The Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 (DWWA) unveiled its results this Wednesday, June 18, in London, and the global wine community has much to celebrate.
Now in its 22nd year, the DWWA remains the world’s largest and most influential wine competition, and this edition was marked by diversity, discovery, and unprecedented medal counts.
Unrivaled Expertise in Judging
This year’s competition brought together 248 wine experts, including 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine, to blind-taste over 18,000 wines from 57 countries. Their verdicts resulted in a record-breaking number of medals, including an exceptional number of first-time winners and emerging wine regions stepping into the spotlight.
France at the Forefront
France once again dominated the medal table, earning 187 top accolades. Champagne reigned supreme, with Barons de Rothschild Rare Collection Blanc de Blancs 2014, Lanson Noble Brut 2008, and Rare Champagne Brut 2012 among the 27 highest distinctions awarded to the region.
Burgundy celebrated two Best in Show wins for the first time, highlighting the exceptional quality of 2023 vintages from Jean-Marc Brocard Bougros Chablis Grand Cru and Albert Bichot Hospices de Beaune Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. Other regions, including Corsica and Languedoc-Roussillon, earned their first Platinum and Value Platinum medals, respectively.
Italy’s Strength and Southern Surge
Italy followed with 138 major medals, six Best in Show, and 30 Platinum awards. Tuscany’s Tenuta Meraviglia Maestro di Cava Bolgheri Superiore 2020 led the charge. Piedmont’s top results included two Best in Show and the first gold for an Erbaluce di Caluso Passito. Southern Italy, from Sicily to Sardinia and Campania, further showcased its growing prestige with multiple high-tier recognitions.
Spain’s Regional Depth and Sherry Revival
Spain earned 105 major medals, including five Best in Show and standout results for Sherry. Historic wines from González Byass — Del Duque VORS Amontillado and Tío Pepe Cuatro Palmas — were among the highlights. Spain also topped the Top Value Gold list with a range of accessible, award-winning wines across denominations.
Portugal's Finest Moment
Portugal achieved a milestone with 554 medals, including five Best in Show. The Douro region’s fortified wines led, but Vinho Verde also gained top recognition with Soalheiro Alvarinho Monção e Melgaço 2024. It was Portugal’s best DWWA performance to date.
Greece, Balkans, and Central Europe: Rising Stars
Greece had a landmark year, with Best in Show medals for wines from the Peloponnese, Goumenissa, Epanomi, and Santorini. Macedonia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro also brought home rare high distinctions — Slovenia’s Vinakoper Capris Orange Rumeni Muškat 2015 made history as an orange wine Best in Show.
UK Sparkles Again
British sparkling wines continue to rise, with Sugrue South Downs The Trouble With Dreams 2009 winning Best in Show. Platinum and Gold medals went to standout producers across Sussex and Wiltshire, cementing the UK’s status as a global force in sparkling winemaking.
Americas: North and South Shine
The United States took home two Best in Show medals from California, with honors also spread across Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Canada shone in Icewines, while Argentina doubled last year’s achievements, with two Best in Show from Gualtallary. Chile’s Antiyal and La Causa del Itata led its 25 major medals, with Maule the most decorated region.
Southern Hemisphere and Asia in Focus
Australia upheld its strong international standing with 80 major medals, including four Best in Show. New Zealand gained over 300 medals, with Craggy Range Pinot Noir Martinborough 2024 recognized among the finest. South Africa broke new ground with 45 Golds and a Best in Show, including a first Gold for Worcester.
China achieved a breakthrough with two Best in Show wines. Uzbekistan debuted with six medals, and Denmark earned its first-ever recognition in DWWA history.
Trends and Insights
Several emerging trends shaped the 2025 DWWA:
- Orange wines are gaining prestige, with 87 medals awarded.
- Fortified wines had a banner year with four Best in Show.
- Traditional-method sparkling wines are thriving beyond Champagne.
- Top Value Wines: 30 wines under £15 made the Gold list, proving that high quality doesn’t always come at a high price.
Efficiency analysis revealed that Greece had the most medals per hectare, while New Zealand and Australia demonstrated remarkable medal density and scale.
Conclusion
The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards cemented its status as a global benchmark for excellence and inclusivity. From iconic Champagne to obscure varietals in the Balkans and standout value buys in supermarkets, this year's results are a testament to the dynamic, accessible, and ever-evolving world of wine.
Source: Vinetur