The Golden Vines Awards 2026 Reveals Shortlist for London Gala
The Golden Vines Awards 2026 has released its official shortlist ahead of the sixth edition, taking place November 6 through November 8 in London. After staging its 2025 American debut in Miami, the global fine wine and rare spirits event returns to the British capital where it was founded in 2021.
Organized by research and production firm Liquid Icons, the three-day gathering highlights international cellar benchmarks and market shifts monitored closely by South Florida collectors and industry professionals.
Nearly 1,300 sommeliers, merchants, critics, and educators in The Golden Vines Academy voted on this year's finalists. Academy polling also feeds the annual Golden Vines Report, scheduled for release during the event weekend. Early findings reveal that buyers now favor fewer, higher-quality bottles, pushing producers to rethink how they engage younger adult consumers.
"This year’s Golden Vines shortlist reflects the extraordinary depth and diversity of talent across our industry, from producers whose work has shaped generations to emerging names bringing new ideas and perspectives," said Lewis Chester, co-founder and CEO of Liquid Icons. "We look forward to bringing this global community together in London this November and celebrating those helping to shape the future of fine wine and rare spirits."
Defending winners anchor several major categories. Spain’s Vega Sicilia is nominated for World’s Best Fine Wine Producer after taking the title in 2024 and 2025. California’s Harlan Estate and Australia’s Henschke also return after back-to-back regional victories. South African estates scored significant placement: The Sadie Family Wines advanced to the Rest of the World category alongside Henschke and New Zealand’s Felton Road, while Swartland producer Mullineux and Western Cape producer Alheit Vineyards took two of the three Rising Star nominations.
The weekend begins Friday, November 6, with the inaugural Frédéric Panaïotis La Paulée lunch, prepared by chef Jonny Lake of Trivet. On Saturday, November 7, Banqueting House hosts the Awards Gala dinner, created by three-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, followed by a live TS5 set from Craig David.
The gala dinner includes the global debut of Dom Pérignon P2 2009, served alongside jeroboams of Krug Grande Cuvée 163ème Édition, magnums of Domaine Vincent Dancer Meursault Perrières 2022, magnums of Château Angélus 2016, 1990 Hermitage La Chapelle, 1990 Penfolds Grange, and 2007 Szepsy Esszencia Tokaji. All auction proceeds go directly to the Gérard Basset Foundation to fund education and diversity programs in the wine and spirits industries.
Key Details and 2026 Shortlist
Event Schedule and Access
Dates: November 6 to 8, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom (Gala at Banqueting House on November 7)
Tickets: £10,000 per person, available through Liquid Icons
Access: Includes masterclasses, winemaker lunches, the La Paulée lunch, and the Awards Gala
Beneficiary: 100 percent of auction proceeds fund the Gérard Basset Foundation
2026 Shortlist Nominee
World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award
Krug (Champagne, France)
Domaine Leroy (Burgundy, France)
Vega Sicilia (Ribera del Duero, Spain)
Best Fine Wine Producers in the Americas Award
Bodega Catena Zapata (Mendoza, Argentina)
Harlan Estate (Napa Valley, United States)
Screaming Eagle (Napa Valley, United States)
Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe Award
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave (Northern Rhône, France)
Giacomo Conterno (Piedmont, Italy)
Gaja (Piedmont, Italy)
Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World Award
The Sadie Family Wines (Swartland, South Africa)
Henschke (Eden Valley, Australia)
Felton Road (Central Otago, New Zealand)
World’s Best Rising Star Award
Mullineux (Swartland, South Africa)
Comando G (Sierra de Gredos, Spain)
Alheit Vineyards (Western Cape, South Africa)
World’s Best Rare Spirit Brand Award
Rémy Martin (Cognac, France)
Pappy Van Winkle (Kentucky, United States)
The Yamazaki (Osaka, Japan)
Hall of Fame Award
Dirk Niepoort (Portugal)
Angelo Gaja (Piedmont, Italy)
Dominique Lafon (Burgundy, France)
Sustainability Award
Comando G (Sierra de Gredos, Spain)
Sogrape (Portugal)
González Byass (Spain)
Symington Family Estates (Douro, Portugal)
Innovation Award
Amorim (Portugal)
Star Wine List (Sweden)
Francs de Pied (France)