The prestigious ceremony marked the conclusion of the 25th Annual Great Wine Capitals Conference, a milestone event that carried special significance as Bordeaux was one of the founding members of the Network. Hosting the anniversary celebration in Bordeaux was a symbolic homecoming, honouring the city where the Great Wine Capitals vision first took shape and recognising its enduring role in connecting the world’s most distinguished wine regions.
Throughout 2025, each of the eleven Great Wine Capitals hosted their regional Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in wine tourism experiences, architecture, sustainability, accommodation, and innovation. From these, 75 regional winners were selected to compete for the global title.
This year, the Network received 623 applications, a record number that reflects the growing vitality and creativity of the international wine tourism sector.
2026 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award Winners:
- Adelaide I South Australia: Maxwell Wines
- Bilbao – Rioja I Spain: Bodegas Faustino Legacy
- Bordeaux I France: La Maison Cardinale
- Hawke’s Bay I New Zealand: Church Road Winery
- Lausanne I Switzerland: Domaine du Mont d’Or
- Mainz – Rheinhessen I Germany: Völker Restaurant & Events
- Mendoza I Argentina: Viña Doña Paula
- Porto I Portugal: Ventozelo Hotel&Quinta
- San Francisco I Napa Valley – United States: Sterling Vineyards
- Valparaíso – Casablanca Valley I Chile: BOTÁNICO by Casas del Bosque
- Verona I Italy: Rambaldi Apartaments
Each Global Award recipient represents the highest level of excellence within their respective Great Wine Capital, demonstrating the creativity, commitment, and authenticity that define the world’s best wine tourism experiences.
Catherine Leparmentier, Managing Director of Great Wine Capitals Global Network, said:
“This year’s winners exemplify how passion, innovation, and a sense of place come together to create unforgettable experiences for visitors. It’s inspiring to see how each Capital continues to raise the standard for excellence in wine tourism, shaping the future of our industry worldwide.”
“As we celebrate 25 years of collaboration and excellence, the Network continues to champion global connections and local authenticity. The 2026 winners show how our member cities lead the way in delivering world-class wine tourism that respects tradition while embracing innovation”, affirms Jo Collins, newly elected President of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network and Executive member from Adelaide, South Australia.
All 2026 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award winners will be showcased throughout the coming year across the Great Wine Capitals Network’s international platforms. These outstanding properties and tourism experiences will be highlighted for their innovation, authenticity, and contribution to advancing global wine tourism. Each serves as an ambassador for excellence within their region, inspiring visitors and industry professionals alike to explore the richness and diversity of the world’s leading wine destinations.
Download the full press release: GWC_Global BOWT 2026 Announcement_November 2025
Photo credit: Daniel Amilhastre, Artiste Associe Photographes