Global tourism surges ahead: record arrivals in the first nine months of 2025

International tourist arrivals grew 5% in January through to September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 and 3% above the pre-pandemic year 2019.

According to the latest edition of the World Tourism Barometer, over 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally between January and September this year, about 50 million more than in the same period of 2024.

Results reflect sustained travel demand throughout the year despite high inflation in tourism services and mixed traveller confidence due to geopolitical and trade tensions. The third quarter saw a 4% increase over 2024 with a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili states: “International tourism has continued to experience sustained growth so far in 2025 in terms of international arrivals and most importantly in receipts, despite high inflation in tourism services and geopolitical tensions. Africa and Europe in particular stand out for their results.”

International tourism has continued to experience sustained growth so far in 2025 in terms of international arrivals and, most importantly, in receipts, despite high inflation in tourism services and geopolitical tensions

Africa continues to see the strongest performance among regions

The latest World Tourism Barometer analyzes international tourism over the first nine months of 2025 by region and sub-region. Key takeaways include:

Africa saw a 10% increase in arrivals through September, according to limited available data. Both North Africa (+11%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (+10%) recorded double-digit growth in arrivals.

Europe, the world’s largest destination region, saw 625 million international tourists between January and September 2025, a 4% increase from the same months in 2024. All European subregions enjoyed solid results during the third quarter, reflecting a strong summer season. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) saw robust performance, while Northern Europe (-1%) recorded more modest results. Central and Eastern Europe continued to rebound strongly (+8%), though arrivals remained 11% below 2019 levels.

The Americas recorded 2% growth this period, with a 3% increase in Q1 and Q2 but a slight drop in Q3 (-1%). Results among subregions were mixed. South America (+9%) enjoyed the best performance, despite a flat third quarter. North America (-1%) saw weaker results, partly due to small declines in the United States and Canada. Arrivals in Central America increased 3% through September, while the Caribbean (+1%) recorded comparatively more modest growth.

Arrivals in the Middle East grew 2% in January-September compared to the same period in 2024. This represents 33% more arrivals than in 2019, the strongest regional results relative to the pre-pandemic year.

Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 8% in the first nine months of 2025, reaching 90% of pre-pandemic numbers (-10% compared to January-September 2019) as the region continues to recover. North-East Asia stood out with a 17% increase in arrivals relative to 2024 but remained 12% below 2019 levels.

Some of the highest growth rates in arrivals in January-September 2025 were recorded in Brazil (+45% versus 2024), Vietnam and Egypt (both +21%), as well as Ethiopia and Japan (both +18%). South Africa reported 17% growth, Sri Lanka and Mongolia both 16%, and Morocco 14%. All of these destinations have already surpassed 2019 levels.

According to IATA, international air traffic (RPKs) grew 7% in January-September 2025 versus the same months of 2024. International air capacity (ASKs) increased 6% in these nine months. Global occupancy in accommodation establishments reached 68% in September 2025, matching the rate of September 2024 (based on STR data).

Strong visitor spending across most destinations

Monthly data on international tourism receipts show strong visitor spending in several destinations through September 2025. Japan (+21%), Nicaragua (+19%), Egypt (+18%), Mongolia and Morocco (both +15%), Latvia (+13%), Brazil (+12%) and France (+9%) were among the best performers in terms of growth in receipts in the first nine months of 2025.

Strong demand can also be seen in outbound spending from some large markets such as the United States (+7% through August), France (+5%), Germany and Italy (both +4%), as well as Spain (+15% through August) and the Republic of Korea (+7%).

Results on track to reach projected growth for 2025, despite challenges

According to UN Tourism’s projection in January this year, international tourist arrivals are expected to grow 3% to 5% in 2025. While results through September are in line with UN Tourism’s forecast, factors such as high travel prices and a challenging geopolitical environment remain important downside risks.

