The wine industry witnessed a momentous occasion with the inaugural Vinexposium Business Awards, V d’Or, held in Paris on February 11th, marking a significant milestone in recognizing innovation and excellence within the sector. This prestigious event preceded the highly anticipated Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris trade show scheduled from February 12th to 14th, drawing industry professionals from around the globe to celebrate outstanding achievements.

 

The glittering awards ceremony unfolded at the distinguished Pavillon Gabriel in Paris, where industry luminaries congregated for an evening of accolades and festivity, eager to learn the winners across diverse categories that showcased the industry's diverse talents and initiatives.

 

Among the standout winners was Tastee by Winespace, a groundbreaking venture from France, which clinched the coveted Best New Business Solution V d’Or award, underscoring its innovative approach to addressing industry challenges. Meanwhile, Mallard Point, a gin brand hailing from the UK, was honored with the title of Best Eco-Friendly Market Launch V d’Or, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainability within the industry.

 

Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, lauded the awards as a testament to the wine industry's commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. He emphasized the awards' role in fostering excellence while preserving terroir for future generations, echoing the industry's collective dedication to environmental stewardship.

 

In recognition of initiatives honoring heritage, The Old Vine Registry by The Old Vine Conference (UK and US) received acclaim for Best Heritage Initiative. Celebrated for its international scope and cultural significance, the registry emerged as a symbol of the industry's rich history and heritage.

 

Elevating the importance of consumer engagement, Creation Wines from South Africa was honored with the title of Best Brand Experience, showcasing the power of immersive and compelling interactions. Additionally, the collaborative efforts of WWF Portugal and Wines of Alentejo were celebrated with the award for Best Joint Initiative, highlighting their strides towards sustainability.

 

The judges bestowed special recognition, Coups de Coeur, upon Vigno from Chile and RedWine by Avipe from Portugal, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to the industry and innovative approaches to winemaking.

 

Michael Chapoutier, chairman of the V d’Or Committee, commended the industry's dynamic personalities and their relentless pursuit of ambitious projects. He underscored the awards' role in celebrating the energy and enthusiasm driving innovation within the wine world, inspiring future generations to continue pushing boundaries.

 

The Vinexposium Business Awards, V d’Or, served as a beacon of excellence, reflecting the industry's resilience, creativity, and commitment to advancement. As the wine community evolves, these awards stand as a testament to its unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, inspiring a new era of progress and achievement.