The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has officially revealed the results of its 2025 wine awards, following two weeks of rigorous judging by a panel of international experts. This year’s evaluations took place at 22 Bishopsgate, London’s tallest skyscraper, where wines from 34 countries spanning Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania were assessed under stringent conditions.
Renowned for its impartiality and precision, the IWSC remains a leading authority in the wine industry, trusted by producers, distributors, and retailers worldwide. Its medal system reflects strict quality benchmarks: only about 2 percent of entries are awarded the prestigious Gold medal, denoting exceptional quality. Silver medals were granted to 22 percent of entries, while 59 percent received Bronze. Entries not meeting medal standards are excluded from commendations, preserving the clarity and credibility of the awards.
Top Wines of 2025
Among the highest scoring wines in the 2025 competition were:
- The Trouble With Dreams Magnum Brut 2009 – Sugrue South Downs (UK)
- Verdelho 2001 – D’Oliveiras (Portugal)
- Old Premium Rare Muscat NV – Morris Wines (Australia)
Judging panel member Beatrice Bessi praised the fortified wine category, with particular acclaim for the Madeiras, which she described as now fully positioned to compete globally on quality.
David Kermode, commenting on the English sparkling entries, highlighted their aging potential and refined structure. Several vintage sparkling wines from the UK were awarded strong Gold medals for their exceptional clarity and balance.
Australian fortified wines also drew praise, with judge Melania Battiston naming this category her standout. She cited the consistent quality and the harmonious balance between sweetness and acidity as key factors behind their success.
Future Initiatives and Promotions
In a departure from previous years, the IWSC will launch a targeted promotional campaign running through autumn 2025. This initiative will spotlight medal-winning wines while offering insights into emerging consumer preferences and industry trends identified during judging. Content will be disseminated through blogs, newsletters, and social media, aimed at both trade professionals and general consumers.
Supporting this expanded outreach is Clarion Communications, the IWSC’s newly appointed consumer PR agency. Their efforts are focused on enhancing the visibility of award-winning producers and reinforcing the competition’s core values of quality and transparency.
To assist winners in maximizing their achievements, the IWSC has introduced a comprehensive Winners’ Pack, offering practical guidance and promotional opportunities.
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