The 2026 Golden Vines Awards brought the world’s leading wine producers and collectors together for a spectacular weekend, culminating in a gala dinner that raised almost €1.5 million for charity.
Some of the biggest names in fine wine and rare spirits descended on London last weekend for the sixth edition of the Golden Vines Awards, a three-day celebration of exceptional winemaking, gastronomy and philanthropy that culminated in a spectacular gala at the historic Banqueting House on Saturday 7 November.
Returning to the capital where the awards were founded in 2021, Golden Vines brought together leading winemakers, collectors and industry figures for a programme of exclusive tastings, masterclasses and dining experiences. The highlight of the weekend was the Golden Vines Awards Gala, which featured a dining experience created by three-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan and and performances by classical ballerinas and singer Craig David.
At the heart of the weekend was the Golden Vines Awards ceremony, which recognised outstanding achievements across nine categories. Spain’s Vega Sicilia claimed the evening’s highest honour, the World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award, for the third consecutive year. The achievement secured the celebrated Ribera del Duero estate’s place as an All-Star in the category.
The Robb Report World’s Best Rising Star Award went to South Africa’s Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, which received the honour for the second time. The Swartland producer has established itself as one of the country’s leading fine wine estates.
It was a particularly successful evening for South African wine, with The Sadie Family Wines, also based in Swartland, named Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World. The achievement marks another milestone for Eben Sadie’s acclaimed estate, which previously won the Rising Star Award in both 2023 and 2024.
Elsewhere, Italy’s Giacomo Conterno took home the European fine wine title, Argentina’s Bodega Catena Zapata was recognised as the best producer in the Americas, and Japan’s The Yamazaki was named World’s Best Rare Spirit Brand. Another highlight was the induction of Italian winemaking legend Angelo Gaja into the Golden Vines Hall of Fame, recognising his contribution to the industry and his role in bringing the wines of Piedmont to international prominence.
The winners were selected by the Golden Vines Academy, a global community of nearly 1,300 senior wine and spirits professionals and experienced collectors. “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,” says Lewis Chester, co-founder and CEO of Liquid Icons, the company behind the awards.
While the event celebrated the world’s finest wine and rare spirit producers, it also served a philanthropic purpose. The annual Golden Vines Charity Auction raised an impressive £1,250,689 (around €1.5 million) for the Gérard Basset Foundation, which supports education and greater diversity across the wine, spirits and hospitality industries.
The auction featured a collection of rare wines and once-in-a-lifetime experiences donated by leading producers and luxury maisons, attracting bids from collectors and philanthropists around the world. With cumulative fundraising now approaching £6 million, Golden Vines has become an important supporter of the foundation’s scholarships, grants and mentorship programmes, which create opportunities for individuals from under-represented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“What makes Golden Vines particularly special is the opportunity to turn that recognition into something lasting,” Chester says. “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.”
Following its return to London, Golden Vines will head to Amsterdam in 2027, bringing another weekend of exceptional wines, exclusive experiences and charitable fundraising to the Dutch capital.
