BACCHUS 2026, 24th International Wine Competition
The world of wine gathered in Madrid from 24 to 26 March 2026
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The great global wine gathering
Every spring, Madrid becomes the wine capital of the world. The Bacchus International Wine Competition, organised by the Spanish Union of Tasters (UEC) since 1996, held its twenty-fourth edition in 2026 with an unprecedented turnout: 1,540 entries from 17 countries were assessed under the uncompromising judgement of a panel comprising around one hundred experts of 26 different nationalities.
Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, internationally renowned sommeliers, importers and specialised communicators spent three intense days —from 24 to 26 March— evaluating anonymous samples, with no labels or names, relying solely on their palate and expertise. The result was a list of award winners that both reaffirms the excellence of Spanish wine and highlights the unstoppable rise of emerging wine regions across the globe.
Endorsed by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), recognised by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, and a member of the World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits Competitions (VINOFED), Bacchus is undoubtedly one of the Grand Cru events in the annual calendar of global wine criticism.
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The figures behind a historic edition
The 2026 edition of Bacchus set several notable records. Of the 1,540 entries submitted to blind tasting, only 51 achieved the highest distinction: the Gran Bacchus de Oro, reserved for wines scoring above 93 points. This highly selective figure underlines the rigorous standards applied by the jury.
The awards were completed with Bacchus Gold, for wines scoring between 89 and 93 points, and Bacchus Silver, for those between 85 and 89 points. A scale that recognises excellence without inflating it: at Bacchus, awards are earned, not handed out.
Notably, this edition expanded its scope for the first time to include vermouths and spirits more broadly: 28 vermouths and 35 wine-based spirits enriched the competition, reflecting the evolution of modern consumer habits, where artisanal aperitifs and quality spirits are increasingly claiming their place alongside fine wines.
“51 wines surpassed 93 points. Only the very best are awarded the Gran Bacchus de Oro.”
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The international map of fine wine
Spain led the awards table with authority, but the real headline of the 2026 edition was written by two unexpected territories: Mexico and the Czech Republic.
Mexico, the most awarded country outside Spain, amassed 72 medals: 44 Bacchus Gold, 26 Bacchus Silver, and 2 Gran Bacchus de Oro. This is no fleeting success, but the consolidation of sustained work in both vineyard and winery, no longer deserving to be labelled a surprise. The state of Guanajuato led the Mexican representation with 26 of these medals, despite accounting for just 6% of the country’s vineyard area. Baja California added eight more award-winning wineries under the Provino association.
The Czech Republic delivered the second European revelation: 19 gold medals and 2 Gran Bacchus de Oro for a country that rarely features in major international wine headlines. Alongside Mexico and the Czech Republic, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Portugal ranked among the most notable countries, while Italy, Georgia, Australia, Germany and Slovakia completed the international list of winners.
Spain participated with 42 Designations of Origin and 51 Protected Geographical Indications, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the diversity and richness of its wine landscape.
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Spain’s throne: appellations that shine
Rías Baixas, queen of still white wines
The Rías Baixas Designation of Origin was Galicia’s leading star and the overall winner in the still wine category. With 32 awarded wines —ten more than the previous edition— Albariño producers dominated the competition in a way rarely seen at such a demanding event.
Five of its wines achieved Gran Bacchus de Oro, making it the still wine appellation with the highest number of top awards in the entire competition. Vintages from 2018, 2022, 2024 and 2025 demonstrated that Albariño is a wine of depth, capable of ageing gracefully while also captivating in its youth. A further 21 wines received Bacchus Gold, with six completing the podium with silver medals.
Ribeiro, Galicia’s rising star
While Rías Baixas claimed the top awards, Ribeiro proved that Galicia is far more than Albariño. The Ribeiro Designation of Origin collected 23 awards in total: two Gran Bacchus de Oro, 17 golds and four silvers.
Among the golds, standout wines included already well-established references such as Laudes 2024, from Adegas Laudes del Ribeiro, which received a Bacchus Gold in recognition of its aromatic expressiveness and structural finesse. An appellation on the rise, expanding its prestige year after year beyond Galicia.
Rioja and Ribera del Duero, an enduring rivalry
The historic rivalry between DOCa Rioja and DO Ribera del Duero was once again reflected in the Bacchus awards. Rioja secured 31 Bacchus Gold, 13 Silver and 5 Gran Bacchus de Oro, while Ribera del Duero responded with 26 golds, 15 silvers and 4 top awards. Figures that confirm the strength and significance of both appellations within the Spanish wine landscape.
Somontano, Aragonese elegance
DO Somontano reaffirmed its distinctive stylistic identity in this edition. Among the awarded wineries, Sommos stood out for wines that combine international grape varieties with Pyrenean terroir. The result is complex wines with generous fruit and balanced profiles, duly recognised by the jury. A modern winery in philosophy and precise in technique, it remains one of the most compelling references in north-eastern Spain.
Jerez, the brightest surprise
If one appellation electrified the sector, it was Jerez-Xérès-Sherry. With 10 Gran Bacchus de Oro out of a total of 29 medals, its proportion of top distinctions per entry far exceeded that of any other Spanish region. The fortified wines of Jerez —amontillados, palos cortados and Pedro Ximénez— once again proved their ability to captivate the most demanding palates, breaking stereotypes and repositioning the region as the birthplace of some of the most singular wines on the planet.
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A competition that sets the pace for the sector
The Bacchus International Wine Competition 2026 left several conclusions that the global wine sector will take time to fully absorb. The first, and most pressing, is that the map of fine wine is being redrawn at speed. Mexico is no longer a promise; it is a reality. Nor is the Czech Republic. And regions such as Galicia, Jerez and Bierzo demonstrate that Spain has far more to offer the world than is often recognised.
The second conclusion is that blind tasting remains the only truly fair judge. No labels, no prices, no prior reputations: just the wine in the glass and the taster’s judgement. In that arena, the best wine wins. And in 2026, the best was a compelling blend of established classics and new voices that need no permission to sit at the table of the greats.
The third —and perhaps most inspiring— is that quality knows no latitude. The wine that best expresses its origin, its variety and its vintage may come from the Pyrenees or the Andes, from the Galician rías or the volcanic slopes of Lanzarote. Bacchus understands this. And that is why, since 1996, every spring, Madrid remains the place where the world of wine holds up a mirror to itself.
“Since 1996, every spring, Madrid has been the place where the world of wine looks at itself in the mirror.”
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