The latest data confirms what destinations, airlines, and hospitality leaders have been sensing all year: global travel is not just recovering, it’s accelerating with remarkable strength. Rising arrivals across every region, combined with solid visitor spending and improving air capacity, show that tourism’s momentum is both broad and resilient. Despite inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, travellers continue to explore, connect, and invest in experiences at scale. As the industry heads into the final stretch of 2025, the outlook remains strongly positive. Tourism is proving once again that it is one of the world’s most adaptable sectors, shaping cultures, supporting economies, and moving confidently into a new era of growth.

SOURCE:  UN TOURISM

Liz Palmer – Wine Journalist receives the 2025 ITER VITIS + The Council of Europe Award for Communication

“I am thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the 2025 ITER VITIS Award for Communication, recognizing my global advocacy in promoting wine culture, education, and responsible tourism.”

The award was presented a few days ago at the ITER VITIS Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece.  This inspiring event brought together international experts and institutions to explore how wine tourism can drive a greener, more inclusive, and innovative future across Europe.

My heartfelt “Thank You” to ITER VITIS – Cultural Routes of the Vine and Wine, the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme, and to all those working to preserve and celebrate the cultural, historical, and sustainable heritage of wine.

This recognition reinforces my lifelong commitment to advancing the dialogue between wine, culture, and sustainability – connecting people and places through the shared language of the vine.

Stay tuned for a full press release!

Liz Palmer
Thessaloniki, Greece

The International Wine Academy’s Historic Appeal to the United Nations

Wine has long transcended its role as a simple beverage, serving instead as a living testament to humanity’s cultural, social, and agricultural heritage. Across civilizations, from the vineyards of Mesopotamia to the cellars of Burgundy and the valleys of Mendoza, wine has symbolized conviviality, peace, and continuity. Today, this millennia-old legacy faces an unprecedented challenge. For the first time in its history, the Académie Internationale du Vin (AIV), a body uniting nearly 100 eminent wine voices from 20 nations, has spoken publicly and unanimously to defend wine against the threat of “denormalization” proposed in global health discourse. Their Appeal below, addressed to the heads of state gathering for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, underscores the profound stakes of reducing wine to a mere health risk: the erosion of culture, heritage, and a universal language of humanity:

APPEAL BY THE INTERNATIONAL WINE ACADEMY TO HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ATTENDING THE UNITED NATIONS 80TH ANNIVERSARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

Ladies & Gentlemen, Heads of State and Government, On September 25th, at the 4ᵗʰ United Nations High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being, you will be faced with a challenging brief: how can we prevent and control noncommunicable diseases without denying the foundations of our cultures, without erasing what makes our civilization thrive? Wine is at the heart of this question. Too often, it is reduced to a molecule of alcohol. Too simplistically, it is compared to a drug. But too rarely do we think about what it embodies. The International Wine Academy, whose members come from 20 different countries, wishes to alert you against the danger of reducing wine to a mere health risk, thereby forgetting its cultural, social and human dimension. Here is what is at stake. TO DENORMALISE WINE WOULD DESTROY A HERITAGE – A LEGACY OF HUMANITY  Wine embodies eight millennia of human history: it is a catalyst for conviviality, joy and sharing; a connection to the land and its landscapes; a universal language linking people – from Georgia to Ancient Greece, from Oregon to Tuscany, from France to New Zealand. Unique yet global, it expresses mankind’s patience before time, humility before the earth, and the desire to celebrate together. Offering a glass of wine is a gesture that expresses peace, friendship, brotherhood, and the joy of being together.  Enjoying wine moderately is to defend the culture of taste and restraint, and perpetuate a bond that unites continents, people and generations. It is about appreciating rather than abusing, tasting rather than drinking. It is about approaching health through social and family ties, mental well-being and the joy of life – for the link between happiness and health is undeniable.  TO DENORMALISE WINE WOULD DENY ITS BENEFITS AND CLOSE SCIENTIFIC DEBATE PREMATURELY  A recent NASEM report (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, USA) concluded that “compared to no alcohol consumption, moderate consumption is associated with lower all-cause mortality.” We do not claim to settle the scientific debate, but, like many experts, we regret the absence of a large-scale randomized trial, the only viable protocol to ground conclusions on certified evidence rather than insufficient observational data. TO DENORMALISE WINE IS TO CHOOSE PROHIBITION OVER EDUCATION AND FREEDOM  We are fully aware of the dangers of excess. We recognize the need to prevent addiction, protect the most vulnerable, and combat abuse. We embrace this responsibility, for it is through education that consumers learn to taste, compare and appreciate wine with moderation – becoming ambassadors of balance.  Through education, we believe we can both protect individual freedom to enjoy wine without abuse and promote responsibility and control. Wine thus expresses its truth through the transmission of knowledge, and know-how, and teaching moderation. For these reasons, Ladies & Gentlemen, Heads of States and Governments, we call upon you to act in a balanced and nuanced manner: combat excesses but recognize the value of moderation; prevent risks but preserve mankind’s bond with the earth; protect public health but respect the richness of cultures and the strength of traditions. Preserving wine means defending a civilization, a way of life, a living universal heritage, a part of humanity that has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. On behalf of the International Wine Academy    Guillaume d’Angerville, President & Véronique Sanders, Chancellor   Lausanne, September 2025  www.academievin.org

