The festive season calls for exceptional wines—bottles that elevate celebrations, complement indulgent meals, and mark moments worth remembering. The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards once again highlighted wines that resonate strongly with on-trade professionals, judged for quality, typicity, value, and real-world drinkability.

Curated below is a refined selection of the Top award-winning wines from around the world, spanning Double Gold and Gold Medal recipients. From celebratory Champagnes to expressive still wines, this list offers ideal choices for Christmas gatherings and New Year celebrations.

Double Gold Medal Winners (96–98 Points): The Ultimate Festive Icons

These top-tier wines stood out for their exceptional balance, precision, and versatility—perfect for gifting and grand celebrations.

1) Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2024 (France) – 98 Points

A refined Rhône rosé with freshness and depth, ideal for festive aperitifs and seafood starters.

2) Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (New Zealand) – 97 Points

Vibrant and aromatic, an excellent choice for Christmas lunches and light canapés.

3) Château Saint Roch Rosé 2024 (France) – 97 Points

Elegant and expressive, pairing beautifully with festive vegetarian dishes.

4) Larry Hyde Chardonnay 2021 (USA) – 97 Points

Rich yet restrained, a luxurious companion to roast poultry and creamy dishes.

5) Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay 2022 (USA) – 96 Points

A polished New World Chardonnay showcasing finesse and structure.

6) Herdade Paço do Conde Reserva Antão Vaz 2023 (Portugal) – 96 Points

A distinctive Iberian white with texture and warmth, perfect for winter menus.

7) Pinot Noir Wormsberg GG 2017 – Weingut Heitlinger (Germany) – 96 Points

Mature, complex, and ideal for celebratory dinners.

8) Riesling trocken 2023 – Weingut Korrell (Germany) – 96 Points

Crisp and precise, ideal for spiced festive dishes.

9) Blakeslee Vineyard Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 (USA) – 96 Points

Elegant and food-friendly, a holiday table classic.

10) JCB No. 44 Brut Premier Cru Champagne 2016 (France) – 96 Points

A celebratory Champagne crafted for New Year toasts.

11) Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (New Zealand) – 96 Points

Bright and expressive, perfect for relaxed holiday gatherings.

Gold Medal Winners (95 Points): Celebratory Excellence Across Styles

These wines offer outstanding quality and versatility, making them ideal for festive menus and gifting.

Sparkling & Champagne Highlights

1) Henriot Millésime 2014 (France)

2) Champagne Palmer Grands Terroirs 2015 (France)

3) Champagne Telmont Blanc de Noirs 2015

4) Champagne Telmont Vinothèque 2013

5) Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut Rosé 2019 (USA)

Festive Whites

1) Anhydrous Icon Assyrtiko 2022 (Greece)

2) FIDEM Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023 (USA)

3) Forthright Chardonnay 2019 (USA)

4) Jaraman Chardonnay 2024 (Australia)

Elegant Reds for Winter Feasts

1) King Estate Domaine Pinot Noir 2021 (USA)

2) Rutini Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019 (Argentina)

3) Il Campanile 2021 (Italy)

4) Veguin de Murua Gran Reserva 2016 (Spain)

5) Mérite Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Australia)

6) Mas Janeil Arrels 2020 (France)

High-Scoring 94-Point Wines: Diversity for Every Celebration

This group brings global diversity and outstanding value, ideal for large gatherings and curated wine lists.

Notable highlights include:

1) Grifi 2022 & Desiderio 2021 – Avignonesi (Italy)

2) Montiano 2020 – Famiglia Cotarella (Italy)

3) Martin Woods Chardonnay 2021 & Syrah 2022 (USA)

4) Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (USA)

5) Kelman Tinto 2019 (Portugal)

6) Bjornson Gamay Noir 2022 (USA)

7) The Landing Syrah 2022 (New Zealand)

8) Il Poggiolo Brunello di Montalcino 2019 (Italy)

9) Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir 2022 (USA)

10) Apollo’s Praise Dry Riesling 2024 (USA)

These wines offer flexibility across cuisines, from traditional Christmas roasts to modern festive menus. View all Winning wines.

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A Global Celebration in Every Glass

The top wines from the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards showcase the diversity, craftsmanship, and global excellence shaping today’s wine landscape. Whether you are planning a Christmas dinner, hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration, or selecting premium bottles for gifting, these wines deliver proven quality endorsed by sommeliers and trade buyers. From classic Champagnes to expressive New World wines and distinctive Old World icons, this curated selection ensures every festive moment is celebrated with confidence and style.

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