From Austria to China, Here Are Top Winners at 2025 GWSAA

Asia’s flagship wine competition, the 2025 Cathay Global Wine & Spirits Awards Asia (GWSAA), announced its winners on Nov. 8, offering a snapshot of both the enduring strength of traditional wine regions and the rapid rise of new Asian contenders.

Unveiled at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre during the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, the awards are founded by Hong Kong–based Master of Wine Debra Meiburg and sponsored by Cathay. Designed around Asian consumer preferences, the GWSAA champions “Asia’s Choice, Asia’s Voice,” with a judging panel composed of leading sommeliers, educators, media and industry figures from across the region.

Trophy Highlights

The competition presents both trophies and medals. In the trophy categories, Australia maintained its stronghold, securing top honours including Best Chardonnay and Best Riesling. Kilikanoon Bin 88 Reserve Shiraz 2019 — produced by Kilikanoon Estate, owned by China’s Yantai Changyu — was named Best Australian Red Wine and also took Best Shiraz/Syrah.

Austria delivered one of the standout European performances. Domaine Roland Chan swept major honours including Best Grüner Veltliner and Best Austrian Wine, while its Rosé Zweigelt 2021 earned Best Rosé.

China posted an impressive six-trophy showing. Ningxia’s Fei Tswei Petit Manseng 2021 won Best Sweet Wine, and Shangri-La Sacred Land Rong Zhong 2020 from Yunnan claimed Best Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Blend, underscoring China’s growing confidence in premium winemaking. Mystic Island Winery’s YIHU Qiu Shan Estate Grown Chardonnay Reserve 2023 was awarded Best Chinese Wine.

Hong Kong achieved a breakthrough, capturing seven beer trophies and one spirits trophy. TinShing Umeshu’s FIA 2023 became the first Hong Kong–produced spirit to win a trophy.

New Zealand also performed strongly, earning Best Sauvignon Blanc, Best Pinot Noir and Best Gin.

In total, 84 wines earned gold medals. Australia led with 10, while Hong Kong showcased its strength in craft beer and niche beverages. Spain, South Africa and China each took home seven; France matched that tally with strong results in sparkling and still wines. Twenty-one gold winners also received “Green Awards” for sustainability excellence.

Debra Meiburg MW: “The Asian Market Is Growing More Mature and Discerning”

“We are thrilled to see such a diverse and high-quality field of entries this year, which demonstrates that wineries and distilleries worldwide continue to reach new levels of excellence,” said Debra Meiburg MW, founding director of the GWSAA.

“It is particularly exciting to see emerging wine-producing countries such as China taking home varietal trophies, and to witness alternative grape varieties being recognised at the highest level – such as a Gewürztraminer winning Best Wine from New Zealand. These results show that the Asian market is becoming more mature, more nuanced and more discerning.”

The ceremony drew strong international support, with guests including Ronald Khoo of Cathay Pacific; Smilely Lam of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; and Warren Yu of the Hong Kong Craft Beer Association. Consular representatives from Italy, Austria, Portugal, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and France also attended — underscoring the awards’ rising global stature.

An Asian Lens: Food Pairing Meets Local Cuisine

To showcase the region’s diverse culinary culture, the GWSAA incorporates Asian food-pairing categories spanning dishes such as roast goose, Singapore black pepper prawns, tempura, Korean grilled beef short ribs and tuna sashimi. This year’s pairing trophies — awarded to producers from China, Austria, Italy, Portugal and Australia — illustrated how global wine styles can be deeply compatible with Asian flavour profiles:

• Best Pairing With Korean Roast Beef Short Rib: Qiu Shan Estate Grown Harmony Red Wine 2020
  
• Best Pairing With Singapore Pepper Prawn: Domaine Roland Chan Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Hœll Wösendorf Wachau DAC 2023
  
• Best Pairing With Prawn Tempura: Villa Sandi “Il Fresco” Prosecco Treviso DOC Extra Dry Millesimato 2024
  
• Best Pairing With Roast Goose: Portada Medium Sweet Red 2021
  
• Best Pairing With Tuna Sashimi: Wakefield Reserve Parcel Riesling 2025

The results also reflect a broader shift: Asian judges and consumers are increasingly shaping the global conversation about wine style and quality. As producers look to the region for growth, the GWSAA’s Asian-centred judging framework has become a meaningful indicator of where tastes are heading.