BWW - Best Wine of the World competition

BWW is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines, the number of consumers involved or the judges taking part. Since 2018 BWW Competition has received over 16 million public votes.

The FINALS OF THE 2025 Competition will start 10/2024

World's Best Wine Critics Announced:
BWW2024 Reveals Top Wine Critics - a total of 1.6 million votes were cast!

The wait is over as the spotlight shines on the crème de la crème of the wine world – the esteemed wine critics chosen in the BWW2024 (Best Wine Critic of the World) competition. This unique event stands alone as the ultimate platform for recognizing the globe's finest wine critics, where the victors are determined through a democratic process of voting on tastingbook.com.
 
Every tastingbook.com user had the power to cast one vote, making the selection process democratic and inclusive. With 80% of the voters being wine professionals, the results are a testament to the current perceptions of critic expertise, impartiality, and integrity within the wine community.
This year's competition witnessed an unprecedented surge in participation, with over 1.6 million votes pouring in from 112 countries. The race was fiercely competitive, with the top spot changing hands multiple times throughout the voting period.
 
Jancis Earns World's Best Title Deservedly!

Claiming the title of the world's best critic is none other than the illustrious Jancis Robinson MW from United Kingdom. Renowned for her illustrious career and unwavering impartiality, Robinson's victory resonates worldwide. Surprisingly, over 70% of her votes hailed from outside Europe, particularly from America, underscoring her global appeal.

Markus del Monego MW Steps Into the Spotlight!
 
In a surprising turn of events, the second-place spot went to Markus del Monego MW, a German critic who also holds the title of World's Best Sommelier. Del Monego's clear and professional reviews, coupled with his down-to-earth approach, garnered widespread acclaim. His victory was particularly celebrated by the tastingbook community, as he has been a trusted member on the platform since its inception. The majority of his votes, 75%, came from Europe, with the remainder from Asia and America.
 
Securing the third-place position is Korean American Wine Critic Jeannie Cho Lee MW. Lee's comprehensive and professional wine assessments earned her high praise, with a significant portion of her votes originating from Asia and America.

Erin Larkin Surprisingly Tops as Australia's Wine Critic!
 
In this very male-dominated field, women performed exceptionally well in this year's competition, claiming the top spots in rankings 1, 3, 6, 12, and 13. Australian wine critic Erin Larkin, making her debut in the competition, surprised many by outshining established Australian critics and securing the 12th position. Larkin, the youngest finalist, recently joined Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, having been a part of tastingbook for 8 years.
 
Other notable climbers include French critic Michel Bettane (4), Swedish critic Richard Juhlin (9), American critic Jeff Leve (10), German critic Axel Probst (15), and Danish critic Izak Litwar (22). However, some well-known critics experienced a decline in rankings compared to previous years, indicating a shifting landscape in the world of wine criticism.
 
As independent critics emerge triumphant in 2024, tastingbook had the opportunity to interview the award recipients on the challenges of being a critic, their influences, and the role of artificial intelligence in future wine assessments. Their insightful responses are featured alongside their introductions.
 
Tastingbook extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists, each of whom has earned their place among the best of the best. Cheers to their continued contributions to the world of wine criticism!

BWW 2023 – The Best Wine of the World have been selected – Jeb Dunnuck is the surprise Winner!

BWW – The Best Wine of The World Competition is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines or consumers involved or the judges taking part. Besides annual ranking of the best wines from over 20,000 different wines, the BWW competition also ranks the best wine shops and best wine critics based. Since 2018, BWW competition has received over 9 million votes.

Tastingbook.com's international pro members – wine importers, sommeliers, wine merchants and wine producers around the world – have listed anonymously the wine critics who they consider should be on the Top 50 Wine Critic list in BWW2022.

The competition was very tight again this year. There was only 5,000 votes’ difference between the winner and the least voted critic in the final, and difference between the top three, Jeb Dunnuck, Jancis Robinson MW and James Suckling, was just under 1,000 votes.
Independent wine critics were particularly successful. In addition to Jeb Dunnuck, there was several independent wine critics among the top 20 list – e.g., Jeannie Cho Lee MW, Allen Meadows, Markus del Monego MW, Tim Atkin MW, Richard Juhlin, Jeff Leve, Axel Probst, Andrew Caillard MW and Luca Gardini.

In BWW2022, the Best Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Jeb Dunnuck.

