May 28, 2025 — The International Wine Challenge, widely regarded as the world’s most influential, impartial and rigorously judged global wine competition, has just unveiled its 2025 medal and trophy results, sending shockwaves through the industry as bold ‘new world’ wines rise to challenge the long-standing dominance of the ‘old world’.
This year’s International Trophy winners have turned expectations upside down with New Zealand claiming the crown for Merlot and Syrah, South Africa taking top honours for Cabernet Sauvignon and Australia winning big with the world’s best Chardonnay.
Chris Ashton who runs the International Wine Challenge is delighted with the results, “Most people would assume that the top Merlot would be from Bordeaux, the best Syrah from the Rhône and the finest Chardonnay from Burgundy, but when you put wines from over 35 countries head to head and get them blind tasted by nearly 250 of the world’s best palates the results can be truly eye-opening.”
One of the most exciting surprises this year has been England’s rise as a serious player on the global wine stage. Known traditionally for its sparkling wines, England is now turning heads with exceptional whites and reds too. Devon-based winery, Lyme Bay, stormed the competition, taking home four trophies for its still wines including the English White Trophy and English Red Trophy, the first time ever that the same English winery has won both the white and the red trophies in the same year. England came in at ninth place in the overall rankings, clinching a record-breaking 15 Gold medals. The message is loud and clear: England isn’t just in the game, it’s here to win.
Top 15 country rankings by medals
Medals were awarded to 36 winemaking countries following the blind tasting by an international panel of nearly 250 experts last month.
This year, more medals were awarded than in any other year of the competition and co-chair Helen McGinn commented: “The wines get better every year and there’s always something new to taste. Highlights include English wines, hidden gems from Spain and Italy and New Zealand reds – so good! It’s an honour and a privilege to shine a light on such brilliant wines.”
The list offers a valuable snapshot of global wine industry trends and shows top scoring producers, identifies emerging regions, and acts as a barometer for tracking the global wine trends. The full list of medal and trophy winners in the 2025 International Wine Challenge can be viewed here.
Number 1: France is number one and still the epicentre of fine wine
France has once again proven why it’s the undisputed titan of the wine world, extending its winning streak with a commanding lead in this year’s competition. Its powerhouse regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne – not only outshone the global field, but each region individually scored more Gold and total medals than most entire countries. With 94 Gold, 402 Silver and 379 Bronze, France reinforced its legacy as the benchmark for excellence in winemaking.
Highlights:
This year Maison Albert Bichot was the undisputed star from France. The historic house (established in Beaune in 1831) was awarded seven Gold medals and 11 trophies for four of its most exceptional wines:
- Chablis Grand Cru Les Vaudésirs Domaine Long-Depaquit 2023 (Chablis Trophy)
- Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Domaine du Pavillon 2023 (French Chardonnay Trophy, French White Trophy)
- Echézeaux Grand Cru Domaine du Clos Frantin 2023 (Echézeaux Trophy)
- Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Hospices de Beaune Cuvée Cyrot Chaudron 2023 (International Pinot Noir Trophy, French Red Trophy)
Other trophies of note for France were a win for Champagne Lanson for its Le Clos Lanson Blanc de Blanc 2010 (Champagne Trophy and Vintage Champagne Trophy). The Non Vintage Champagne Trophy went to Champagne Henriot for itsHenriot Cuve 38 – La Réserve Perpétuelle Blanc de Blancs Edition 6.
Number 2: Spain moves up a place to number two
Spain made a powerful statement this year – not just with bold reds but with an impressive sweep of white and fortified wines that showcased the country’s incredible diversity. Climbing to second place in the global rankings, Spain took home 32 Golds, 242 Silvers, and 202 Bronzes. Leading the charge was Jerez (Sherry) with 20 of Spain’s 34 Golds and claimed more trophies than any other Spanish region with six in total. Not far behind, Rioja continued to prove its pedigree collecting five trophies of its own.
