Established in 1973, the mission of the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association (ASWA) is to increase awareness of the fine wines of the eastern United States through trade and consumer education. The ASWA works with national, state, and regional wine organizations to promote the wines and winemakers working on the Atlantic Coast. The annual ASWA Wine Competition is the largest event in the nation dedicated exclusively to East Coast wines. Wines are judged by a panel of professionals from all parts of the U.S.