The International Wine Challenge has unveiled its 2025 medal and trophy results, with bold “new world” wines rising to challenge the long-standing dominance of the “old world”.
This year’s International Trophy winners have turned expectations upside down with New Zealand claiming the crown for Merlot and Syrah, South Africa taking top honours for Cabernet Sauvignon and Australia winning big with the world’s best Chardonnay.
“Most people would assume that the top Merlot would be from Bordeaux, the best Syrah from the Rhône and the finest Chardonnay from Burgundy, but when you put wines from over 35 countries head to head and get them blind tasted by nearly 250 of the world’s best palates the results can be truly eye-opening,” says Chris Ashton, who runs the International Wine Challenge.
Top 10 country rankings by medals
Medals were awarded to 36 winemaking countries following the blind-tasting by an international panel of nearly 250 experts last month.
This year, more medals were awarded than in any other year of the competition.
“The wines get better every year and there’s always something new to taste,” says and co-chair Helen McGinn.
“Highlights include English wines, hidden gems from Spain and Italy and New Zealand reds – so good! It’s an honour and a privilege to shine a light on such brilliant wines.”
Number 1: France
France has once again proven why it’s the undisputed titan of the wine world, extending its winning streak with a commanding lead in this year’s competition. Its powerhouse regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne – not only outshone the global field, but each region individually scored more Gold and total medals than most entire countries. With 94 Gold, 402 Silver and 379 Bronze, France reinforced its legacy as the benchmark for excellence in winemaking.
Number 2: Spain
Spain made a powerful statement this year – not just with bold reds but with an impressive sweep of white and fortified wines that showcased the country’s incredible diversity. Climbing to second place in the global rankings, Spain took home 32 Golds, 242 Silvers, and 202 Bronzes. Leading the charge was Jerez (Sherry) with 20 of Spain’s 34 Golds and claimed more trophies than any other Spanish region with six in total. Not far behind, Rioja continued to prove its pedigree collecting five trophies of its own.
Number 3: Australia
Australia clinched third place this year and impressed the judges with its remarkable breadth from elegant Bordeaux style blends from Margaret River to the vibrant cool-climate Pinot Noirs from Tasmania. There were standout entries across fortified and sparkling too. With 51 Golds, 220 Silvers and 122 Bronzes, Australia firmly held its title as the leading ‘new world’ nation.
Number 4: Portugal
Long celebrated for its iconic Port, Portugal is now turning global heads with the rising star power of its reds and whites, crafted from a dazzling array of indigenous grape varieties and shaped by its diverse terroirs. This year Portugal increased its medal haul to 43 Golds, 160 Silvers, and 164 Bronzes, securing a strong fourth-place finish on the leaderboard. With eight trophies for its fortified wines and another five for still wines, Portugal has firmly asserted itself not just as a classic, but as a compelling and evolving force in the world of wine.
Number 5: Italy
Italy shone this year with an array of medal-winning wines from across its many regions. From north to south, the country showcased its depth, tradition, and innovation, captivating the judges and putting it in fifth place overall. With a total of 332 medals, Italy reminded the world that its winemaking legacy is not only alive, but constantly evolving.
Number 6: New Zealand
New Zealand proved its growing dominance on the international winemaking scene, coming in at sixth place, winning 32 Gold medals, nine more than last year, as well as 121 Silvers, and 98 Bronzes.
New Zealand won three out of the nine International Trophies with Church Road winning the International Merlot Trophy for Church Road 1 Merlot 2021, Glenora Estate Syrah 2024 won the International Syrah Trophy and the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy was awarded to Villa Maria Reserve Coastal Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2024.
Number 7: South Africa
Winning 23 Gold medals, up from 15 last year, South Africa, coming in seventh place, impressed the judges with a spread of red and white wines including Chardonnay, Semillon, Syrah, and Pinotage. The country was awarded the prestigious International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy, claiming the award from Australia, alongside 111 Silvers, and 91 Bronzes. For the first time in five years, South Africa won an International Trophy with the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy being awarded to Le Grand Domaine, Grand Vin Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Number 8: Argentina
Argentina’s success continued as it remains the only country to have been awarded the International Malbec Trophy, winning 144 medals this year. The International Malbec Trophy was won by Argentinian producer Bodegas Fabre for its Phebus Gran Reserva Malbec 2023
Number 9: England
England continued its impressive rise on the global wine stage, coming in at ninth place and setting a new benchmark for itself in 2025. With 15 Gold medals, up from 13 last year, alongside 59 Silvers and 43 Bronzes, the country’s reputation for quality and consistency is gaining serious momentum. From sparkling standouts to confident still wines, England is proving it’s no longer a newcomer, it’s a contender.
Number 10: Chile
Chile clinched the final spot in the top 10 with 97 medals. Trophies were awarded to Viña Undurraga for it’s Altazor wine winning the Chilean Red Trophy.
For the full list of medal and trophy winners, click here.
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