The Wine Festival strives to showcase the excellence of Hungarian and international wines year after year, following different themes. Our program, All Stars, is dedicated to introducing the public to wines that have performed successfully in this year’s international wine competitions.
It serves as a guide for anyone to visit and taste wines recognized and highly rated by international expert juries. In our recommendations, priority is always given to wines that have won medals at Hungary’s only international wine competition, the VinAgora International Wine Competition, as the medals won there are a guarantee of quality. However, the winners of other prestigious international events also appear here and now.
VinAgora International Wine Competition
Hungary’s only internationally accredited wine competition was held for the 26th time this year. The international jury, composed of 70 members from 16 countries, evaluated 929 samples in a blind tasting. Based on the finalized scoring thresholds, the top 30% of wines received medals in accordance with the award distribution rules: 83 Silver, 187 Gold, 15 Grand Gold, and 7 Champion awards were presented. In addition, several special prizes were awarded based on the wines’ outstanding performance.
Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA)
Now in its 23rd year, the DWWA is considered the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. This year, 152 Hungarian wines achieved commendable results. Renowned for its strict judging process, internationally acclaimed jury, and high medal standards, the DWWA remains one of the most respected competitions globally.
Challenge International du Vin
As one of the pioneers among French international wine competitions, the Challenge International du Vin is one of the most prestigious contests in the world. Its professionalism and expertise are highly regarded by both producers and consumers. Each tasting panel is composed of four members: a technician, a producer, a distributor, and an informed consumer. This year, Hungary was awarded 22 medals.
Berliner Wein Trophy
Since coming under the patronage of the OIV in 2004, the Berliner Wein Trophy has become Germany’s most significant international wine competition and the largest OIV-recognized wine contest worldwide, with over 14,000 entries registered for its summer and winter tastings. At this year’s summer edition, Hungarian wines earned nearly 200 medals—approximately 10% of all medals awarded.
Vinalies Internationales
At this renowned French wine competition with over 30 years of history, a jury of 120 experts evaluated wines from 33 countries, awarding medals to 806 entries. Hungary proudly brought home 16 medals from this year’s event.
Mundus Vini Spring Tasting
At the spring edition of the competition, nearly 250 wine experts from 55 countries gathered for a six-day tasting in the traditional Saalbau venue in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, at the heart of Germany’s second-largest wine region, the Pfalz. The event offers valuable insight into the newly released vintages entering the market. Samples from 37 countries were evaluated, and Hungarian wines received 37 medals in the 2025 spring edition.
International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC)
This prestigious competition receives thousands of entries annually, judged by a professional panel of 120 experts, including over 20 Masters of Wine and numerous Master Sommeliers. At this year’s spring edition, wines from 38 countries received awards, with Hungary earning 8 medals.
International Wine Challenge (IWC)
One of the world’s leading wine competitions, the UK-based IWC has been held since 1984 and celebrated its 41st edition in 2025. Wines from 40 countries earned medals this year, with Hungary proudly achieving 24 awards.
GROW du Monde is the largest global wine competition dedicated exclusively to Olaszrizling (also known as Welschriesling). This year, it evolved into a multi-day event series, starting on June 7 in Novi Sad and concluding a week later with the Grašac Festival in Belgrade. Wines competed across six categories for prestigious awards. Of the 255 entries, 187 wines received medals, including 12 Platinum Awards—four of which were further honored with the highest distinction, the Trophy (a fifth Trophy emerged from a Gold-winning wine). In total, 5 Trophy and 1 Special Prize-winning wines reached the podium. The medals were distributed as follows: 48 Gold, 60 Silver, and 66 Bronze. Hungary earned 1 Platinum, 1 Trophy, 17 Gold, 18 Silver, and 19 Bronze medals
Let’s take a look at the wines! (Soon)
