The Decanter World Wine Awards 2025: A Celebration of Excellence
This year’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) has unveiled a remarkable showcase of wine excellence, featuring a record number of first-time winners and outstanding performances from diverse wine regions worldwide. Celebrating its 22nd edition, DWWA continues to stand as the largest and most influential wine competition globally, with wines from 57 countries judged by 248 top international experts, including an unprecedented number of Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers.
Transformative Impact of Awards
Winning a Gold or Platinum award at DWWA can profoundly change a producer’s trajectory. Tim Marson MW, a DWWA judge, emphasizes the life-altering potential of these accolades, particularly for new producers. He explains that such recognitions can propel them onto the world stage, creating invaluable opportunities in the competitive wine market.
The Medal Breakdown
This year’s competition saw the awarding of 50 Best in Show medals, representing just 0.30% of all wines tasted. In total, 137 Platinum and 732 Gold medals were awarded, marking an increase from previous years—clear evidence of the rising quality among the submitted wines. The notable Value Gold Top List recognized 30 exceptional wines priced under £15, showcasing affordability alongside distinguished quality.
A highlight was the expanded magnum category, now open to all sparkling wines. For the first time, an English sparkling wine took the Best in Show title: Sugrue South Downs, The Trouble With Dreams, Sussex 2009. Alongside this, notable entries from France, Hungary, and Italy received recognition.
Spotlight on Winners
Best Performing Countries
In terms of overall awards, France once again dominated, securing 187 top-tier awards, including 14 Best in Show. Notably, the Champagne region garnered 27 top awards, with standout vintage cuvées from Barons de Rothschild and Lanson among the winners.
Italy also shined, earning 138 medals, inclusive of 30 Platinums. Tuscany led with a Best in Show medal for the Tenuta Meraviglia Maestro di Cava Bolgheri Superiore 2020. Meanwhile, Spain continued its steady rise, achieving 105 top medals across a variety of styles, with impressive performances from regions like Ribeira Sacra and Rioja.
Emerging Regions and Historic Achievements
This year’s awards highlighted emerging regions making significant strides. Corsica earned its first-ever Platinum medal, while Portugal recorded five Best in Show and a total of 554 medals, showcasing fortified wines from its renowned Port region. In addition, Greece had a breakout year, winning its first Best in Show awards—signifying a growing recognition of its diverse winemaking potential.
Medal Efficiency: A New Perspective
Shifting focus from absolute medal counts to medal efficiency provides insightful data about how well countries utilize their vineyard and production capabilities. Greece led this analysis, standing out for its impressive medal yield relative to its vineyard area. Similarly, New Zealand and Australia showcased how smaller or focused producers can achieve remarkable quality outputs.
Noteworthy Innovations and Trends
Orange wines are surging in popularity, with 87 medals awarded this year, including a Best in Show from Slovenia. The fortified wine category also excelled, earning numerous accolades across Sherry and Port. Furthermore, non-Champagne traditional method sparkling wines are emerging as a significant trend, indicating a growing appreciation for sparkling wines beyond traditional regions.
Major UK retailers showcased award-winning quality in supermarket wines, with Asda leading the charge, earning five Gold medals. This illustrates accessibility for consumers seeking high-quality wines at affordable prices.
Record-Breaking Moments
2025 was a landmark year for China, which achieved two Best in Show awards for the first time, showcasing its rapidly progressing wine industry. Newly recognized regions such as Uzbekistan and Denmark also made their mark, with medals awarded for the first time.
Style Trends and Future Expectations
The awards not only spotlight exceptional quality but also emerging styles. The diverse range of recognized wines—from historic regions to new players—illustrates an evolving landscape in the global wine industry. With a focus on value, quality, and innovation, the DWWA 2025 results reinforce the significance of these awards as a trusted guide for wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Invitation to Explore
As wine lovers turn their attention to this year’s notable winners, the DWWA results invite exploration of celebrated classics alongside innovative newcomers. Now is the perfect time to discover the award-winning selections that define this year’s competition. For a deeper dive into specific results and outstanding wines, the insights and data from DWWA 2025 serve as an essential resource for both consumers and industry professionals.
