Angelo Gaja in the “Hall of Fame”, Giacomo Conterno No. 1 in Europe: Italy at “Golden Vines” 2026

From Angelo Gaja, one of the great names of Italian wine worldwide and a symbol of the Langhe, Barbaresco and beyond, the quintessential “artisan” of Italian wine and one of the country most admired producers globally, inducted into the “Golden Vines Hall of Fame” for his extraordinary contribution to the sector and for the pivotal role he played in bringing Piedmontese wines to international prominence; to Giacomo Conterno, the winery now led by Roberto Conterno, a true icon of Italian winemaking and the birthplace of the legendary Barolo Monfortino, named “Best Fine Wine Producer” in Europe and thus recognized as the leading winery on the Old Continent, in an award celebrating Europe foremost producers and estates that demonstrate exceptional quality and excellence. These are among the main accolades earned by Italy at the prestigious “Golden Vines” 2026, an event launched in 2021 to honor and celebrate absolute excellence in the world of fine wines and rare spirits. The awards, determined through voting by The Golden Vines Academy, bring together each year some of the wine world most influential producers, collectors and industry leaders for a three-day celebration dedicated to fine wine, gastronomy and philanthropy. In partnership with the Gérard Basset Foundation, The Golden Vines aims to “promote greater diversity and inclusion across the global wine, spirits and hospitality industries,” according to an official statement, with all proceeds from the event auction donated directly to the Foundation.
The awards ceremony took place on November 7th at London historic Banqueting House. Among the winners, alongside Angelo Gaja and Giacomo Conterno, special recognition went to Spain Vega Sicilia, owned by the Álvarez family and one of the most important names in the international wine world. The estate won the “Vino de Franciscus World Best Fine Wine Producer” award for the third consecutive year, further cementing its position among the world most prestigious wine estates and earning “All-Star” status in its category. From South Africa, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines received the “Robb Report World Best Rising Star” award for the second time, recognizing emerging wine producers making a significant impact on the global stage. Also from South Africa, The Sadie Family Wines was named “Best Fine Wine Producer” in the “Rest of the World category”. Argentina renowned Bodega Catena Zapata was named Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas, while Japan The Yamazaki received the award for World Best Rare Spirits Brand. Sweden Star Wine List was honored for innovation, and Portugal Symington Family Estates, a historic Port wine producer, received recognition for sustainability.
Now in its edition No. 6, the “Golden Vines Awards” are presented by the “Golden Vines Academy”, a global community of nearly 1,300 leading professionals in the fine wine and rare spirits sectors, including sommeliers, merchants, critics, educators, industry experts and long-standing collectors. The awards recognize achievements across nine categories, celebrating both the established names that have shaped the industry and those influencing its future. Beyond honoring its winners, “The Golden Vines” once again brought together the international fine wine community in support of a broader philanthropic mission. The “Golden Vines” 2026 charity auction raised 1.1 million pounds for the Gérard Basset Foundation, helping expand access and opportunities for individuals from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the wine, spirits and hospitality industries.
The auction featured an extraordinary selection of rare wines from private collections and exclusive experiences, generously donated by leading wine producers and some of the world most prestigious luxury maisons, attracting bids from collectors and philanthropists across the globe. Italy, as previously reported by WineNews, played a leading role through many of its most prominent wineries, whose contributions helped raise funds for the charitable cause. Among the standout results, there was Il Marroneto, owned by Alessandro and Jacopo Mori and one of Montalcino benchmark estates, which raised 20,000 pounds. The lot offered by Biondi-Santi Tenuta Greppo, the historic birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino and now part of the French group Epi, raised 12,500 pounds. Ornellaia, an iconic name of Tuscany and beyond, and Emidio Pepe, the winery that helped shape the history of wine in Abruzzo, each attracted bids of 10,500 pounds. The Dom Pérignon lot, representing one of France most celebrated Champagne houses, achieved 75,000 pounds, making it the highest-priced wine lot of the auction. The highest bid overall, however, was 125,000 pounds for a private jet travel experience donated by Slate Aviation, featuring exclusive luxury experiences and private catering across the United States and the Caribbean aboard a Challenger 850. With total fundraising across its various editions now approaching 6 million pounds, Golden Vines directly supports scholarships, grants and mentorship programs designed to transform lives and nurture the next generation of talent in the wine, spirits and hospitality sectors.
“The “Golden Vines Awards” - explains Lewis Chester, co-founder and ceo of Liquid Icons - were created to recognize those who define the standards of excellence in the worlds of fine wine and rare spirits, and this year winners are a remarkable reflection of that purpose. From producers who have shaped the history of their regions over decades to those who are setting new benchmarks of excellence today, the results demonstrate the strength and breadth of our industry. What makes Golden Vines truly unique is its ability to turn recognition into something enduring. The generosity shown during this year charity auction will enable the Gérard Basset Foundation to continue its essential work, creating new opportunities and supporting the future of an industry that we care deeply about”.
The edition No. 6 marked a return to London, the city where Golden Vines was founded in 2021, bringing together leading figures from the worlds of fine wine, rare spirits, gastronomy and philanthropy for three days of exclusive tastings, masterclasses and culinary experiences. The celebrations culminated in the “Golden Vines Awards” Gala at Banqueting House, featuring a menu created by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, who oversees several acclaimed restaurants, including the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume, alongside an exclusive performance by British singer Craig David. Attention now turns to Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, which will host the “Golden Vines Awards” 2027.