France leads 2025 International Wine Challenge as new world wines gain ground

The results of the 2025 International Wine Challenge, announced this month in London, signal a notable transformation in the global wine industry. With over 3,800 medals awarded across 36 countries, the competition revealed a growing strength among 'new world' producers while confirming the enduring dominance of established European regions.

France maintained its firm grip on the top spot, securing 94 Gold medals and a total of 875 medals overall. Burgundy-based Maison Albert Bichot emerged as a standout, winning seven Golds and 11 trophies across key Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. Champagne also featured prominently, with notable wins by Champagne Lanson and Champagne Henriot. France's performance once again positioned it as the benchmark in global wine excellence.

Spain rose to second place, improving its standing from the previous year. It collected 32 Golds, including 20 for Sherry, which continues to regain international attention. Rioja Vega and Emilio Lustau were among Spain's key winners, capturing top awards in red and fortified wine categories.

Australia, ranking third, reinforced its position as the leading new world wine producer. The country claimed 51 Gold medals and impressed with entries from both traditional and emerging cool-climate regions. Tasmania's Tolpuddle Vineyard swept multiple awards for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while Morris Wines excelled in fortified categories. Australia's diverse showing underscored its expanding range and technical innovation.

Portugal finished fourth, backed by strong results in both its renowned Ports and its increasingly recognized still wines. Eight trophies went to fortified entries, while indigenous varietals like Touriga Nacional and Arinto stood out in the still wine segment. Passarela and Esporão were notable winners, highlighting regional diversity from Dão to Vinho Verde.

Italy, in fifth place, delivered a varied portfolio of medal-winning wines. A rare Schioppettino red from Friuli-Venezia Giulia took home the Best Italian Red Trophy, showcasing Italy's ongoing commitment to native grape revival. Verdicchio from the Marche region also secured top honors, reflecting a continued interest in lesser-known white varieties.

New Zealand placed sixth, led by Church Road, Glenora Estate, and Villa Maria. The country claimed three of the nine International Trophies, including awards for Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. The results solidified New Zealand's emergence as a versatile red and white wine producer.

South Africa, in seventh place, took home the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy for the first time in five years. Le Grand Domaine's Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 was the standout, while strong showings in Semillon, Pinotage, and Chardonnay further signaled the country's expanding capabilities.

Argentina ranked eighth, maintaining its reputation for Malbec. Bodegas Fabre's Phebus Gran Reserva Malbec 2023 was awarded the International Malbec Trophy, continuing the country's dominance in the category.

England's ninth-place finish marked its best performance yet. Lyme Bay set a historic precedent by winning both the English Red and English White Trophies in a single year. English sparkling wines also held their ground, with Nyetimber's Blanc de Blancs Magnum taking top honors. England's 15 Gold medals signaled a growing competitiveness beyond sparkling wines.

Chile completed the top ten with 97 medals, led by Viña Undurraga, which won the Chilean Red Trophy. Although Chile's total medal count was lower than others in the top tier, its trophy wins affirmed the country's continued quality output.

Outside the top ten, Japan made a significant leap from 15th to 11th place, doubling its Gold medal count and showcasing growing international interest in wines made from the Koshu grape. Canada also improved its position, with three trophies awarded to Niagara Peninsula producers. Austria, Croatia, and Georgia all secured places in the top 15, each earning Gold medals and national trophies.

The judging process took place last month in London, with nearly 250 international wine experts conducting blind tastings over two rounds. According to IWC co-chair Helen McGinn, the increasing quality and variety of entries made the 2025 competition particularly competitive. Co-chair Sam Caporn noted the entry of wines from emerging regions such as China, India, Turkey, and Brazil, pointing to broader global engagement.

The full list of 2025 medal and trophy winners is now available, while the IWC Champion Wines will be announced at the upcoming International Wine Challenge Industry Awards Dinner on September 9 in London.