The international recognition from Tom Stevenson’s renowned competition and inclusion in one of Italy’s leading wine guides reward the longstanding commitment of the Follador family
September 15, 2026 (Col San Martino, Italy) — Follador dal 1769, the historic winery based in Col San Martino in the heart of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene UNESCO World Heritage Site, has received two prestigious accolades that further confirm its standing on both the Italian and international wine scene. The company has been awarded two Gold Medals at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2026 (CSWWC), the international competition dedicated to sparkling wines and founded by British wine critic Tom Stevenson, and has also been included in the 2027 edition of Doctor Wine’s Essential Guide to Italian Wines, one of Italy’s most respected wine publications.
“These results, achieved within a short period of time, are a very important confirmation for us. Receiving Gold Medals in such a prestigious international competition and being selected by the Doctor Wine Guide means seeing the quality of our work and the identity of our wines recognized once again, both in Italy and in international markets. These achievements fill us with pride and encourage us to continue investing in research and in the promotion of Conegliano Valdobbiadene,” says Cristina Follador, who leads the company together with her siblings Michele, Emanuela and Francesca.
The international competition, considered one of the world’s most authoritative events dedicated to sparkling wines, is judged by a panel of leading experts in the field, including founder Tom Stevenson, regarded as one of the foremost international authorities on sparkling wines, Master of Wine Essi Avellan, and wine critic George Markus. The competition awarded Gold Medals to Ruiol Castei Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2025 and Torri di Credazzo Cru Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2025, while Nani dei Berti Rive di Col San Martino Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2025 received a Bronze Medal. The CSWWC 2026 awards ceremony will take place on October 29 at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London.
This international success is complemented by inclusion in the 2027 Doctor Wine Guide, curated by Daniele Cernilli. Now in its thirteenth edition and widely regarded as one of the key reference guides for Italian wine, the publication has selected Follador dal 1769 among the standout wineries of the national wine landscape, recognizing the company’s consistent quality and coherent production philosophy.
The success at CSWWC and the inclusion in the Doctor Wine Guide further strengthen the path that Follador dal 1769 has pursued for generations, based on the Metodo Gianfranco Follador® and on a vision that combines family tradition with technical innovation, enabling the winery’s wines to stand out both in Italy and across international markets. These achievements add to what has already been a highly rewarding year for the Follador family.
About Follador
Follador is one of the emblematic wineries of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, with a winemaking tradition dating back to 1769, when the Doge of Venice awarded the ancestor Giovanni Follador for the quality of his wines. Since then, nine generations have preserved and renewed their bond with a territory that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with headquarters in Col San Martino, in the heart of the Prosecco Superiore DOCG hills. Today led by siblings Michele, Cristina, Emanuela and Francesca Follador, the company has developed a strong and consistent identity based on technical innovation, sustainability and respect for tradition. The Gianfranco Follador Method®, the winery’s exclusive winemaking protocol, ensures consistent quality and a refined style appreciated by an international audience. Exports represent a strategic component of the brand, supported by a relationship-driven approach and a commitment to promoting the Italian lifestyle in prestigious settings. Every bottle reflects a family know-how that looks to the future while never losing sight of its roots. Follador Prosecco is currently present in numerous international markets, including Austria, the Caribbean, China, Cyprus, Costa Rica, Germany, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the United States, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