The AIV’s open letter is not a denial of the need for public health vigilance, but rather a plea for balance, perspective, and nuance. To strip wine of its rightful place in society is to dismiss its contributions to culture, social well-being, and even responsible lifestyle practices rooted in moderation. At stake is more than a product: it is the survival of a heritage that binds generations, nations, and traditions. By defending wine, world leaders defend the principle that humanity’s greatest legacies should be preserved, not erased. The decision now before the United Nations is not solely about health policy; it is about safeguarding civilization’s enduring bond with the earth, with each other, and with the joy of shared experience.

Liz Palmer

Etna Days 2025: A Landmark Edition

This morning, I had the privilege of attending the Etna Days 2025 Welcome Presentation and Technical Tasting where an extraordinary lineup of Etna DOC wines and producers set the tone for what promises to be a landmark edition.

“The energy and diversity of wines from Mount Etna are simply remarkable.”  Liz Palmer

Etna Days 2025 takes place from September 18 to 20 with 90 wineries presenting over 500 labels to over 70 journalists, educators, and trade professionals to celebrate one of the world’s most dynamic terroirs: a living mosaic of lava-stone terraces, ungrafted vines, extreme altitudes, and endlessly shifting microclimates.

Promoted by the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Etna DOC, the event is designed to showcase the extraordinary identity of Etna wines, the very summit of Sicily’s qualitative pyramid.

Anchored at the Picciolo Golf Resort in Castiglione di Sicilia, the program unfolds with guided tours, immersive masterclasses, and a grand walk-around tasting featuring all 500 labels. This evening’s “Gala Dinner” will unite producers, winemakers, and international jurors of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, a testament to the denomination’s growing global prestige.

As Francesco Cambria, President of the Consorzio, emphasizes: “Etna Days is not only about wines—it is about the cultural and identity value of a collective heritage. Each bottle tells a story that intertwines resilience, memory, and vision.”

Etna is more than a vineyard. It is a living laboratory of biodiversity and sustainability, where indigenous varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante thrive on ancient terraces carved from volcanic stone. This heroic viticulture has become emblematic of Sicily’s ability to preserve tradition while forging an avant-garde path on the world stage.

With the collaboration of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the presence of over 70 international journalists and educators, Etna Days 2025 confirms the denomination’s stature as a global benchmark. Beyond wine, the ambition is holistic: to weave together hospitality, gastronomy, and cultural heritage into a sustainable model of growth for the territory.
For further details: https://consorzioetnadoc.com/en-US/home

International Wine Challenge Reveals the World’s Highest Scoring Wines of 2025

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025 has once again affirmed its position as the most rigorous and influential benchmark of global wine quality. This year’s results highlight the remarkable diversity of viticultural excellence, with nine countries earning recognition across the most prestigious categories, including Champion titles, international trophies, and national trophies. The IWC’s methodological rigour, anchored in blind tastings conducted by panels of leading experts, ensures that these accolades represent the highest standards of international oenology and establish a critical reference point for producers, trade professionals, and consumers.