"I'm honored to be acknowledged, and I'd like to say thank you to all who voted in the competition. We're a young company, but the team at JebDunnuck.com has put in an incredible amount of work over the past five years. We continue to grow, and I believe the best is yet to come. Knowing that there were over 340,000 votes cast means a lot. I'm also happy to see many independent critics on the list. There's an unfortunate trend in wine criticism today that finds too many well-known publications on the trade's payroll. This rightly erodes trust and does lasting damage to the industry. Wine criticism exists to help consumers find wines they like, but this requires consumers to know and trust the person (not the publication) writing the reviews. I would again like to thank you for acknowledging our contributions, and I wish you all the best in wine and life.” – Jeb Dunnuck”

The Best Wine Critic of the World -competition is part of the BWW2022 – the Best Wine of the

World Competition, which was held in the world's largest wine information service –

tastingbook.com.

The 50 shortlisted wine critics received in total 314,126 votes from wine professionals and wine

lovers from 63 countries during the public voting period.

Other prestigious awards:

The Best Burgundy Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Allen Meadows (www.burghound.com)

The Best Rhône Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Jeb Dunnuck (jebdunnuck.com)

The Best Champagne Critic of the World -title was awarded to Richard Juhlin (www.champagneclub.com)

The Best Italy Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Luca Gardini (www.gardininotes.com)

The Best Spain Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to José Peñin (www.guiapenin.wine)

The Best Port Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Axel Probst (www.worldofport.de)

The Best Germany Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Markus del Monego MW (www.tastetainment.de)

The Best Austria Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Peter Moser (www.falstaff.com)

The Best Napa Valley Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Antonio Galloni (www.vinous.com)

The Best Australia Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to James Halliday (www.winecompanion.com.au)

BWW 2021 - Best Wines of World have been selected – Château Mouton Rothschild is the Winner!

BWW – Best Wine of the World Competition is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines, the number of consumers involved or the judges taking part.

The BWW 2021competition was held in the world's largest wine information service - tastingbook.com. 20,4675 wines received in total over 3 million votes from 190,000 wine professionals and wine lovers from 115 countries during the three months voting period.

After the voting period, only 100 most voted wines in six different categories remained in the Finals, organized in December 2020. The six main categories included red wine, white wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, fortified wine, and champagne. Under each category, the best wines were also awarded according to price level and country categories.

In the Finals the wines were evaluated and ranked two different times as blind by the jury of Tastingbook.com Professionals (selected Judges from over 11 000 Pros: Wine writes, bloggers, MW's. Wine dealers etc.)

The Title above all categories - The Best Wine of the World 2021 - was awarded to the wine that won the highest scores in the Finals.

In BWW Competition 2021, the Best Wine of the World -title was awarded to the Château Mouton Rothschild 2018, Bordeaux, France.

”Mouton 2018 conveys all the unique personality of its site, along with the depth and richness of the vintage. We are delighted and proud that it shined and was recognized at such a level during the blind tasting finals."

Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy /Directeur des Propriétés / Baron Philippe de Rothschild, S.A

The Best Winery of the World -title was awarded to the Penfolds, Australia.

“We’re very proud and grateful to receive these awards in the world’s largest wine
competition The Best Wine of the World (BWW) Competition 2021 - in not one but five categories! This acknowledgement is a testament to the hard work of our Penfolds team – who strive to deliver excellence through innovation & experimentation – finessing 177 years of knowledge into every bottle. This year Grange celebrates its 70th Anniversary - so what a terrific way to start 2021! Peter Gago, Chief Winemaker of Penfolds

Other Winners of the main categories are:

Best White Wine of the World: Winner: Penfolds Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay 2018 (Australia) Best Champagne of the World: Winner: Rare Champagne 2008 (Champagne, France)
Best Red Wine of the World: Winner Winner: Château Mouton Rothschild 2018 (Bordeaux, France)

Best Sparkling Wine of the World: Winner: Fontanafredda Contessa Rosa Alta Langa Rosé 2014 (Piedmont, Italy)
Best Rosé Wine of the World: Winner: Ixsir Grande Réserve Rosé 2018 (Mount Bekaa, Lebanon) Best Sweet Wine of the World: Winner: Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese 2018 (Rheingau, Germany)

Best Port Wine of the World: Winner: Niepoort Vintage Port 2017 (Douro, Portugal)
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the World: Bond St Eden 2015 (Napa Valley, USA)
Best Merlot Wine of the World: Masseto 2015 (Tuscany, Italy)
Best Pinot Noir Wine of the World: Armand Rousseau Chambertin 2014 (Burgundy, France) Best Champagne House of the World: Winner: Champagne Piper-Heidsieck (France)

