 Between 16 and 18 May, VieVinum once more brought the international wine industry together at the Hofburg in Vienna. The 2026 edition of the fair allowed 500 Austrian wineries to present their wines to an international audience of industry experts. The Austrian Wine Marketing Board (Austrian Wine) invited more than 1,000 trade professionals from over 50 different countries to Vienna. These included the world’s best sommeliers, renowned international media and wine importers, as well as a number of leading figures from the global wine industry.
“The huge international turnout clearly shows that Austrian wines are in tune with current trends,” confirms CEO of Austrian Wine, Chris Yorke. “Austrian wines are known for their high quality and environmentally conscious production methods, not to mention their freshness and lightness, which is currently much sought-after among international wine consumers.” Austrian Wine welcomed an outstanding line-up of international guests to Vienna, including Raimonds Tomsons (reigning World Sommelier Champion of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI)), Joris Gutierrez Garcia (ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas) and Reeze Choi (ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific). These were joined by dozens of Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers from around the world who enjoyed experiencing the diversity and quality of Austrian wines first-hand. VieVinum drives wine exportsOrganised by M.A.C. Hoffmann, VieVinum has been key to ensuring the long-term success of Austrian wine exports since the first edition of the fair in 1998. As Yorke explains, “Austrian wines already enjoy a very high market share in the domestic market, which leaves them little potential for growth. That’s why exports are so important for us. Every bottle sold on the international market takes the pressure off the domestic market and opens up additional perspectives for the Austrian wine industry. This, again, underlines the huge significance of VieVinum.” Terroir Talks: spotlight on Austria’s diverse originsBesides the fair itself, a first-class programme of side events provided visitors with a unique insight into the Austrian wine industry. One of the highlights was the large Austrian Wine flight tasting “Terroir Talks” that took place the day before the fair and was attended by more than 400 people. A total of 22 flights enabled participants to taste 120 internationally best-rated Austrian wines. These were split into themed categories such as “Grüner Veltliner: Shaped by Origin”, “Limestone & Slate: Shaping Structure” and “Styrian Sauvignon Reloaded”. The tastings were an impressive opportunity to explore just how much origin, soil and climate determine the character of Austrian wines. Shiva Chaurasiya, Best Sommelier of India, Sommelier at 67 Pall Mall, Singapore “I really want to thank the Austrian Wine Team for bringing me to VieVinum! It was an amazing experience and really changed my perspective on Austrian wines. With their fresh and crisp character, I think they are a perfect match for Indian and Chinese cuisine. I’m really looking forward to learn more about Austrian wines in the future – I can’t wait for VieVinum 2028!”
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 Credit: David Rowlands The International Wine Challenge, widely regarded as the world's most influential, impartial and meticulously judged global wine competition, has just unveiled its 2026 medal and Trophy results marking the final awards announced under the competition’s current format ahead of a major global rebrand launching in June.
With competition entries rising 7% year-on-year, the medal tables this year point to both enduring excellence and accelerating global breadth, from top-scoring fortified wines and Trophy-winning sparklers to award-winning supermarket bottles. Fortified and sparkling wines continued to deliver some of the highest scores, with standout results from Champagne, the Douro (Port) and Jerez (Sherry) among the competition’s defining bottles, with Menin Porto Tawny 80 Anos (98 points) and Rare Champagne, Rare Magnum 2012 (98 points), the joint highest scoring wines in the competition. Another competition stand out was England with the highest percentage of wines winning a Gold medal. IWC Co-Chair Sam Caporn MW said, “It's really wonderful that over 16% of English entries were awarded not just medals, but Gold medals. This is an incredible achievement and testament to the quality of the wines being produced in the country right now.” Co-Chair Oz Clarke added, “It is now clear that champagne has a genuine rival in England and the battle for top sparkler will be keenly fought over the next few years.” Historic European regions remain the benchmark, with Champagne leading the regional Gold table and classic areas such as Burgundy, Douro, Jerez and Rioja continuing to dominate at Gold level. In the new world, South Australia, Tasmania, Mendoza, and Marlborough were the regional highlights and from the UK, Kent was the stand out region. New for 2026, is the IWC ICON selection, which recognises wines that producers believe best define the character, ambition and identity of their estate. From flagship fine wines to distinctive terroir expressions and rare bottlings, ICON is intented to spotlight defining wines rather than simply the highest scoring wines. Producers from over 10 coutnries and 20 regions entered their wines into the inaugural competition and the wines were judged by a dedicated ICON panel. See the full icon results here. Top 15 country rankings by medals Medals were awarded to 39 winemaking countries, with new entrants to the medal table from Switzerland, Montenegro, Sweden, India, Malta and Ireland. The list offers a valuable snapshot of global wine industry trends, showing top scoring producers, identifing emerging regions, and acting as a barometer for tracking the global wine market. The full list of medal and trophy winners in the 2026 International Wine Challenge can be viewed here. Number 1: France France leads: most Gold medals, standout Trophy winners and benchmark regions Champagne & BurgundyFrance reaffirmed its central role in the global fine wine landscape entering the largest number of wines and securing the highest number of Gold medals overall. Across the results, France’s benchmark regions continued to set the pace; from Champagne at the top of the global regional Gold table to Burgundy’s leading Trophy performance. French wines also featured among standout supermarket selections and the inaugural ICON list.