FRANCE
Burgundy and Languedoc lead the charge for France 

France once again proved 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.

Notably, Maison Albert Bichot, the historic Beaune producer, outshone its competitors with its Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Hospices de Beaune Cuvée Cyrot Chaudron 2023, described by judges as ‘perfectly ripe’ and ‘beautiful’.The wine received the prestigious Champion Red Wine accolade, having claimed four trophies earlier this year, including the International Pinot Noir Trophy and French Red Trophy.

Maison Albert Bichot’s Technical Director Matthieu Mangenot was also named Red Winemaker of the Year, making the winery the most awarded in this year’s competition.

Languedoc estate Château Rouquette Sur Mer impressed with its ‘restrained, well-defined’ Cuvée L’Esprit Terroir 2023, which claimed three trophies, including the International Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre Trophy.

France further highlights:

  • The Champagne Trophy and Vintage Champagne Trophy went to Champagne Lansonfor its Le Clos Lanson Blanc de Blanc 2010, which judges praised as ‘Champagne at its glorious best’.
  • TheNon-Vintage Champagne Trophy went to Champagne Henriot for its ‘classy’ and ‘lush’ Henriot Cuve 38 – La Réserve Perpétuelle Blanc de Blancs Edition 6.
  • Maison Albert Bichot picked up further wins for its Chablis Grand Cru Les Vaudésirs Domaine Long-Depaquit 2023 (Chablis Trophy)and Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Domaine du Pavillon 2023 (French Chardonnay Trophy, French White Trophy).

SPAIN
Sherry spearheads success for 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.

The historic Bodegas Emilio Lustau asserted itself as the uncontested powerhouse of fortified wine, winning both of the category’s Champion accolades. Its Amontillado Botaina Edicion Limitada En Rama NV was crowned Champion Fortified Wine (Manuel Lozano Trophy), with judges commending it as ‘intensely flavoured’ and ‘amazingly poised’. Earlier this year, the same Sherry triumphed with the Sherry Trophy and Amontillado Trophy.

Cellar Master Sergio Martínez also secured the highly coveted Fortified Winemaker of the Year award for the sixth time and the second year in a row.

Spain further highlights:

  • The Spanish Red Trophy and the Rioja Trophy was won by Rioja Vega for its ‘really powerful’ and ‘vivid’ Con Gracia de Rioja Vega 2020.
  • Pazo de La Cuestaalso picked up the Spanish Red Trophy for its Mencía 2022, which was hailed as ‘positively elegant’.

ITALY
Sweet success for Italy continues 

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.

Despite this national success, it was a sweet wine which stood out in this year’s challenge. For the second year in a row, Tuscan producer Tenuta Di Capezzana won the Champion Sweet Wine (Alois Kracher Trophy) title for its Vin Santo di Carmignano Riserva 2017 – a title won by previous vintages of the same wine in 2022, 2021, and 2019. Judges applauded the wine’s ‘intense aromas’‘richness’, and ‘mouthwatering acidity’.

Italy further highlights:

  • The Italian Red Trophy was awarded to a wine made from the rare Schioppettino grape variety, a dark-skinned grape native to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with Vigna Traverso taking home the prize with its Schioppettino Di Prepotto Fco 2019.
  • The Italian White Trophy was awarded to La Canosa Agr. Srl for its Viridis Classico 2024, an ‘aromatic’ and ‘gorgeous’ 100% Verdicchio from the Marche region.
  • Bisol 1542took home the Italian Sparkling Trophy and Prosecco Trophy for its ‘highly aromatic’ and ‘bright’ Crede Brut, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2024.

SOUTH AFRICA
Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa shines

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.

Hailed for its ‘tight, restrained’ flavours and ‘lightly spiced finish’, Stellenbosch producer La Grand Domaine impressed judges with its Grand Vin Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, taking home two trophies, including the renowned International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy and marking the first time in five years that South Africa won an international trophy.

