The World Wine Production Awards celebrate the finest achievements in global winemaking, honoring exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability. The 2025 awards spotlight remarkable wines and wineries, recognizing their dedication to quality and the art of winemaking. Let’s explore this year’s standout winners and their notable contributions to the global wine industry.
Winery of the Year: Bodega Garzón, Uruguay
Bodega Garzón claimed this prestigious title with their groundbreaking sustainability practices and innovative approach to winemaking. Their exceptional wines, notably Albariño and Tannat, demonstrate unmatched excellence, reflecting meticulous vineyard management and commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Winemaker of the Year: Elena Fucci, Italy
Elena Fucci earned the coveted Winemaker of the Year award for her exceptional skill in crafting expressive, powerful wines from the volcanic soils of Basilicata. Her renowned Titolo, made from 100% Aglianico grapes, exemplifies precision, balance, and remarkable depth, showcasing her outstanding winemaking talent.
Sustainable Winery Award: Yealands Estate, New Zealand
Yealands Estate continues to lead sustainability in viticulture, recognized this year for its groundbreaking use of renewable energy, biodiversity initiatives, and innovative water management systems. Their practices set a benchmark for environmentally conscious winemaking, significantly influencing the industry worldwide.
Best Red Wine: Penfolds Grange Shiraz 2021, Australia
Penfolds Grange Shiraz, known for its iconic status, won Best Red Wine with their 2021 vintage. Richly layered with flavors of blackberry, spice, and chocolate, this wine showcases superb structure, elegance, and impressive aging potential, solidifying its position as a global benchmark.
Best White Wine: Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 2023, France
Domaine Leflaive continues to impress, earning the Best White Wine award for their exceptional Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru. Offering striking minerality, vibrant acidity, and elegant floral aromas, this Chardonnay sets a high standard, demonstrating meticulous attention to terroir and winemaking precision.
Best Sparkling Wine: Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée Edition 175, France
Krug’s Grande Cuvée Edition 175, celebrated for its complexity and refinement, secured the Best Sparkling Wine honor. This remarkable Champagne boasts layered aromas of citrus, toast, and brioche, combined with a silky texture and enduring finish, epitomizing Champagne’s finest traditions.
Best Rosé Wine: Château d’Esclans Garrus Rosé 2023, France
Château d’Esclans’ prestigious Garrus Rosé continues to redefine rosé wine, capturing the Best Rosé Wine award. With delicate flavors of red fruit, a creamy texture, and sophisticated minerality, Garrus proves rosé can be profound and age-worthy, elevating perceptions of this versatile wine style.
Emerging Region Award: Ningxia, China
Ningxia’s emergence as a dynamic wine region earned it this year’s Emerging Region Award. The area is rapidly gaining international acclaim for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, reflecting substantial investment, skilled winemaking, and ideal growing conditions.
Innovation in Winemaking Award: Ridge Vineyards, California, USA
Ridge Vineyards received recognition for innovative vineyard management and pioneering techniques that promote sustainability, precision viticulture, and outstanding wine quality. Their commitment to minimal intervention and environmentally responsible practices sets a powerful example for wineries worldwide.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Miguel Torres, Spain
Esteemed winemaker Miguel Torres received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense contributions to global winemaking, sustainability efforts, and viticultural research. His visionary leadership, innovation, and advocacy for climate action have significantly impacted the international wine community.
Celebrating Excellence and Innovation
The 2025 World Wine Production Awards highlight the incredible diversity, innovation, and quality within the global wine industry. Each winner embodies dedication, skill, and a profound commitment to excellence, sustainability, and progress. These exceptional wineries and winemakers inspire the future of wine production, promising exciting developments and exceptional vintages for wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 World Wine Production Awards! Their extraordinary efforts and achievements enrich the global wine landscape, encouraging continued innovation and excellence. Here’s to a year of enjoying remarkable wines and celebrating the art of winemaking at its best. Cheers!