Spain’s Vega Sicilia named World’s Best Fine Wine Producer for the third consecutive year
Returning to London for its sixth edition Golden Vines Awards achieved one of its strongest fundraising results in its history, with £1,250,689 raised in across its live and global online bidding, all in support of the Gérard Basset Foundation, championing education and diversity in wine and hospitality
London, UK – 9th November 2026: The Golden Vines has announced the winners of its 2026 awards, honouring the finest names in fine wine and rare spirits at a ceremony held at London’s historic Banqueting House on Saturday 7th November.
Spain’s Vega Sicilia claimed the ‘Vino de Franciscus World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award’ for the third consecutive year, further cementing its standing among the most revered estates in global fine wine, and becoming an All-Star in its category. Meanwhile, Angelo Gaja, one of the most influential figures in Italian winemaking, was inducted into the Golden Vines Hall of Fame in recognition of his remarkable contribution to the industry and his pivotal role in bringing the wines of Piedmont to international prominence.
This year’s results also reflected the growing influence of producers beyond Europe’s traditional fine wine heartlands. South Africa enjoyed a particularly strong showing, with Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines receiving the Robb Report World’s Best Rising Star Award for the second time and The Sadie Family Wines named Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World. For Eben Sadie’s acclaimed estate, the recognition marks a notable progression, following consecutive Rising Star victories in 2023 and 2024.
Elsewhere, Argentina’s Bodega Catena Zapata was named Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas, while Italy’s Giacomo Conterno took home the European title. Japan’s The Yamazaki received the World’s Best Rare Spirit Brand Award, with Star Wine List recognised for Innovation and Portugal’s Symington Family Estates honoured for Sustainability.
Now in its sixth year, the Golden Vines Awards are determined by The Golden Vines Academy, a global community of nearly 1,300 senior fine wine and rare spirits professionals, spanning sommeliers, merchants, critics, educators and industry specialists, as well as seasoned collectors. The awards recognise achievement across nine categories, celebrating both the established names that have shaped the industry and those influencing its future.
Alongside celebrating its award winners, The Golden Vines united the international fine wine community in support of a wider philanthropic mission. This year’s Golden Vines Charity Auction raised £1,250,689 (approx. $1,670,815 USD) for the Gérard Basset Foundation, expanding access and opportunity for individuals from under-represented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds across the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries.
The auction showcased an extraordinary curation of rare cellared wines and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, generously donated by the world’s leading producers and luxury maisons, drawing bids from global collectors and philanthropists.
With cumulative fundraising now approaching £6 million, Golden Vines directly funds life-changing scholarships, grants, and mentorship programmes designed to empower the next generation of industry talent.
Lewis Chester, Co-Founder and CEO of Liquid Icons, said:
“The Golden Vines Awards are about recognising those who set the standard for fine wine and rare spirits, and this year’s winners are a remarkable reflection of that. From producers who have defined their regions for decades to those establishing new benchmarks for excellence, the results demonstrate the strength and breadth of our industry.
“What makes Golden Vines particularly special is the opportunity to turn that recognition into something lasting. The generosity shown through this year’s charity auction will help the Gérard Basset Foundation continue its vital work, opening up opportunities and supporting the future of an industry we all care deeply about.”
The sixth edition marked a return to London, where Golden Vines was founded in 2021, bringing together leading figures from fine wine, rare spirits, gastronomy and philanthropy for three days of exclusive tastings, masterclasses and dining experiences. The celebrations culminated in the Golden Vines Awards Gala at Banqueting House, featuring a dining experience created by three-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan and an exclusive performance of Craig David Presents TS5.
Combining the celebration of exceptional winemaking with a commitment to philanthropy, Golden Vines continues to recognise the individuals and producers shaping the global fine wine landscape, while investing in the future of the industry.
Looking ahead, the Golden Vines Awards will return in 2027, with Amsterdam set to host next year’s edition. Further details will be announced at liquidicons.com/amsterdam.
