Mexican Wines Surpass Expectations with 72 Medals at Spain’s Bacchus 2026 Competition

The Bacchus 2026 International Wine Competition has released the full list of medal winners for its twenty-fourth edition, confirming its status as the largest wine competition held in Spain. This year, the event saw participation from 1,540 entries, including 1,462 wines, 28 vermouths, and 35 spirits. After evaluation by the jury, 574 wines and vermouths and 33 spirits received medals in the categories of Grand Bacchus Gold, Bacchus Gold, and Bacchus Silver.

Spain led the medal count, but the competition featured strong international representation. Wines and spirits from Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Portugal were among those recognized. Other countries such as the Czech Republic, Italy, Georgia, Australia, Germany, and Slovakia also appeared among the international awardees.

A total of 51 wines earned the Grand Bacchus Gold distinction, reserved for labels scoring above 93 points from the tasting panel. Among these top awards, Heredad Altos de Talana Paraje 2022 from Heredad Morán & López (DO Bierzo) was named Best White Wine. The 1300 Estate Rosé 2025 from Brazil’s 1300 Estate won Best Rosé. Alceño Selección 2020 from Bodegas Alceño (DO Jumilla) was chosen as Best Red Wine. Kripta 1935 2016 from Celler Kripta received the award for Best Sparkling Wine. These recognitions were granted by VINOFED, the World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits Competitions.

This edition’s results highlight shifts in the global wine landscape. Mexico emerged as a major revelation outside Spain with a total of 72 medals: 44 Bacchus Golds, 26 Bacchus Silvers, and 2 Grand Bacchus Golds. This performance places Mexico ahead of other traditionally strong markets in major competitions and signals that Mexican wine is now seen as a serious contender rather than a novelty. The consistency of these results points to sustained work in both vineyards and wineries.

The Czech Republic also stood out with 19 gold medals and 2 Grand Bacchus Golds. Its strong showing challenges long-standing hierarchies that have favored classic European regions. The success of Czech wines suggests that technical expertise and vineyard management are spreading to areas previously overlooked in global wine discussions.

Within Spain, Rioja and Ribera del Duero maintained their usual rivalry in terms of awards. Rioja collected 31 golds, 13 silvers, and 5 grand golds; Ribera del Duero followed with 26 golds, 15 silvers, and 4 grand golds. However, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry drew particular attention by securing 10 Grand Bacchus Golds out of a total of 29 medals—a proportion much higher than other regions—highlighting the unique quality of its wines.

This year’s competition included entries from 42 Spanish denominations of origin and 51 geographical indications of quality. Jerez’s performance stood out among these regions.

Bacchus 2026 also expanded its scope beyond traditional wine by admitting vermouths and spirits—28 vermouths and 35 spirits competed this year. This move reflects changing consumer habits where aperitifs and craft spirits are gaining ground and seeking technical recognition alongside wine.

The jury for this edition consisted of 92 tasters from countries including Finland, Slovenia, Uruguay, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland. The panel included Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, sommeliers, importers, buyers, and communicators. The diversity of backgrounds among judges is considered crucial for ensuring impartiality and broad technical consensus in awarding top honors.

Award-winning entries came not only from established wine-producing countries but also from emerging regions such as Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Slovakia, and especially the Czech Republic. Georgia maintained its symbolic presence as one of the birthplaces of viticulture.

The competition was organized by the Spanish Union of Tasters (Unión Española de Catadores), which oversaw the evaluation process to ensure rigor and independence. The complete list of medalists along with additional information is available on the official competition website.

Bacchus 2026 has reinforced its position as a key event on the international wine calendar due to both the number of entries received and the diversity and quality of wines and spirits awarded this year.