Number 2: Spain Spain shines with Gold-winning Sherries, Rioja strength and major Trophy success Spain delivered a standout showing, with particularly strong performances in classic regions including Jerez (14 Golds) and Rioja (11 Golds) and multiple top awards across red, white and fortified categories. From 95-point VORS Sherries to headline-making Trophy wins and an ICON wine from Galicia, Spain’s results underline both depth and diversity across styles.
Number 3: Portugal Portugal excels: Douro leads outside France and fortified wines dominate Moving up from fourth place in 2025 to third this year, Portugal delivered one of the strongest performances of the competition relative to entry numbers, with the Douro again emerging as a global hotspot for both still and fortified wines. With the joint highest scoring wine in the competition, the 98-point, decades-old Menin Tawny Port 80 Anos, to major Trophy wins across Port, Madeira and Douro reds, Portugal’s results underline world-class quality, ageing pedigree and remarkable breadth.
Number 4: Italy Italy impresses: Barolo, Franciacorta and Taurasi lead a diverse Trophy winning line-up Up one place from fifth to fourth, Italy delivered a strong, wide-ranging performance outperforming several larger entrants on its Gold conversion rate and securing major top awards across red, sparkling and sweet styles. From a Trophy-winning Barolo to premium Franciacorta and a 95-point Taurasi from Campania, the results highlight both Italy’s regional depth and its continuing ability to compete at the highest level.
Australia powers ahead: regional depth and four-Trophy Barossa Shiraz Australia delivered one of the strongest performances relative to its entry volume, combining a high Gold conversion rate (almost one in ten) with exceptional regional breadth. With South Australia and Tasmania leading the medal tables, and a Barossa Shiraz taking four Trophies, Australia’s results underline continued global strength across Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and premium sparkling.
Co-Chair Oz Clarke said, “Australia remains a powerhouse of exciting reds and whites, but the landscape is changing. Barossa and Maclaren Vale performed really well, but not only with Shiraz - Grenache is now a real star performer from a wealth of old vines. And Tasmania is no longer a wine buff's curiosity. The sparklers have been superb for quite a while, but the reds, and particularly the whites, are now some of Australia's finest.” Number 6: South Africa South Africa stands out: Stellenbosch Golds and a strong showing across top Trophy categories South Africa delivered a high-impact performance, with Stellenbosch once again proving a benchmark region. Alongside 95-point Gold medal success for a leading Bordeaux-style blend, South Africa also featured among this year’s Trophy winners, reinforcing the country’s strength across classic Cabernet Sauvignon, premium white blends and modern Shiraz.
Number 7: New Zealand New Zealand delivers: Trophy-winning Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand reinforced its reputation for world-class cool-climate wines, with major Trophy wins across both Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc and a strong run of 95-point results in Marlborough. From Martinborough’s top red to Marlborough’s defining white style, plus award-winning supermarket selections, the results underline New Zealand’s breadth across premium and accessible wines alike.
Number 8: Argentina Argentina triumphs: 97-point Mendoza Malbec and consistent standout producers Argentina delivered major success, led by Mendoza’s continued dominance and a series of top awards for Malbec and Cabernet Franc. With a 97-point Mendoza Malbec named among the competition’s defining wines, plus Gold and Trophy wins from leading producers across Mendoza and Patagonia, Argentina’s results underline both peak quality and impressive consistency.
Number 9: England England leads the pack: highest Gold conversion rate of the competition and a standout run of Trophy-winning sparkling wines England delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the whole competition, recording the highest Gold medal conversion rate among major wine-producing countries and securing a broad spread of top awards. From Kent’s leadership in regional Golds to a string of Trophy wins across classic English sparkling styles, plus multiple 95–97 point highlights, the results underline England’s continued rise as a world-class wine producing country.
Number 10: Chile Chile highlights: 95-point Carmenère and top-scoring Bordeaux varieties from leading regions Chile delivered strong results, with leading producers once again performing well across the country’s flagship Bordeaux varieties. A 95-point Carmenère from Aconcagua and a top-scoring Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo underline Chile’s continuing ability to combine value, precision and regional identity at the highest levels of international competition. Also of note was the increasing recognition that Chile received for its cooler-climate and coastal Syrah styles.
Number 11: Japan Japan rises: five Gold medals, a Japanese white Trophy win and standout 95-point wines Japan continued its rapid ascent on the international wine stage, securing five Gold medals and taking home a headline Trophy win. With multiple 95-point wines from Nagano and Yamanashi, plus ICON recognition for a flagship Japanese bottling, the results reflect both growing confidence in international varieties and renewed attention on Japan’s indigenous Koshu.