THE 2026 GOLDEN VINES AWARDS WINNERS
Robb Report World’s Best Rising Star Award – Celebrating emerging fine wine producers making their mark on the global stage and establishing themselves among the industry’s most exciting names to watch.
Winner: Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines (Swartland, South Africa)
Top three: Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines (Swartland, South Africa); Comando G (Sierra de Gredos, Spain); Alheit Vineyards (Western Cape, South Africa)
World’s Best Rare Spirit Brand Award – Honouring excellence at the highest level of the global rare spirits industry and celebrating brands at the forefront of their field.
Winner: The Yamazaki (Osaka, Japan)
Top three: The Yamazaki (Osaka, Japan); Rémy Martin (Cognac, France); Pappy van Winkle (Kentucky, USA)
Vino de Franciscus World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award – The Golden Vines’ pre-eminent global wine award, celebrating the producer that represents the pinnacle of excellence in fine wine, irrespective of region.
Winner: Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain)
Top three: Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain); Domaine Leroy (Burgundy, France); Krug (Champagne, France)
Innovation Award – Showcasing the individuals, organisations and initiatives helping to shape the future of wine through pioneering ideas and practices across winemaking, viticulture, technology and wine marketing.
Winner: Star Wine List (Sweden)
Top three: Star Wine List (Sweden); Amorim (Portugal); Francs de Pied (France)
Hall of Fame Award – Reserved for a living individual whose extraordinary achievements, contribution to fine wine production or outstanding service to the industry have left a lasting legacy.
Winner: Angelo Gaja (Piedmont, Italy)
Top three: Angelo Gaja (Piedmont, Italy); Dirk Niepoort (Portugal); Dominique Lafon (Burgundy, France)
Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World Award – Celebrating outstanding fine wine production beyond Europe and the Americas, and the producers setting new standards of excellence across the wider global wine landscape.
Winner: The Sadie Family Wines (Swartland, South Africa)
Top three: The Sadie Family Wines (Swartland, South Africa); Henschke (Eden Valley, Australia); Felton Road (Central Otago, New Zealand)
Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas Award – Dedicated to the leading fine wine producers of North and South America, highlighting estates demonstrating exceptional quality and excellence across the region.
Winner: Bodega Catena Zapata (Mendoza, Argentina)
Top three: Bodega Catena Zapata (Mendoza, Argentina); Harlan Estate (Napa Valley, USA); Screaming Eagle (Napa Valley, USA)
Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe Award – Celebrating Europe’s leading fine wine producers and the estates demonstrating exceptional quality and excellence across the continent.
Winner: Giacomo Conterno (Barolo, Piedmont, Italy)
Top three: Giacomo Conterno (Barolo, Piedmont, Italy); Gaja (Piedmont, Italy); Domaine Jean-Louis Chave (Northern Rhône, France)
Sustainability Award – Acknowledging fine wine producers taking an industry-leading approach to sustainability, encompassing environmental stewardship, biodiversity, carbon reduction, social impact and long-term investment in the future of their vineyards, communities and the wider wine sector.
Winner: Symington Family Estates (Douro, Portugal)
Top four: Symington Family Estates (Douro, Portugal); Comando G (Sierra de Gredos, Spain – Joint Second); Sogrape (Portugal – Joint Second); González Byass (Spain – Joint Second)
ABOUT THE GOLDEN VINES
Established in 2021 to honour, celebrate and elevate the best of the best in fine wine and rare spirits, The Golden Vines has become an internationally recognised benchmark of excellence within the industry.
Voted for by The Golden Vines Academy, the annual awards bring together leading winemakers, collectors and industry figures for a three-day celebration of fine wine, gastronomy and philanthropy.
Through its partnership with the Gérard Basset Foundation, The Golden Vines champions greater diversity and inclusion across the global wine, spirits and hospitality industries, with 100% of the weekend’s auction proceeds going directly to the Foundation.