Spain highlights:
- The Spanish Red Trophy and the Rioja Trophy was won by Rioja Vega for its Con Gracia de Rioja Vega 2020
- The Sherry Trophy was awarded to Emilio Lustau for its Amontillado Botaina Edicion Limitada En Rama
Number 3: Australia leads the way for ‘new world’ wines
Australia clinched third place this year and impressed the judges with its remarkable breadth from elegant Bordeaux style blends from Margaret River to the vibrant cool-climate Pinot Noirs from Tasmania. There were standout entries across fortified and sparkling too. With 51 Golds, 220 Silvers and 122 Bronzes, Australia firmly held its title as the leading ‘new world’ nation.
Co-chair Peter McCombie MW added: “Not so long ago, the words ‘cool climate Australia’ would have been an oxymoron, but some of our favourite Australian wines in this year’s competition came from cool-climate regions. Stylish, mineral Chardonnays from maritime zones and fresh, succulent Pinot Noirs, notably from Tasmania, were among the highlights.”
Australia highlights:
- The trophies for both Australian red and white wine went to the same producer, Tolpuddle Vineyard in Tasmania, for its The Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir and The Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay. These two wines also won the Australian Pinot Noir Trophy and the Australian Chardonnay and International Chardonnay trophies respectively.
- Morris wines won several trophies for it’s fortified wines. Its Old Premium Rare Muscat won the Australian Fortified Trophy and the Muscat Trophy and its Old Premium Rare Tawny won the Rutherglen Fortified Trophy.
- Ponting Wines owned by former cricketer Ricky Ponting, bowled over the judges by winning the Australian Shiraz Trophy for its 127 Milestone 2022
Number 4: Portugal’s still wines step into the spotlight
Long celebrated for its iconic Port, Portugal is now turning global heads with the rising star power of its reds and whites, crafted from a dazzling array of indigenous grape varieties and shaped by its diverse terroirs. This year Portugal increased its medal haul to 43 Golds, 160 Silvers, and 164 Bronzes, securing a strong fourth-place finish on the leaderboard. With eight trophies for its fortified wines and another five for still wines, Portugal has firmly asserted itself not just as a classic, but as a compelling and evolving force in the world of wine.
Portugal highlights:
- Fuga Doc Dão Vinho Tinto 2023 from historic producer Passarela Sociedade De Vinhos was awarded the Portuguese Red Trophy
- The Portuguese White Trophy was won by Esporão for its Bico Amarelo 2024, a Vinho Verde
- Dalva Porto Colheita 1985 from Granvinhos was awarded the Vintage Port Trophy and the overall Port Trophy
Number 5: Italy shines with rare Schioppettino wine winning Best Italian Red Trophy
Italy shone this year with an array of medal-winning wines from across its many regions. From north to south, the country showcased its depth, tradition, and innovation, captivating the judges and putting it in fifth place overall. With a total of 332 medals, Italy reminded the world that its winemaking legacy is not only alive, but constantly evolving.
Italy highlights:
- The Italian Red Trophywas awarded to a wine made from the rare Schioppettino grape variety, a dark-skinned grape native to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with Vigna Traverso taking home the prize with its Schioppettino Di Prepotto Fco 2019
- The Italian White Trophy was awarded to La Canosa Agr. Srl, Viridis Classico 2024, 100% Verdicchio from the Marche region
Number 6: New Zealand
New Zealand proved its growing dominance on the international winemaking scene, coming in at sixth place, winning 32 Gold medals, nine more than last year, as well as 121 Silvers, and 98 Bronzes.
- New Zealand won three out of the nine International Trophies with Church Road winning the International Merlot Trophy for Church Road 1 Merlot 2021, Glenora Estate Syrah 2024 won the International Syrah Trophy and the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy was awarded to Villa Maria Reserve Coastal Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2024.
Number 7: South Africa
Winning 23 Gold medals, up from 15 last year, South Africa, coming in seventh place, impressed the judges with a spread of red and white wines including Chardonnay, Semillon, Syrah, and Pinotage. The country was awarded the prestigious International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy, claiming the award from Australia, alongside 111 Silvers, and 91 Bronzes.
- For the first time in five years, South Africa won an International Trophy with the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy being awarded to Le Grand Domaine, Grand Vin Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Number 8: Argentina
Argentina’s success continued as it remains the only country to have been awarded the International Malbec Trophy, winning 144 medals this year.