Best New Winery of the World: Winner: Promontory (Napa Valley, USA)
Best Winemaker of the World: Winner: Cory Empting (Harlan Estate / Bond / Promontory)

”Cory Empting and his fabulous team (to whom he would be the first to give the credit) are the common thread in seeking to elaborate the purest expressions of the distinctive character of each of our diverse vineyard sites. His intuitive, thoughtful approach and strong leadership reflect a deep respect for tradition as well as an openness to innovation.
Don Weaver / Director, Harlan Estate

Other 250 winners can be found at www.tastingbook.com

The Best Wine Critic of the World -competition is part of the BWW2020 - Best Wine of the World Competition, which was held in the world's largest wine information service - tastingbook.com. 

 Tastingbook.com's international pros members - wine writers, sommeliers, wine merchants and wine producers around the world, have listed anonymously the wine critics who they consider should be on the BWW2020 - Top 50 Wine Critic list. 

The 50 shortlisted wine critics received in total 218,966 votesfrom wine professionals and wine lovers from 56 countries during the voting period.

 In BWW Competition 2020, the Best Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Neal Martin. 

 "Thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Best Wine Critic Competition, not least since many of the votes are cast by fellow wine professionals. Although by definition a competition, everyone that contributes towards communicating about wine has something to offer and is fighting the same cause - to encourage more people to drink well. That is more important today than ever in the shadow of proposed import tariffs and ever-stronger anti-alcohol lobbyists. Despite these immediate challenges, wine has been enjoyed for thousands of years and it will be enjoyed for thousands more. - Neal Martin(Senior Editor - Vinous)"

 Other prestigious Critics Awards:

-the Best Bordeaux Wine Critic of the World-title was awarded to Michel Bettane. 

-the Best Burgundy Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Allen Meadows.

-the Best Rhône Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Jeb Dunnuck.

-the Best Alsace Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Stephan Reinhardt.

-the Best Champagne Critic of the World -title was awarded to Richard Juhlin.

-the Best Italy Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to James Suckling.

-the Best Spain Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to José Peñin.

-the Best Port Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Axel Probst.

-the Best Germany Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to David Schildknecht.

-the Best Austria Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Peter Moser.

-the Best South Africa Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to John Platter.

-the Best Napa Valley Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to James Laube.

-the Best Australia Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Andrew Caillard MW

The TOP 20 Wine Critics list with more information can be found at www.tastingbook.com

BWW- Best Wine of the World 2018 Competition's Winners have been selected - the Best Wine in the World is Masseto 2009.

 BWW-The Best Wine of the World-competition is by far the toughest wine competition on this planet. Unlike any other industry competition, only 1% of the wines involved will be awarded.

The BWW 2018 competition was held in the world's largest wine information service - tastingbook.com. 18,477 wines received in total 2,354,989 votes from 416,000 wine professionals and wine lovers from 116 countriesduring the three months voting period.

 After the voting period, only 100 most voted wines in seven different categories remained in the Finals, organized in January 2019. The seven main categories included red wine, white wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, fortified wine, champagne and Wine Critic. 

 In the Finals the wines were evaluated and ranked two different times as blind by the panels of Tasting Book Professionals (selected Judges from over 7000 Pros: Wine writes, bloggers, MW's. Wine makers etc.)

 The six main wine categories included red wine, white wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, fortified wine and champagne categories. Under each category, the best wines were also awarded according to price level and country categories. 

 The Title above all categories - The Best Wine of the World 2018 - was awarded to the wine that won the highest scores in the Finals.

 In BWW Competition 2018, the Best Wine of the World -title was awarded to the Masseto 2009, Tuscany, Italy.

 The Best White Wine of the World -title was awarded to the Joseph Drouhin Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche 2010, Burgundy, France

 “It is without saying that winning the Trophy of Best White Wine of the World is an immense satisfaction. We, as a Team, feel very honoured and would like to thank the wine professionals for their vote. The relationship between our two families, Laguiche and Drouhin, goes back to 1947. Complex, refined, elegant with exceptional flavours and texture the Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche is truly an iconic wine showing the unique soul of its soil” Veronique Boss Drouhin

 Other Winners of the main categories are:

Best Winery of the World:Winner: Niepoort

Best Champagne of the World: Winner: Dom Perignon 2002, Champagne, France

Best Wine Critic of the world: Winner: Jancis Robinson

Best Champagne of the World: Winner: Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006

 Best Sparkling Wine of the World: Winner: Brundlmayer Brut Rosé

 Best Rosé Wine of the World: Winner: Château de la Soujeole Malepère 2017

 Best Sweet Wine of the World: Winner: Château d' Yquem 2009

 Best Port Wine of the World: Winner: Niepoort Vintage Port 2015

 Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the World: Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

 Best Merlot Wine of the World: Petrus 2011

 Best Pinot Noir Wine of the World: Armand Rousseau Chambertin 2009

 Other 150 winners and prizes can be found at www.tastingbook.com

www.bwwcompetition.com.

