HISTORY

The Zarcillo Awards were created in 1991 as part of the events for the European Year of Tourism at the initiative of the Regional Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Agriculture and Livestock of the Junta de Castilla y León, with the commitment to organize a national wine contest in order to promote and defend the quality of Spanish wines.

The name Zarcillo was given because it was directly related to Viticulture and Oenology; the zarcillo (Spanish name for tendril) is the first non- foliar organ produced by the vine shoot serving as support and giving an aerial projection to it as a climbing plant the vine is.

During the first years, the contest was held nationally on an annual basis and increased both in number of samples and in recognition by the sector. In 1999, the Regional Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Junta de Castilla y León, already alone, decided to take the leap and open the contest to international participants, being well accepted among the main wine producing countries.

Since 1999, the Zarcillo Awards, biennal character, strengthened as the most important Award of the Spanish wines and one of the most prestigious at international level.

As of 2003, it is the Agrarian Technological Institute of Castilla y León, commissioned by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, which is in charge of organizing the Contest in the development of its competences in terms of product promotion agri-food from Castilla y León.

This year, the contest reaches the XIX national edition and the XI international edition.  The essence of its objectives has not varied over time since its purposes are:

• To boost superior quality wines production as well as their moderate consumption.
• To promote the characteristic wines produced in different wine producing areas.
• To increase the technical and scientific level of the wineries and experts taking part.
• To act as a meeting point for the best wines in the world.
• To contribute to the expansion of the culture of wine.

The Zarcillo Awards are sponsored by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (O.I.V.) and are integrated into the World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits competitions (VinoFED). The protection of these international organizations has been crucial to consolidate the image of the Contest. 

The contest rules have been prepared according to the OIV rules for international wine competitions. An expert appointed by this Organization with the support of the Oenological Centre of Castilla y León will ensure compliance with the rules. 

The organization of the Zarcillo Awards also has an advanced computer system allowing the management of the complex system for samples receipt and a rigorous control of the data supplied by the juries during the tasting sessions. All this, to ensure a proper treatment of the information that allows rewarding the best wines. 

Over four days, the best tasters in the World will meet; the most demanding palates on the planet will be responsible for deciding which wines are the best for the Contest. The rule is that all producing countries of the world can participate in it, according to the definition adopted by the OIV.  Samples will be grouped into seven categories: white, rosé, red, semi-sparkling, sparkling, liquor and aromatic varieties. Furthermore, the following distinctions: Great Golden Zarcillo, Golden Zarcillo and Silver Zarcillo will be awarded

Summary of the previous editions of Premios Zarcillo