Croatia earns recognition: Croatian White Trophy win and growing presence among medal-winning nations Up one place from 2025, Croatia featured in the results as part of an increasingly global spread of medal-winning quality, and secured a headline Trophy win for a flagship white variety. Croatia is emerging with its own unique Adriatic/Mediterranean fine wine identity and is gaining visibility with its indigenous varieties.
Number 13: Austria Austria delivers strong quality: standout results from a smaller entry base with stellar performance for Riesling and sweet wines Up one place from 2025, Austria continued to demonstrate impressive quality, delivering a strong Gold conversion rate despite a smaller overall entry base. Highlighted alongside other high-performing smaller entrants, Austria’s results reinforce its reputation for precision winemaking especially when it comes to Riesling and sweeter styles of wine.
Number 14: Georgia Georgia builds momentum: Trophy wins showcasing qvevri and modern reds Georgia continued its strong upward trajectory moving up one place from last year, delivering an impressive Gold conversion rate and securing multiple top awards.
Number 15: USA USA moves up five places: California’s benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay remain in the spotlight despite smaller entry numbers Producers from the United States once again featured among the medal winners, reflecting the ongoing strength and international reputation of key American wine regions. With California continuing to set benchmarks for both Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the results underline the enduring competitiveness of US wines on the global judging stage.
 Amrut Distilleries, the pioneering force that placed Indian single malt whisky on the global stage, proudly announces the official international launch of Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore. Crafted exclusively for global travel retail,
Amrut Pravas: Crafted for the Global Traveller Handcrafted by Amrut’s COO and Master distiller, Ashok Chokalingam, using carefully selected casks, Pravas embodies a harmonious balance of tradition and innovation. Matured under India’s intense tropical climate, the whisky develops remarkable depth, richness, and complexity, resulting in an expression that is layered, elegant, and unmistakably Indian. “We are immensely proud to present Amrut Pravas on the global stage at TFWA Singapore. This expression is a celebration of India in every sense — diverse, vibrant, layered, and constantly evolving. Through Pravas, we wanted to create a whisky that reflects the spirit of travel and discovery while remaining deeply rooted in Indian craftsmanship and identity. As Indian single malts continue to gain global recognition, Pravas represents our ambition to showcase the richness of Indian whisky to travellers and enthusiasts across the world.” said Rakshit N. Jagdale Managing Director, Amrut Distilleries Tasting Notes Colour Deep golden honey with polished clarity. Nose A vibrant opening of lemon zest and bright citrus, grounded by delicate nuttiness. As the spirit breathes, it evolves into layers of soft dried fruits wrapped in dark chocolate, complemented by elegant notes of almond brittle and velvety vanilla cream. Palate Luxurious and richly textured, led by viscous honeyed syrup and creamy vanilla custard. The palate unfolds into almond-infused chocolate and concentrated dried fruit tones, balanced beautifully by sweet lemon tart and subtle spice. Velvety, structured, and exceptionally complex. Finish Long, elegant, and remarkably clean, leaving a sweet, lingering impression that invites another sip. (excerpt from a release) ,  TIGERFIRE Vodka, the French-crafted super-premium spirit co-founded by Sanjay Dutt and Paresh Ghelani, recently partnered with BMW Infinity Cars and BMW Navnit Motors to present an elevated interpretation of Mumbai nightlife through an exclusive multi-venue bar prowl across some of the city’s most coveted destinations.The evening unfolded across Bandra Born, Late Checkout, and AER Mumbai, with each venue offering its own distinct atmosphere while remaining connected through TIGERFIRE’s refined and immersive brand aesthetic.
At the core of the experience was the idea of movement and seamless luxury. The transfers between venues were transformed into curated moments of sophistication, reflecting a shared philosophy of performance, precision, and contemporary elegance. The partnership also highlighted responsible indulgence, with chauffeur-driven BMW vehicles ensuring guests experienced the night in both style and safety. A curated guest list of tastemakers, creators, and nightlife personalities documented the evening in real time, extending the experience beyond the venues themselves and into the cultural fabric of Mumbai’s luxury nightlife scene. The brand’s presence throughout the night remained subtle yet unmistakable. Signature TIGERFIRE vodka serves and thoughtfully integrated experiences complemented each venue organically, creating an atmosphere that felt polished, elevated, and authentic. Commenting on the collaboration, Badal Moradia, CEO of TIGERFIRE Vodka, said: “We want TIGERFIRE to be defined by the experiences enjoyed. We want to break the mold of what is to be expected. There are so many amazing restaurants in Mumbai that we knew we wanted to work with them to create a unique and unforgettable night. Our partnership with BMW helped bring it all together. The journey is just as important as the destination, and travelling in style through BMW’s line-up made the experience absolutely unforgettable.” |
Wine, Spirits & Bar Industry News from IndiaStay updated with the latest developments in India’s alcohol beverage industry. The Happy High shares news, product launches, bar openings, policy updates, global trends, and stories shaping the world of wine, whisky, spirits, and cocktail culture.  
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