Madrid, November 12, 2024 —The wine and spirits world gathered in grandeur at Madrid’s Palacio de Cibeles for the annual Golden Vines® Awards, widely hailed as the “Oscars” of the industry. The event welcomed over 500 distinguished guests from around the globe, including elite wine producers, sommeliers, industry leaders, and luxury aficionados. More than just an awards ceremony, the Golden Vines® Awards Gala 2024 offered an immersive three-day journey into the world of the finest wines and rare spirits.
This year’s celebration spotlighted not only the industry’s top talents but also an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change. With a vision that is both profound and transformative, Golden Vines® united leaders from the Gérard Basset Foundation, prominent sponsors, and esteemed partners like Maison Camus.
Over three days, attendees were treated to exclusive experiences, including tastings of Camus’ award-winning XO Borderies, a cherished single-estate creation of the family. Together, these contributors reinforced a mission that transcends celebration, aiming to create lasting impact through initiatives like scholarships that support underrepresented talents and promote diversity in the wine and spirits industry.
One such initiative, the Alexa Camus Golden Vines® Spirits Scholarship, created in collaboration with the Gérard Basset Foundation, exemplifies this commitment to giving back. This scholarship aims to empower individuals from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, offering them resources and training often beyond reach for many aspiring professionals. Through this program, Camus provides recipients with specialized education in WSET Spirits, combined with immersive training in Cognac, France, under the mentorship of Camus Cellar Master Julie Landreau. This unique initiative builds not only technical expertise but also future leaders in the spirits industry, underscoring Camus’ commitment to impactful change and inclusivity.
As Alexa Camus shared, “This scholarship is about more than education; it’s about creating life-changing opportunities for those who might otherwise have no access. It’s an invitation into the world of spirits, allowing recipients to build a future and shape our industry with their unique perspectives.”
In the spirit of giving back, this year’s Golden Vines® Live Auction served as a central fundraiser for the foundation’s mission. Among the exclusive items auctioned was a limited-edition Tribute to Gérard Basset cuvée—one of only ten bottles—crafted by Camus Cellar Master Julie Landreau and wine expert Lewis Chester DipWSET. This rare cuvée raised £14,000, with proceeds directly supporting the Gérard Basset Foundation and its mission to foster diversity and inclusion across the fine wine and spirits industry.
Guests were also treated to an extraordinary dinner created by the Roca brothers of the famed three Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, whose culinary mastery elevated the evening’s experience. To further enrich the two-night event, Camus Cognac showcased its iconic XO, adorned with an engraved leather ring, alongside the Legion of Honor Private Collection—a tribute to France’s highest distinction, established by Napoleon in 1802. The refined conversations of the evening were accompanied by the amber glow and rich aroma of these fine cognacs, making the event truly unforgettable.
About Maison Camus: Established in 1863, Maison Camus is the largest family-owned Cognac house worldwide. Known for its aromatic Cognacs, the brand has built a legacy of quality across 6 generations and more than 110 countries, earning a reputation for excellence and authenticity. Camus specializes in the premium category, selling XO and above, including rare and collectible items. Atelier Camus, an innovative feature of the brand, brings haute couture into the world of Cognac, offering collectors unique, made-to-measure pieces crafted at the intersection of art and spirits.
About the Gérard Basset Foundation: Founded to honor Gérard Basset OBE MW MS, the foundation addresses pressing issues in the industry through scholarships, educational programs, and mentorship. It empowers individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them realize their full potential in fine wines and spirits.
