The 41st edition of the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025, held in London, has once again proven why it’s considered one of the most rigorous and respected wine competitions in the world.
This year’s results reflect not only the consistent dominance of classic regions like France but also the growing excellence and competitiveness of producers from the New World and emerging wine countries.
Over the course of two weeks, more than 250 expert judges evaluated wines from 36 countries in blind tastings, resulting in a record-breaking number of medals:
- 167 Trophies
- 362 Gold Medals
- 1,849 Silver Medals
- 1,665 Bronze Medals
France: Still the Benchmark
France led the medal table with 94 gold medals and 37 trophies, thanks to enduring quality from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. Maison Albert Bichot was a standout with seven gold medals and eleven trophies, awarded to prestigious crus like Meursault, Echézeaux, Clos de la Roche, and a Chablis Grand Cru. Champagne houses like Lanson and Henriot also earned accolades in the sparkling category, solidifying France’s top-tier status.
Spain: The Sherry Renaissance
Spain claimed second place with 32 gold medals, overtaking Australia. Sherry wines were particularly triumphant, winning 20 golds and six trophies, underscoring a global rediscovery of fortified wines from Andalusia.
- Rioja Vega took the Spanish red wine trophy with Con Gracia de Rioja Vega 2020
- Emilio Lustau won best Sherry with Amontillado Botaina
Australia: Cool-Climate Brilliance
In third place, Australia showcased the diversity of its terroirs. Tolpuddle Vineyard in Tasmania stole the spotlight with trophies for Pinot Noir, Australian Chardonnay, and International Chardonnay.
- Morris Wines was awarded the fortified wine trophy with aged Muscats from Rutherglen.
Portugal: More Than Just Port
Portugal climbed to fourth place, reflecting growing international appreciation beyond Port wines.
- Passarela (Dão) won the Portuguese red trophy
- Esporão was awarded for its Vinho Verde (Bico Amarelo)
- Dalva Porto 1985 dominated with both vintage and overall Port trophies
Italy: Spotlight on Indigenous Varieties
Fifth-ranked Italy surprised with its regional diversity:
- Vigna Traverso’s Schioppettino from Friuli-Venezia Giulia took the red trophy
- La Canosa won the white wine trophy with a Verdicchio from Marche
New Zealand to South Africa: Diverse Strength
- New Zealand earned 32 golds and won international trophies for Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Merlot
- South Africa achieved its best performance in five years, with Le Grand Domaine taking the international Cabernet Sauvignon trophy
Rising Stars & Noteworthy Performances
- Argentina continued its Malbec dominance with Bodegas Fabre’s 2023 Phebus Gran Reserva
- England impressed with Lyme Bay winning both white and red trophies— a first for an English producer— and Nyetimber again shining in sparkling
- Chile’s Viña Undurraga took home the best Chilean red wine trophy for its Altazor
- Japan moved up to 11th, doubling its gold medals with Château Mercian’s Koshu Kiiroka 2023 earning the white wine trophy
- Canada earned nine golds, with Trius Winery winning the Ice Wine trophy and Le Clos Jordanne honored for Chardonnay
Emerging Regions: Austria, Croatia, and Georgia
- Austria’s Weingut Birgit Eichinger took the International Riesling Trophy
- Croatia returned with gold medals for Malvasia wines
- Georgia’s Telavi Wine Cellar was recognized with a trophy for its Saperavi, reaffirming the country’s historic winemaking roots
The full results are available on the IWC’s official website, with champion wines to be announced on September 9 during the IWC Industry Awards gala dinner in London. This edition underscores not only excellence in tradition but also a vibrant global scene where innovation, terroir expression, and indigenous varietals shine on the world stage.
Source: Vinetur