Between Experience and Challenge
Placeres Magazine, edition No. 22, grateful for the opportunity
Among all the pisco contests held each year, I believe the most important—especially considering the large number of producers and samples they attract—are the following: the National Producers Meeting – Pisco and Mistelas Contest, in Nazca (Ica), held in May and now in its XXIII edition; the Expo Pisco Wong, with XXII editions, taking place in Lima in September; in October, the Santiago Pisco and Wine Contest in Ica, with XVIII editions; and in November, the Macrosur Pisco Contest, which brings together three pisco-producing regions—Tacna, Moquegua, and Arequipa—with III editions.
Unfortunately, since 2023, this important pisco event has not been held again. Lastly, the National Pisco Contest, organized by the National Pisco Commission (Conapisco), is already in its XXVI edition. Throughout the year, these are the most relevant events in the world of pisco. Additionally, there are other provincial and district contests. In my opinion, the most notable are the Cañete Pisco Contest, as well as those in Santa Cruz de Flores, Quilmaná, and Lunahuaná, all in the Lima region. In Arequipa, the Arequipeño Pisco Festival is celebrated in September.
In all these contests, the samples must have their Authorization for Use of the Pisco Designation of Origin and their Sanitary Registration. Moreover, distilled products that do not yet have—or are in the process of obtaining—this authorization are often presented. We do not call these pisco; instead, we refer to them as distillates, aguardientes, or spirits. This way, we provide support mainly to small and medium producers who are on their way to obtaining their Authorization for Use.
I remember participating some time ago as an novice taster in a contest in Paullo, district of Lunahuaná (about 187 km south of Lima). At that time, we had started the tasting at 11 a.m. When one of the organizers asked us if it would be possible, after the official tasting, to evaluate distillates without the Authorization for Use of the Designation of Origin, we found it fascinating. They were distillates made in the valley: a real challenge. Tasting is practical; it is experience, and we said, why not?
The organizers were clear that they did not have the D.O. Pisco; therefore, they could not call themselves piscos. The expert tasters present approved the initiative, and we moved forward. By around 6 p.m., we had evaluated more than 70 samples without D.O. (when the maximum allowed per taster is 30 samples daily). In the end, we practically ruled out the distillates just by sight and smell, without completing the tasting in the mouth, except for some that surprised us. At that point, our senses were already saturated. One of the expert tasters approached us to indicate that it was enough for the day; they would finish the work.
We headed back to Lima having fulfilled our duty, with a great experience gained, our olfactory memory trained, and our senses finely tuned. I am in favor of continuing with this type of contest, including new properly selected tasters, always with the guidance and participation of expert tasters accompanying them. The diversity of noses and mouths allows the contests to be fairer and more transparent. I am sure that when it is observed that the majority of judges have no ties to wineries, more producers will be encouraged to participate.
Let us remember that we have over 500 Authorizations for Use of the D.O. Pisco, and only an average of 20% of producers participate in the National Pisco Contest. Imagine if 50% participated: we would have around 700 samples or more. How many expert tasters would be required? That is our challenge for next year: How to increase producer participation in the National Pisco Contest? Before I forget, I would like to mention the Uvina Fest, held in Lima and dedicated exclusively to piscos made from this grape variety. It used to take place every November; the III and last edition was held in 2019.
This year, however, a new contest was developed: the I Pisco Contest organized by the Ladies of Pisco, held at the Agroindustrial CITE of Ica. We hope that all contests will resume next year, as they are fundamental spaces for the promotion, evaluation, and appreciation of our Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Let us enjoy pisco responsibly.
Til next time!
By Livio Pastorino Wagner
Sommelier, Specialist, and Pisco Taster
Registration: CRDO-PISCO 2020 RCO-034-2011
@elmagozurdo
Pisco & music
December 07, 2025
Where pisco is the only protagonist!
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