South Africa further highlights: 

  • Boschendal Wines earned the South African Sparkling Trophy for its ‘complex, layered’ Jean Le Long Prestige Cuvee 2012.
  • The STELLA 2022 from Beau Constantia, described as ‘incredibly appetizing’, took home the South African Red Trophyand South African Syrah Trophy.
  • Vergelegen Estate was awarded the South African White Trophy for its ‘aromatic’ and ‘elegant’ Vergelegen Estate White 2023.

ARGENTINA
Argentina is still the powerhouse of Malbec 

Coming in eighth with 144 medals, Argentina reaffirmed its position as the world leader for Malbec, remaining the only country to have been awarded the International Malbec Trophy. The impressive accolade went to Bodega Fabre for its Phebus Gran Reserva Malbec 2023, which wowed judges with its ‘silky texture’‘structure’, and ‘long finish’.

Argentina further highlights:

  • Huentala Wines’ La Isabel Estate Cofermented Blend 2023 picked up the Argentinian Red Trophy, being praised by judges as a ‘seamless’marriage of Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

ENGLAND
England sets new benchmark for sparkling wine 

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.

West Sussex winery Nyetimber secured a coveted spot in the top 12 with its Blanc de Blancs Magnum 2016, which was crowned Champion Sparkling Wine (Daniel Thibault Trophy), marking the first time the award has gone to a wine outside of Champagne. The achievement builds on the wine’s glittering record in this year’s challenge, having already earned a Gold medal as well as both the English Sparkling Trophy and the English Blanc de Blancs Trophy. Judges praised the bubbly as ‘a time capsule of a wine’.

Nyetimber’s Head Winemaker, Cherie Spriggs, was also named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year, becoming the only person outside of France to have won it twice.

England further highlights

  • Lyme Bay took home the English Red Trophy for its ‘beautiful’ and ‘complex’ Pinot Noir 2021, as well as the English White Trophy for its Martin’s Lane Chardonnay 2020, the first time that the same producer has won both the red and the white trophy. After blind-tasting the Chardonnay, the judges at the IWC exclaimed: ‘Burgundy, eat your heart out!’

AUSTRIA
Austria impresses with Riesling 

Austria came in at 14th this year with 55 medals, including eight Golds, but it was a Riesling which received the top recognition. Three trophies, including the International Riesling Trophy, went to Weingut Birgit Eichinger’s Riesling Ried Heiligenstein 1öTw Kamptal Dac 2023, which judges commended as a ‘fabulous example of Austrian Riesling’.

Austria further highlights

  • Weingut Tschida Angerhof claimed the Austrian Sweet Trophy for its ‘remarkable’ Sämling 88 Beerenauslese 2021.