BWW- Best Wine of the 1980’s -Competition's winners have been selected!

The winner is Sassicaia 1985

First time ever, a whole decade was included in to the BWW-competition. Results of the largest 1980’s tasting in this century were surprising – the best wine of the 1980’s comes from Italy.

 In the Finals, 250 best wines from vintages 1980-1989, chosen by tastingbook.com and FINE Wine Magazine'swine professionals, were evaluated and ranked as blind by the panels of 24 professionals coming from Australia, India, USA, UK, Germany, Lithuania, Norway and Finland (selected Judges from over 8000 tastingbook.com pros: wine writers, bloggers, MW's. wine makers etc.)

 The Best Wine of the 1980’s -title was given to the Sassicaia 1985

“No wine has ever been as great as this from Sassicaia, and it is one of the best wines Italy has ever produced.”James Suckling 100 points

“I had this wine in a blind tasting - I have had it frequently, and have never failed to give it a perfect rating. A monumental Cabernet Sauvignon, it is one of the greatest wines made this century.  Robert Parker 100 points

 Other Winners of the main categories are:

Best Red Wine of the 1980’s: Winner: Sassicaia 1985, Tuscany, Italy

Best White Wine of the 1980’s: Winner: Domainede laRomanée-Conti Montrachet 1986, Burgundy, France

Best Champagne of the 1980’s: Winner: Dom Pérignon P3 Rosé 1988, Champagne, France

Best Fortified Wine of the 1980’s: Winner: Quinta do Noval Nacional 1982, Douro, Portugal

Best Sweet Wine of the 1980’s: Winner: Châteaud´Yquem 1986, Sauternes, France

All the winners, TOP 100 list and prizes can be found at www.tastingbook.com

BWW – Best Wine of the World-competition is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines, the number of consumers involved or the judges taking part. BWW is also by far the toughest wine competition on this planet. Unlike any other industry competition, only 1% of the wines involved will be awarded. 

BWW 2018 - Best Wine Critics of World have been selected – Jancis Robinson MW is the Winner!

BWW-The Best Wine of the World-competition is by far the toughest wine competition on this planet. Unlike any other industry competition, only 1% of the wines involved will be awarded.

 The BWW competition was held in the world's largest wine information service - tastingbook.com. 18,477 wines received in total 2,354,989 votes from 416,000 wine professionals and wine lovers from 116 countries during the three months voting period.

 After the voting period, only 100 most voted wines in six different categories remained in the Finals, organized in January 2019. The six main categories included red wine, white wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, fortified wine, champagne and Wine Critic. 

In BWW Competition 2018, the Best Wine Critic of the World -title was awarded to Jancis Robinson MW. 

 "I feel extremely honoured to have been recognised by so many wine professionals around the world, particularly when the competition is so extremely strong. And I’m thrilled to see that my JancisRobinson.com colleague Julia Harding MW is also highly valued. 

I think all of us who write about wine know that, however enviable our work seems, it is increasingly demanding, even if always rewarding. Here’s to wine! And of course, to the organisers of this poll.”Jancis Robinson MW

 TOP 20 Best Wine Critics are:

1. Jancis Robinson MW 

2. Jeannie Cho Lee MW 

3. James Suckling

4. Antonio Galloni

5. Neal Martin

6. Michel Bettane

7. Allen Meadows

8. Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

9. Tim Atkin MW

10. Richard Juhlin

11. Andrew Caillard MW

12. Eric Asimov

13. Julia Harding MW

14. Markus Del Monego MW

15. René Gabriel

16. Jeff Leve

17. José Peñin

18. Christer Byklum

19. Jeremy Oliver

20. Robert Parker

Most voted wines of the main categories are:

Most voted Red Wine of the World: Winner:Hill of Grace 2013, Henschke, Australia

Most votedWhite Wine of the World:  Winner: Montrachet2009, Ramonet, France

Most votedChampagne of the World: Winner: Dom Pérignon 2008, France

Most voted Sparkling Wine of the World: Winner:Original Sparkling Shiraz N.V, Seppelt, Australia

Most voted Fortified Wine of the World:Winner:Graham’s Vintage Port 2016, Portugal

Most votedRosé Wine of the World: Winner: Boat Shed Nebbiolo Rosé, Longview, Australia

Most votedSweet Wine of the World: Winner: Château d’ Yquem 2011, France

The TOP 50 Wine Critics and 1000 Most voted wines -lists can be found at www.tastingbook.com

BWW is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines, the number of consumers involved or the judges taking part.

