Press Release : Georgian wines end 2025 on a high note with record-breaking results at IWSC judging
29th November 2025 – Georgia has closed 2025 with its strongest performance yet at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), following a landmark judging held in Batumi. An international panel of buyers, sommeliers, journalists and Georgian specialists praised the clarity, balance and stylistic maturity of entries across almost every category—confirming that Georgia’s quality transformation is gathering real momentum.
Nearly 400 wines, brandies and chacha were evaluated, and judges consistently highlighted the confidence and finesse now evident in both classic and traditional qvevri-aged styles. White and orange wines were particularly impressive. “The white wines were hugely impressive and outperformed the reds we tried as a whole,” said Sunny Hodge, noting the consistently clean, precisely made examples on the table.
Indigenous varieties—long central to Georgia’s wine identity—were a major highlight. Georgian wine specialist Daria Kholodilina described the flights as “very exciting to taste,” adding that the panel had “fascinating discussions about what was part of style and what was typical for the variety.” Judges emphasised how these wines combined heritage authenticity with increasingly refined winemaking technique.
Among red wines, Saperavi once again demonstrated its importance and potential. Judges remarked on its structural depth, savoury character and stylistic range. According to Rebecca Palmer and David Kermode, “The Saperavi samples were impressive, offering both serious complexity and savoury depth.”
Georgia’s spirits sector also enjoyed a notable step forward. Under the joint oversight of Salvatore Castano and Maia Katsitadze of Sarajishvili, brandy and chacha entries showed remarkable progress. Castano noted that “Georgian brandies were getting better with each year,” while Katsitadze provided essential technical and regional insight—confirming a category that is rapidly earning international respect.
Overall, the 2026 IWSC judging results reflect a country whose wine and spirits industries are entering a new phase of precision, consistency and global readiness. For producers, importers, sommeliers and consumers, Batumi’s judging underscored that Georgian wine is not only distinctive and culturally rooted, but increasingly competitive on the world stage. Full medal and trophy results will be released on 2 December.
ADDENDUM: Judges’ Profiles
Sarah Abbott MW
International Wine & Spirit Competition judge and leading specialist on Georgian wine, with deep expertise in indigenous varieties, heritage vineyards and global fine-wine markets.
Rebecca Palmer
Associate Director & Buyer at Corney & Barrow Ltd; experienced in sourcing, importing and positioning wines for the UK’s premium retail and private-client sectors.
Adam Michocki
Director at Central Wines; specialist in selecting and curating diverse portfolios with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe.
Joanna Nerantzi
Head Sommelier at 5 Hertford Street, London; known for her refined palate and stylistic sensitivity in high-end on-trade wine programmes.
David Kermode
Wine journalist and broadcaster (Vinosaurus); provides consumer-facing insight and global communication perspective.
Will Hill
Wine Buying Director at Novel Wines; brings a retail-driven lens to assessing accessibility, value and market potential.
Salvatore Castano
On-trade advisor and buyer at Friarwood Fine Wines; co-led the spirits judging, with particular focus on brandy and chacha.
Maia Katsitadze
Spirits specialist at Sarajishvili, Georgia’s historic brandy house; provided technical, cultural and stylistic insight across the spirits categories.
Daria Kholodilina
Georgian wine expert; offers depth of knowledge on indigenous grapes, regional typicity and traditional winemaking.
Jaba Dzimistarishvili
Head Sommelier (Georgia); contributes regional sommelier judgment and in-market understanding.
Mariam Khomasuridze
Enologist and professor; evaluates wines for structure, vinification technique and terroir expression.
Sunny Hodge
Founder and Director of Diogenes the Dog (London); known for championing distinctive wine styles and emerging regions.
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Further information:
Madeleine Waters | madeleine@swirlwinegroup.com | 07778 702221