International Wine Challenge 2025: global wines judged best in show

FranceClos de la Roche Grand Cru Hospices de Beaune Cuvée Cyrot Chaudron 2023, Maison Albert BichotIWC Champion Red Wine 2025, International Pinot Noir Trophy, French Red Trophy, Clos de la Roche Trophy, French Pinot Noir Trophy
Chablis Grand Cru Les Vaudésirs Domaine Long-Depaquit 2023, Maison Albert BichotChablis Trophy, Les Vaudésirs Chardonnay
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Domaine du Pavillon 2023, Maison Albert BichotFrench White Trophy, French Chardonnay Trophy, Meursault Trophy, Les Charmes Trophy
Cuvée L’Esprit Terroir 2023, Château Rouquette sur MerInternational GSM Trophy, French GSM Trophy, La Clape Trophy
Le Clos Lanson Blanc de Blanc 2010, Champagne LansonChampagne Trophy, Vintage Champagne Trophy, Vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne Trophy
Henriot Cuve 38 – La Réserve Perpétuelle Blanc de Blancs, Edition 6, Champagne HenriotNon-Vintage Champagne Trophy, Non-Vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne Trophy
SpainAmontillado Botaina Edicion Limitada En Rama NV, Emilio LustauIWC Champion Fortified Wine 2025 – Manuel Lozano Trophy, Sherry Trophy, Amontillado Trophy
Con Gracia de Rioja Vega 2020, Rioja VegaSpanish Red Trophy, Rioja Trophy, Rioja Graciano Trophy
Mencía 2022, Pazo de La CuestaSpanish Red Trophy, Ribeira Sacra Mencia Trophy
AustraliaChardonnay 2023, Tolpuddle VineyardChampion White Wine, International Chardonnay Trophy, Australian White Trophy, Australian Chardonnay Trophy, Tasmanian Chardonnay Trophy
Pinot Noir 2023, Tolpuddle VineyardAustralian Red Trophy, Australian Pinot Noir Trophy
Museum Release Blanc de Blancs 2006, House of ArrasAustralian Sparkling Trophy
Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2021, De Bortoli WinesBotrytis Trophy
Old Premium Rare Muscat NV, Morris WinesMuscat Trophy, Australian Fortified Trophy
127 Milestone 2022, Ponting WinesAustralian Shiraz Trophy, Barossa Valley Shiraz Trophy
Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon,Penfolds 2022, Treasury Wine EstatesAustralian Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy, Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy
McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon 2017, Australian Vintage LimitedAustralian Semillon Trophy, Hunter Valley Semillon Trophy
ItalyVinsanto Capezzana Riserva 2017, Tenuta Di CapezzanaIWC Champion Sweet Wine 2025 – Alois Kracher Trophy, Italian Sweet Trophy, Vin Santo Trophy
Schioppettino Di Prepotto Fco 2019, Vigna TraversoItalian Red Trophy, Schioppettino Friuli-Venezia Giulia Trophy
Viridis Classico 2024, La Canosa Agr. SrlItalian White Trophy, Marche White Trophy
Crede Brut, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2024, Bisol1542Italian Sparkling Trophy, Prosecco Trophy
New Zealand1 Merlot 2021, Church RoadInternational Merlot Trophy, New Zealand Merlot Trophy, Gimblett Gravels Merlot Trophy
Syrah 2024, Glenora EstateInternational Syrah Trophy, New Zealand Syrah, Waiheke Island Syrah Trophy
Reserve Coastal Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Villa MariaInternational Sauvignon Blanc Trophy, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Trophy
Caroline’s Pinot Noir 2021, Clos OstlerNew Zealand Red Trophy, New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy, North Otago Pinot Noir Trophy
Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2022, Church RoadNew Zealand White Trophy, New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy, Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Trophy
Letter Series B Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Brancott EstateLate Harvest Dessert Trophy
South AfricaGrand Vin Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, La Grand DomaineInternational Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy, Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy
Jean Le Long Prestige Cuvee 2012, Boschendal WinesSouth African Sparkling Trophy
STELLA 2022, Beau ConstantiaSouth African Red Trophy, South African Syrah Trophy
Vergelegen Estate White 2023, Vergelegen EstateSouth African White Trophy, Stellenbosch Semillon /SB blend Trophy
ArgentinaPhebus Gran Reserva Malbec 2023, Bodega FabreInternational Malbec Trophy, Mendoza Malbec Trophy
La Isabel Estate Cofermented Blend 2023, Huentala WinesArgentinian Red Trophy, Argentinian Malbec Blend Trophy
EnglandNyetimber Blanc de Blancs Magnum 2016, NyetimberIWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2025 – Daniel Thibault Trophy, English Sparkling Trophy, English Blanc de Blancs Trophy
Pinot Noir 2021, Lyme BayEnglish Red Trophy, English Pinot Noir Trophy
Martin’s Lane Chardonnay 2020, Lyme BayEnglish White Trophy, English Chardonnay Trophy
AustriaRiesling Ried Heiligenstein 1öTw Kamptal Dac 2023, Weingut Birgit EichingerInternational Riesling Trophy, Austrian White Trophy, Niederösterreich Riesling Trophy
Sämling 88 Beerenauslese 2021, Weingut Tschida AngerhofAustrian Sweet Trophy

 Chris Ashton, Director, International Wine Challenge, said, ‘This year’s competition saw a record number of medals awarded, showcasing the remarkable standard of winemaking across the globe. Achieving a Trophy is an extraordinary honour and the wines featured here truly represent the very best of the best in the world.’

The full list of Trophy and Champion winners at the 2025 International Wine Challenge can be viewed  https://www.internationalwinechallenge.com/trophy-results-2025.html