- The International Malbec Trophy was won by Argentinian producer Bodegas Fabre for its Phebus Gran Reserva Malbec 2023
Number 9: England
England continued its impressive rise on the global wine stage, coming in at ninth place and setting a new benchmark for itself in 2025. With 15 Gold medals, up from 13 last year, alongside 59 Silvers and 43 Bronzes, the country’s reputation for quality and consistency is gaining serious momentum. From sparkling standouts to confident still wines, England is proving it’s no longer a newcome, it’s a contender.
- Lyme Bay took home the English Red Trophy for its Pinot Noir 2021, as well as the English White Trophy for its Martin’s Lane Chardonnay 2020, the first time that the same producer has won both the red and the white trophy. Lyme Bay also won the English Pinot Noir Trophy and the English Chardonnay Trophy.
- Nyetimber won both the English Sparkling Trophy and English Blanc de Blancs Trophy with its Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum
Number 10: Chile
Chile clinched the final spot in the top 10 with 97 medals.
- Trophies were awarded to Viña Undurraga for it’s Altazor wine winning the Chilean Red Trophy
Number 11: Japan
Japan in 11th place reaffirmed its winemaking prowess this year, moving from number 15 up to number 11 and doubling its Gold medal count from three in 2024 to six. In addition, it earned 41 Silver and 42 Bronze medals, bringing its total to 89, a remarkable increase compared to the 51 medals won in 2024.
- Iwade Koshu Kiiroka Cuvée Ueno 2023 from Château Mercian claimed the Japanese White Trophy
Number 12: Canada
Gaining an impressive 24 more medals than last year, Canada came in 12th place and was awarded nine Gold medals, as well as 41 Silver and 33 Bronze. The Niagara Peninsula was the standout Canadian region this year, winning three trophies.
- The Showcase Riesling Icewine 2023 by Trius Winery was awarded the Canadian Ice Wine Trophy
- Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2022 from Arterra Wines Canada won the Canadian White Trophy
Number 13: Croatia
Croatia held its place at number 13 this year winning 57 medals in total and was awarded three Gold medals, the country’s first Gold medals since 2023, with all three wines awarded produced from Malvasia.
- P.T.O Tomaz won the Croatian White Trophy for its Malvazija Istarska Avangarde 2024
Number 14: Austria
Austria won 55 medals this year including eight Golds and claimed the International Riesling Trophy this year with Weingut Birgit Eichinger winning the title for it’s Riesling Reid Heiligenstein 1öTw Kamptal Dac.
Number 15: Georgia
Georgia continues to surprise with stunning wines from indigenous grape varieties. With a medal haul of 46, This year it was producer JSC Telavi Wine Cellar with it’s Marani Kondoli Vineyards Saperavi which won the Georgian Red Trophy.
Co-chair Sam Caporn MW said: “There are always lots of entries that surprise! There were wines from China, India, Brazil – showing huge promise – Turkey, Egypt and Japan and so it’s a great way to get an overview of the world of wine and to be able to reward those rising stars alongside those that are already more established.”
The full list of 2025 International Wine Challenge award winners released can be seen here.
The IWC Champion Wines for 2025, which are selected following a re-tasting by the IWC Co-Chairs of all the trophy-winning wines, will be revealed at the International Wine Challenge Industry Awards Dinner 2025 on Tuesday 9th September. Tickets are available for sale now. https://iwcindustryawards.com/2025/en/page/tickets
About The International Wine Challenge
In its 41st year, the International Wine Challenge is widely acknowledged as the world’s most rigorous, impartial, influential and global wine competition. The International Wine Challenge assesses every wine ‘blind’ in London over a two-week period and over two rounds with every decision scrutinised by the co-chairs: Tim Atkin MW, Sam Caporn MW, Oz Clarke, Dr Jamie Goode, Peter McCombie MW and Helen McGinn for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Awards include medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended awards. Trophies are awarded to the very best wines in each category. The International Wine Challenge is committed to helping consumers discover great wine, and the medals displayed on winning bottles offer a trusted guarantee of quality.