BWW- Best Wine of the World 2017 Competition Winners have been selected - the Best wine in the world is Harlan Estate 2013.

BWW-The Best Wine of the World-competition is by far the toughest wine competition on this planet. Unlike any other industry competition, only 1% of the wines involved will be awarded.

The BWW competition was held in the world's largest wine information service - Tastingbook.com. Over 22,500 wines received in total 1,333,896 votes from 620,000 wine professionals and wine lovers from 105 countries during the three month voting period.

After the voting period, only 180 most voted wines in six different categories remained in the Finals, organized in January 2018.

In the Finals the wines were evaluated and ranked three different times as blind by the panels of Tasting Book Professionals (selected Judges from over 7000 Pros: Wine writers, bloggers, MW's. Wine makers etc.)

The six main categories included red wine, white wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, fortified wine and champagne. Under each category, the best wines were also awarded according to price level and country.

In BWW Competition 2017, the Best Wine of the World title was awarded to Harlan Estate 2013 - Napa Valley / California, USA.

"The family and the team at Harlan Estate are humbled and honored to receive this honor. It is gratifying to be recognized for doing something you love.”  Bill Harlan, the Owner of the Harlan Estate.

Other Winners of the main categories are:

Best Winery of the World: E.Guigal, Rhône, France

Best Red Wine of the World: Winner Harlan Estate 2013, Napa Valley, United States

Best White Wine of the World:  Winner: E.Guigal Ex-Voto Ermitage Blanc 2013, Rhône, France

Best Champagne of the World: Winner: Dom Perignon 2002, Champagne, France

Best Sparkling Wine of the World: Winner: Bisol Private Cartizze Valdobbiadene Superiore Non Dosato N.V, Veneto, Italy

Best Fortified Wine of the World: Winner: Graham’s Vintage Port 2011, Douro, Portugal

Best Sweet Wine of the World: Winner: Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg TBA 2016, Rheingau, Germany

Best Wine Critic of the World: James Suckling, United States

All the winners and prizes can be found at www.tastingbook.com

BWW is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines, the number of consumers involved or the judges taking part.

 BWW warmly welcomes all vineyards to enter their wine for the 2018 competition.
Registration is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable in the business. 
Registration will begin on March 1st at www.bwwcompetition.com.

BWW - The world’s largest wine competition 2017

BWW - Best Wine of the World 2017 competition's public voting period is over.  

The initial 3-month voting phase in Tastingbook.com gathered an astonishing 1,333,896 votes from over 620,000 wine lovers and professionals from 105 countries. From August 1 to October 30 of this year, a total of 22,588 wines received votes. The top wines received over 10,000 votes each. Out of these 22,588 wines, only 180 received sufficient votes to advance to the final stage of the judging – less than 1 per mil of all the wines entered. 

BWW - the Best Wine of the World Competition, true to its name, selects the Best Wines in the World. It is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines, the number of consumers involved or the judges taking part.

The competition differs significantly from other wine competitions in that the wines are selected by consumers all around the world and many thousands wine during a three-month period of voting, which takes place on Tastingbook.com and via social media, such as Facebook and Instagram.

The public votes and points awarded by wine professionals are tallied, and the twenty wines with the most votes from each competition category enter the finals that will be held in the fall. In the finals, the wines undergo a blind evaluation by panels consisting of leading wine makers, wine writers, Masters of Wine and wine professionals. 

The finals are held on three different continents - Europe, Australia and the United States - so that each region evaluates the wines from that region and its nearby areas.

Public voting commences on July 31, 2017 and concludes on October 30, 2017. Judging of the finalists will follow and BWW will announce the Best Wine in the World and the winners of the different categories on January 18th, 2018.

The competition is organized by the world's largest wine information service Tastingbook.com (www.tastingbook.com) and the world's leading fine wine magazines - FINE Magazines (www.fine-magazines.com).

For more information about the competition, please visit www.bestwineoftheworld.com.

BWW warmly welcomes all vineyards to enter their wine for the competition. Registration is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable in the business. 

Registration for the 2019 competition will begin on January 1st 2019.