From Montmartre’s iconic Le Trianon to the show floors of Wine Paris, the V d’Or Business Awards by Vinexposium return to spotlight the ideas redefining wine and spirits. The 2026 nominees span education, innovation and sustainability—projects with real‑world impact and global relevance—culminating in a ceremony on February 8, 2026 and a three‑day showcase at Wine Paris (February 9–11, 2026). Readers can expect a celebration where fine dining by Yannick Alléno meets forward‑looking craftsmanship, and where today’s best practices set tomorrow’s standards.
V d’Or at a Glance: A Barometer for Global Wine & Spirits
Launched in 2024, the V d’Or recognizes excellence with tangible impact across the wine and spirits value chain. Open to professionals worldwide, the awards promote initiatives that connect like‑minded stakeholders, sustain terroirs and craftsmanship, and act as a reliable barometer of industry priorities. In 2026, the V d’Or will be showcased at Wine Paris, in front of more than 6,000 exhibitors and 60,000 trade visitors.
“This year’s nominees reflect the key forces driving our industry today — innovation, sustainability and education,” says Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium. “Their diversity and the quality of their initiatives show how many players are delivering practical answers addressing the evolution of wine, spirits and no‑low drinks.”
Ceremony Preview: Le Trianon, Michelin‑Starred Dining and Exclusive Pairings
Paris sets the stage at Le Trianon, the historic theatre in Montmartre, for an immersive culinary journey curated by Yannick Alléno, the world’s most Michelin‑starred chef. An exclusive selection of wine and spirits will accompany the menu, with details unveiled only during the ceremony, underscoring the event’s spirit of discovery and celebration.
The Jury: Seven International Experts, One Independent Voice
The V d’Or 2026 jury brings together seven respected figures from every corner of the wine and spirits world, ensuring independence, expertise and a truly global perspective: Honorary President Michel Chapoutier (M. Chapoutier, France); Christophe Juarez (Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne, France); Honore Comfort (Wine Institute & California Wines, USA); Mario Piccini (Piccini 1882, Italy); Nimmi Malhotra (Rosso Bianco, Singapore); Christian Wylie (Bodega Garzón, Uruguay); and François‑Xavier Desplancke (Belvedere Vodka, France). The panel blends respect for traditional craftsmanship with a drive to promote innovation, sustainability and shared interests across the sector.
Nominees 2026: Education, Innovation and Sustainability by Category
Education & Transmission – Wine: Building Skills for a Changing Market
- Nominees: ASI x Sommelier Association of Singapore; Austrian Wine Marketing Board; Comité Champagne (E‑Learning Champagne); Sonal Holland Academy x Wine & Spirit Education Trust; Wine Australia (Future Leaders).
Education & Transmission – Spirits: Preserving Heritage, Elevating Expertise
- Nominees: Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac; Centre International des Spiritueux; The Whisky Exchange.
Best Innovation – Wine: Formats, Tech and New Drinking Occasions
- Nominees: Agrafes Vitis 4.0; Baron Philippe de Rothschild; Delância; Pierre Chavin; SAS Ice Tropez.
Best Innovation – Spirits: Design, Sustainability and New Frontiers
- Nominees: Bodega Santa Maria Magdalena (Peru); Contagious x Feddie Ocean Distillery (Norway); Diageo x PA Consulting (United Kingdom).
Best Sustainability Initiative – Wine: Climate Action and Regenerative Viticulture
- Nominees: BA Glass (Portugal); California Wine Institute (Climate Action Toolkit, USA); Famille Perrin (France); Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (United Kingdom); The Porto Protocol (Portugal).
Best Sustainability Initiative – Spirits: Low Impact, Local Sourcing and Renewables
- Nominees: Clean Spirits (Denmark); Distillerie du Fjord (Canada); Suntory Global Spirits – Star Hill Farm Whisky (United States).
Jury’s Special Mention: Visionary Projects Beyond Category
- Nominees: Calvados Christian Drouin SAS (France); Bhutan Wine Company (Bhutan); Sustainability In Drinks (United Kingdom); Terra Vitis (France).
At Wine Paris: A Global Showcase for Best‑in‑Class Practices
For the first time, the V d’Or will be front and center at Wine Paris (February 9–11, 2026), reinforcing the awards’ mission to connect the international trade community and accelerate adoption of best‑in‑class practices.
