Innovation, transmission and sustainability: the V d’Or celebrate the projects driving the wine and spirits sector forward.

The V d’Or, Vinexposium’s Business Awards, return for their third edition. In 2026, the competition becomes more accessible with a clearer format, structured around three key categories that address the current challenges facing the wine and spirits sector. As the year-round ally to the global wine and spirits community, Vinexposium is committed to highlighting the projects and people driving progress — and to offering visibility beyond its events.

A commitment to the wine and spirits community Launched in 2024, the V d’Or aim to highlight the most impactful and responsible initiatives in the global wine and spirits ecosystem. By recognising innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable commitment, they provide all industry players — regardless of size or market — with a valuable platform for recognition.

“With the V d’Or, we reaffirm our mission to offer perspective to the industry by showcasing what it does best – today and in the future. We honour a sector that moves forward with commitment and clarity of vision. Vinexposium’s role goes beyond events: we support those professionals who are shaping new directions, new practices, and new models,” says Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium.

Three categories shaped by today’s industry priorities In 2026, five awards will be presented across three main categories, along with a Judging Panel’s Special Mention:

  • Best Sustainability Initiative V d’Or: two awards, one for wine and one for spirits, recognising initiatives that reduce environmental impact.
  • Best Education and Transmission V d’Or: two awards, one for wine and one for spirits, recognising projects that provides an in-person or online programme, or scheme committed to mentorship, education and skill transfer towards professionals within the world of wine and spirits.
  • Best Innovation V d’Or: a single award celebrating a creative and original approach — whether it be a product, service, campaign, market strategy, or event.

To be eligible, projects must have been launched or achieved tangible results since January 2024.

Timeline and Awards Ceremony Applications must be submitted via an online form by 2 October 2025. The composition of the judging panel, made up of leading industry figures, will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The shortlist will be announced in December 2025, and the winners will be revealed at the V d’Or Ceremony in Paris on 8 February 2026, in the presence of the leading voices in wine and spirits.

The 2025 V d’Or Winners Best Digital Strategy: Baron Philippe de Rothschild (France) Best New Product Strategy: Bdx le jus (France) Best Sustainability – Spirits: The Boatyard Distillery (Northern Ireland) Best Sustainability – Wine: The Catena Institute of Wine (Argentina) Best Education and Knowledge Sharing – Spirits: Campari Group (Italy) Best Education and Knowledge Sharing – Wine: The Gérard Basset Foundation C Bordeaux Mentor Week (United Kingdom) Judging Panel’s Special Mention – Sustainability: Vignerons Engagés (France)

For more information, visit the Vd’Orwebsite.