English Sparkling, Japanese Shochu Take Top Honours at 2025 IWSC

An English sparkling wine and a Japanese shochu led the winners at the 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), where fewer than 3% of over 7,000 global wine entries captured the coveted Gold medal.

The Trouble With Dreams Magnum Brut 2009 from England’s Sugrue South Downs won Gold and a score of 97 points, praised for its honeyed aromas and lively red fruit character. In spirits, Japan’s Chuko Awamori Distillery took Gold for its Moon Distillery Awamori Shochu, which judges described as layered with roasted nuts, steamed rice and mushroom flavours.

The IWSC, founded in 1969 and widely regarded as the “Olympics of Alcohol,” is known for its exacting standards. Judges include Masters of Wine, master distillers and senior buyers whose verdicts shape restaurant wine lists and retail shelves worldwide. Panels taste no more than 65 samples a day to ensure “the first glass and the last glass receive equal attention,” organisers said. Each year, around 12,000 entries from 90+ countries including wine and spirits are judged.

“We’re looking for wines that stand out amongst their peers, that show personality, balance and complexity — and that are true to their place of origin,” said judge Alistair Cooper MW, explaining the benchmark for Gold.

Beyond England and Japan, several rising wine regions made their mark. South Africa’s Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Chardonnay 2023 and Georgia’s Bolero & Company Sabado Grand Khikhvi Qvevri 2023 both earned Gold and 97 points. In South Australia, Shaw and Smith’s Pinot Noir 2023 received Gold with 96 points, underscoring the region’s growing strength beyond its established Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Canada also drew attention, with Black Fox Farm and Distillery’s Haskap Gin winning a Special Gold for its deep ruby colour and complex fruit-and-herbal profile.

Stringent Standards, Broader Recognition

Since its creation, the IWSC has built a reputation for rigor and fairness. Rebecca Palmer, wine buyer at Corney & Barrow, said the bar for winning is unusually high.

“This is an incredibly high-bar competition. The IWSC’s judging is both fair and demanding, so winning a medal here carries extraordinary weight,” she said.

While Gold medals remain rare, organisers note that the competition also recognises wines of strong character that fall just short of the very top tier. Around 20% of wine entries this year earned Silver medals.

“Silver is recognition of excellent winemaking, a wine that goes well beyond the everyday and gives consumers real excitement,” said judge Annette Scarfe MW.

About half of all entries were awarded Bronze, a tier that judges say should not be overlooked.

Dawn Davies MW added: “A bronze medal means we as judges see potential. You’re doing the right things. Take it and run with it — next year you could be Silver, and the year after Gold,” said judge Dawn Davies MW.

John Hoskins MW compared the award to the restaurant world’s highest accolades. “Michelin stars are few, but they hold unparalleled prestige… An IWSC bronze medal offers a similar stature to a one star – an award that signifies absolute distinction and respect,” he commented.

The results underscore the breadth of quality recognised at the competition. More highlights will be released in the coming weeks, with deeper looks into the producers shaping the global drinks landscape.

The complete IWSC 2025 results are now available at iwsc.net.