Vega Sicilia wins Golden Vines’ top wine award for third consecutive year
Vega Sicilia was named the world’s best fine-wine producer at the 2026 Golden Vines Awards in London, while Giacomo Conterno, Bodega Catena Zapata and The Sadie Family Wines received regional producer awards and Angelo Gaja entered the Hall of Fame.
Vega Sicilia completes a three-year run
Vega Sicilia of Ribera del Duero won the Vino de Franciscus World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award for the third consecutive year, becoming an All-Star in the category. Domaine Leroy of Burgundy and Champagne producer Krug completed the top three. The awards were presented at London’s Banqueting House on 7 November 2026 during the sixth edition of Golden Vines.1
Angelo Gaja was inducted into the Golden Vines Hall of Fame for his contribution to Italian wine and his role in building international recognition for Piedmont. Dirk Niepoort of Portugal and Dominique Lafon of Burgundy were the other two finalists.1
Regional awards and Rising Star
Giacomo Conterno of Barolo, Piedmont, was named Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe, ahead of Gaja of Piedmont and Domaine Jean-Louis Chave of the Northern Rhône. Bodega Catena Zapata of Mendoza won the corresponding Americas award; Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle, both from Napa Valley, completed that top three.1
The Sadie Family Wines of Swartland won Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World, followed by Henschke of Eden Valley and Felton Road of Central Otago. Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, also from Swartland, received the World’s Best Rising Star Award for the second time, ahead of Comando G of Sierra de Gredos and Alheit Vineyards of the Western Cape. The Sadie estate’s regional victory followed its Rising Star wins in 2023 and 2024.1
Spirits, innovation and sustainability
The Yamazaki of Osaka won the World’s Best Rare Spirit Brand Award, with Rémy Martin of Cognac and Pappy van Winkle of Kentucky also in the top three. Sweden’s Star Wine List received the Innovation Award, ahead of Portugal’s Amorim and France’s Francs de Pied.1
Symington Family Estates of the Douro won the Sustainability Award. Comando G of Sierra de Gredos, Sogrape of Portugal and González Byass of Spain shared second place, producing a four-name final ranking.1
Academy vote and charity fundraising
The nine awards were decided by the Golden Vines Academy, a community of nearly 1,300 senior wine and rare-spirits professionals and experienced collectors. Its membership includes sommeliers, merchants, critics, educators and other industry specialists. Golden Vines was established in 2021 and returned to its founding city for the 2026 edition.1
Live and global online bidding in the Golden Vines Charity Auction raised £1,250,689, approximately US$1,670,815, for the Gérard Basset Foundation. The foundation supports education, grants and mentorship for people from under-represented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in wine, spirits and hospitality. Golden Vines said its cumulative fundraising was approaching £6 million and that all auction proceeds from the weekend go directly to the foundation.1
London programme and 2027 host city
The London programme comprised three days of tastings, masterclasses and dining events. Its concluding gala featured a menu by three-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan and a performance of Craig David Presents TS5. Amsterdam is scheduled to host the Golden Vines Awards in 2027, with further details still to be announced.1
Sources
Written by the Dionysus editors from the sources above.
