<p>Graham Beck Brut NV recently scored the top accolade in the only EU-certified wine competition in Sweden, the Vinordic Wine Challenge (held in Stockholm every year). This Cap Classique sparkling wine was deemed the best sparkling wine out of all wines tasted (Champagnes not included in this class).    </p>

Every year, the Union of French Oenologists organises one of the most prestigious competitions in the wine world. Over 5 days, the jury members, all experts in sensorial analysis, gather together each morning under the presidency of a French wine specialist, to blind taste wines from all four corners of the world. Last year, over 3,500 bottles were tasted. Boosted by the competition’s high renown, the medal-winning bottles are sold throughout the world and are highly appreciated both by distributors and consumers.

Although they didn’t know it when they were bumping around in the bed of a pickup truck, rolling through the vineyards of Livermore Valley, the 4th generation Wentes, Eric, Philip and Carolyn, were learning everything they needed to know about winegrowing. “My grandfather (Ernest) and Dad (Karl) were always picking my brothers and me up and driving around the vineyard,” says Carolyn Wente, now CEO of Wente Family Estates. “They would tell us about the vineyards, the vines, the pests, the soil, everything. While we were learning, it was always fun.” This is a large part of what defines the Wente family legacy – generation after generation, they taught each other and benefited from the experiences of their predecessors.<br />

At a Berliner Wein Trophy, many different wines or spirits, which have been submitted by vintners and importers, are tasted by an independent international jury of experts in private and awarded points. On the fourth day, the coveted medals will be awarded: Berlin Silver, Berlin Gold, and Berlin Premium Gold.

 Vinibuoni d’Italia is the only Italian wine guide to assign awards for environmental care.

Union Espanola de Catadores has just released the results of the 2016 Baco National Tasting Competition of Young Wines and awarded David Tofterup best winemaker of the year!