We are delighted to share that Henschke has once again been named The Golden Vines ‘Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World’ (Australasia, Africa, Asia and Middle East) at The 2025 Golden Vines Awards Gala, held at Faena Forum in Miami on Saturday 8 November.
Sixth-generation winemaker and viticulturist Johann Henschke was in Miami to receive the award on behalf of the Henschke family.
“This is an award that honours every single contribution, from our vineyards to our winery, over the past 150 years and into the present. Belief and resilience have propelled our story forward through the generations and today allow us to craft unique wines from incredibly special vineyard sites in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills” Johann said.
The Golden Vines Awards were established in 2021 to support, honour and celebrate ‘the best of the best’ in the world of fine wine and rare spirits. Organised by Liquid Icons, The Golden Vines features an exceptional weekend of wine and spirit tastings, masterclasses, Michelin-starred gastronomy, award ceremonies, a live auction in partnership with Sotheby’s raising funds for The Gérard Basset Foundation, show-stopping performances from world class talent and money-can’t-buy experiences in the most stunning locations.
This year, The Golden Vines introduced its most sophisticated survey to date through the formation of the new Golden Vines Academy – a body composed exclusively of the world’s leading fine wine and spirits professionals. Membership of the Academy required exceptional credentials and extensive industry experience, setting a significantly higher bar for voting eligibility than in previous years. The 2025 voting cohort of 830 experts represented more than 100 countries and possessed an average of over 18 years of professional experience. Among them were 41 Masters of Wine, 31 Master Sommeliers, over 58 Advanced Sommeliers, 240 Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma holders (DipWSET), and 37 holders of the ASI Diploma. The survey results were independently verified by Deloitte LLP in accordance with the official voting rules published on the Liquid Icons website, ensuring the highest levels of credibility and transparency.
“The Golden Vines Awards continue to set the global standard for recognizing excellence in fine wine and spirits,” said Lewis Chester DipWSET, Co-Founder and CEO of Liquid Icons, the fine wine research and content production company founded by Lewis and his friend, the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS.
“This year’s winners represent not only the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship, but also innovation, sustainability, and leadership. It’s a privilege to bring the global fine wine and spirits community together in Miami to celebrate their extraordinary achievements, while also supporting the next generation of diverse talent through the work of The Gérard Basset Foundation.”
Winners:
The 2025 Golden Vines Frédéric Panaïotis Sustainability Award
Corison Winery, United States
The 2025 Golden Vines Grant Macdonald Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe Award
Weingut Egon Müller, Germany
The 2025 Golden Vines Akerman Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas Award
Harlan Estate, United States
The 2025 Golden Vines Maison Mura Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World Award (Australasia, Africa, Asia & Middle East)
Henschke, Australia
The 2025 Golden Vines Robb Report World’s Best Fine Wine Producer
Vega Sicilia, Spain
The 2025 Golden Vines Slate Aviation World's Best Rising Star Award
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, South Africa
The 2025 Golden Vines Amorim Cork Innovation Award
Rosa Kruger, The Old Vine Project, South Africa
The 2025 Golden Vines Gérard Basset Foundation Hall of Fame Award
Jean Trimbach, France
The 2025 Golden Vines Bacchus World's Best Rare Spirit Brand Award
The Macallan, Scotland
Each winner received a trophy created by the innovative American artist Jen Stark, designed under the guidance of Trophy Creative Director Shantell Martin. Inspired by the precision of both artistry and winemaking, the trophy was gifted in a custom-crafted trunk.
During the award ceremony hosted by David Ajala, guests were treated to Michelin-starred cuisine curated by the culinary geniuses behind SingleThread Farm, three Michelin-starred Kyle Connaughton and head farmer Katrina Connaughton. Fine wines and spirits served included Château d’Yquem 2022, Château Lafite Rothschild 1989 (Imperial), Colgin IX Estate 2005 (Magnum), Dom Pérignon P2 2008, Dom Pérignon Rosé 2010, Il Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie Riserva 2013 (Magnum) and Hennessy Paradis. Musical entertainment included a performance by rising British-American artist Aiyana-Lee.
For detailed information regarding The Golden Vines award winners and the celebration weekend itinerary, visit: liquidicons.com/work/the-golden-vines-awards
