline for submission is October 10th, 2023. To enter your product, please fill in our online entry form.   

*Note: All shipments must be received by 5pm on October 11th, 2023.

Jettywave Distillery’s California Botanical Gin - Best of the Best 2022
Jettywave Distillery’s California Botanical Gin - Best of the Best 2022

“Whether mixed into a craft cocktail or served neat, fine spirits are an integral part of the modern Western lifestyle we celebrate at Sunset,” says Editor-in-Chief Hugh Garvey. “We’re honored to yet again share the accomplishments of the top distillers and brands with our readers.”

Hugh Garvey, Editor-in-Chief

Reasons to Enter

  • Sunset is the definitive lifestyle brand of the modern American West and the single most trusted resource for a national audience aspiring to live the western lifestyle.
  • The Sunset audience:
    • Sunset readers depend on the magazine to expand their wine and spirits knowledge.
    • 7 out of 10 savor food & drink content
    • 64% drink spirits at least once a week (and 7.7% drink spirits 6–7 days a week)
    • 77% drink cocktails at least once a week (and 9.3% drink cocktails 6–7 days a week)
    • $104,801 Median HHI
    • $651,640 Median HH net worth
  • Sunset has a circulation of 230K in print and digital with 1MM+ site visits per month. Average page views are 8.8MM.
  • Sunset’s social audience is 1.1M
    • Facebook: 522,000
    • Pinterest: 277,000
    • Instagram: 236,000
    • Twitter: 70,000
  • Sunset readers appreciate Sunset‘s commitment to the wine and spirits industry and count on the magazine to expand their wine and spirits knowledge.
    • 7MM+ Total Cross-Platform Reach
    • 2.5% - 3.5% Industry-Leading Social Engagement
    • 150% YOY - Total Social Audience Growth
    • 125% YOY - #Sunset Instagram Community Growth
    • 80% of Sunset readers make decisions on brands and product choices based on ads seen in Sunset.
  • THE TOP 5 SPIRITS CATEGORIES BY REVENUE:
    • Vodka sales up 4.9 percent or $341 million to $7.3 billion
    • Tequila/Mezcal up 30.1 percent or $1.2 billion to $5.2 billion
    • American Whiskey up 6.7 percent or $288 million to $4.6 billion
    • Brandy & Cognac up 13.1 percent or $403 million to $3.5 billion
    • Cordials up 15.2 percent or $376 million to $2.9 billion
  • TOP FIVE FASTEST GROWING SPIRITS CATEGORIES BY REVENUE:
    • Premixed cocktails, including spirits-based RTDs up 42.3 percent or $489 million to $1.6 billion
    • Tequila/Mezcal up 30.1 percent or $1.2 billion to $5.2 billion
    • Irish Whiskey up 16.3 percent or $185 million to $1.3 billion
    • Cordials up 15.2 percent or $376 million to $2.9 billion
    • Single Malt Scotch up 14.4 percent or $130 million to $1 billion

Sources: 2018 MRI Doublebase. 2019 Sunset Digital Survey, 2022 Sunset Media Kit, 2022 VinePair article

Entry Deadline and Product Shipments Due

Entry Deadline: October 10th, 2023

Product Shipments Due: October 11th, 2023

*Note: Product must be received by 5pm

 

Judging

October 17th & 18th, 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.

When is the deadline to enter?

The final deadline for entries is October 10th, 2023. *Spirits delivery deadline is 5pm, October 11th, 2023. 

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. 

When will the competition take place?

The judging will take place October 17th & 18th, 2023, in Sonoma County, CA.

When will the winners be announced?

Winning producers will be featured in the Spring release of a Spirits Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for Spirits Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2024 Spirit Awards winners are announced.

Where do I send my spirits?

Please ship spirits directly to the address below. *Entries MUST arrive no later than 5pm on October 11th, 2023. Download pre-addressed shipping labels.

Sunset International Spirits Competition

c/o Express Wine Shipping

7970 Cameron Dr.

Windsor, CA 95492

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

2023 Judges

Chris Sawyer

Sommelier to the Stars,  Radio and TV Personality

Dan Berger

Award-Winning Wine Columnist

Debra Del Fiorentino

Sommelier, CSW and CWP

Jason Jorgensen

Co-Founder and Head Distiller - Alley 6

Jason Schneider

General Manager - Bottle Barn. Chief Spirit Buyer

Jennifer Kelly

Sommelier, Consultant, and Spirit Expert

Larry VanAalst

Sommelier, Radio Host, The Sonoma Report, CRN Radio

Laura Sanfilippo

Sommelier & Restaurant Owner

Tara Heffernon

Sommelier & Restaurant Owner

Vicki Tomesello

Sommelier & Consultant

Ziggy Eschliman

Radio and TV Host, Blogger, The Contessa of Cocktails

Bottoms Up!

Reach a perfect audience.

Wow an esteemed judging panel.

It's your time to shine!