A Spectacular Evening: The Golden Vines Awards 2023

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The Golden Vines Awards 2023 was a star-studded event that celebrated the best in the wine and spirits industry, with winners including Sadie Family Wines, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, and Penfolds. The ceremony, held at the Opera Garnier in Paris, drew in nearly 1,000 professionals from 120 countries, including 27 Masters of Wine, 22 Master Sommeliers, and over 180 winemakers and wine merchants. Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines won the prestigious 2023 VistaJet Golden Vines World’s Best Rising Star Award for the second year in a row, solidifying his reputation as one of South Africa’s most celebrated winemakers.

What is the Golden Vines Awards 2023?

The Golden Vines Awards 2023 is a prestigious event that celebrates the achievements of the world’s leading wine and spirits professionals. The event, organized by Liquid Icons, brought together nearly 1,000 professionals from 120 countries, including 27 Masters of Wine, 22 Master Sommeliers, over 180 winemakers, wine press members, wine merchants, and Michelin-star sommeliers. The awards ceremony recognizes exceptional achievements in the wine and spirits industry, with winners including Sadie Family Wines, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, and Penfolds.

A Star-studded Event

The 2023 Golden Vines Awards, held at the breathtaking Opera Garnier in the heart of Paris, brought together the finest from the wine and spirits industries. This esteemed event, organized by Liquid Icons, drew in nearly 1,000 professionals from 120 countries, including 27 Masters of Wine, 22 Master Sommeliers, over 180 winemakers, wine press members, wine merchants, and Michelin-star sommeliers, all of whom boasted an average of 15 years of experience in the field.

Following a thorough, independent verification by Deloitte LLP, South Africa’s Sadie Family Wines claimed victory for the second year in a row, winning the prestigious 2023 VistaJet Golden Vines World’s Best Rising Star Award. This monumental accomplishment solidifies not only Swartland’s global prominence in the world of wine but also the esteemed reputation of Eben Sadie, one of South Africa’s most celebrated winemakers.

Exceptional Achievements

Three outstanding nominees secured All-Star status at this year’s event, earning top honors in their respective categories for the third consecutive year. Domaine de la Romanée Conti captured the 2023 Robb Report Golden Vines World’s Best Producer Award, Ridge Vineyards clinched the 2023 Golden Vines Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas Award, and Penfolds seized the 2023 Golden Vines Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World category.

Additional noteworthy winners included:

  • Golden Vines Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe: Germany’s Weingut Egon Müller
  • Gucci Golden Vines Sustainability Award: Italy’s Emidio Pepe
  • Casa Ferreirinha Golden Vines Innovation Award: University of California Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology
  • Inaugural Golden Vines World Best Rare Spirit Brand Award: The Macallan
  • Golden Vines Hall of Fame Award: Jancis Robinson OBE MW

All winners were presented with an exclusive trophy designed by renowned British visual artist and Golden Vines Creative Director Shantell Martin. These exceptional awards were crafted by Amorim Cork and embellished with commissioned artwork by French artist Jonathan Bréchignac for the 2023 ceremony.

Eben Sadie’s Winemaking Legacy

Eben Sadie, a renowned preservationist and pioneer among the new generation of South African winemakers, has crafted a highly coveted, albeit small, collection of wines. His creations, inspired by the Rhône and Spain, feature traditional local varietals sourced from old bush vines and the unique terroirs of the Swartland region.

Columella, Sadie’s long-ageing blend of Mediterranean red varietals, is perfectly suited to Swartland’s soils and oceanic climate. It is frequently hailed as South Africa’s premier red wine. Similarly, Palladius, a blend of Mediterranean white varietals, captures the essence of Swartland and boasts remarkable longevity. The annual limited release of the Old Vine Series has quickly become one of the most eagerly anticipated events since its inception.

The Golden Vines Awards serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment, ingenuity, and passion exhibited by the world’s leading wine and spirits professionals. This magnificent event highlights the critical importance of acknowledging and celebrating the incredible accomplishments of these individuals, whose contributions continue to elevate and shape the global wine industry.

Amidst such distinguished company, and beneath the sparkling chandeliers of the Opera Garnier, the 2023 Golden Vines Awards epitomized an evening of elegance and glamour. As this year’s festivities come to a close, anticipation is already growing for what is sure to be another unforgettable event in 2024.

1. What is the Golden Vines Awards 2023?

The Golden Vines Awards 2023 is a prestigious event that celebrates the achievements of the world’s leading wine and spirits professionals.

2. Who organizes the Golden Vines Awards?

The event is organized by Liquid Icons, a company that specializes in organizing events and publishing content related to fine wine and spirits.

3. Where was the 2023 Golden Vines Awards held?

The awards ceremony was held at the Opera Garnier in Paris, one of the most famous and beautiful opera houses in the world.

4. Who were the winners of the 2023 Golden Vines Awards?

Winners of the 2023 Golden Vines Awards included Sadie Family Wines, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, and Penfolds, among others.

5. Who won the 2023 VistaJet Golden Vines World’s Best Rising Star Award?

Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines won the prestigious 2023 VistaJet Golden Vines World’s Best Rising Star Award for the second year in a row, solidifying his reputation as one of South Africa’s most celebrated winemakers.

6. Who were the other notable winners of the 2023 Golden Vines Awards?

Other notable winners included Weingut Egon Müller, Emidio Pepe, the University of California Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, The Macallan, and Jancis Robinson OBE MW.

7. What is Eben Sadie’s winemaking legacy?

Eben Sadie is a renowned preservationist and pioneer among the new generation of South African winemakers. His highly coveted collection of wines feature traditional local varietals sourced from old bush vines and the unique terroirs of the Swartland region.

8. When is the next Golden Vines Awards?

The next Golden Vines Awards have not yet been announced, but anticipation is already growing for what is sure to be another unforgettable event.

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