Nov 13 2024

Vega Sicilia Named World’s Best Fine Wine Producer at the 2024 Golden Vines Awards

Torres also took home a major accolade with the Golden Vines Innovation Award

At the recent Golden Vines 2024 Awards, the “Oscars” of the wine world, two Spanish brands took home major distinctions. The World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award went to Vega Sicilia, recognizing the team and the winery for their winemaking excellence, high-quality product, and historical heritage.

Vega Sicilia is a winery in Ribera del Duero DO and its red wines are recognized as being among the best in the world. It was in 1864 when the winemaker Eloy Lecanda laid the foundations of the winery in Valbuena de Duero (Valladolid, Castile-León). Since 1982 it has been owned by the Álvarez family, that has contributed to expanding the prestige of the brand and its wines. Much of its vineyards are planed with old vines, some of them over 100 years old, with the result that they produce a low yield during harvest. Its wines’ unique character is often due to long aging periods, in the barrel, oak vats, and also the bottle.

Innovation at its best

The Torres brand was also recognized with the Golden Vines Innovation Award. Founded in Vilafranca del Penedès in 1870, its history includes not only wines made there but in other parts of Spain. This distinction recognizes the winery’s commitment to sustainable and respectful winemaking practices and to rescuing obscure indigenous varieties. Torres is constantly implementing regenerative viticulture projects to enhance soil fertility and promote biodiversity. Its vineyards are spread across Penedès DO, Priorat DOCa, Rueda DO, Rias Baixas DO, Ribera del Duero DO and Rioja DOCa, among other areas.

The award ceremony, which was held in Madrid, brought together all the industry heavyweights, with over 1,200 professionals from 100+ countries, 68 Masters of Wine, and 29 Master Sommeliers, among others. The awards seek to “celebrate and champion excellence in the world of fine wines.” It was preceded by several days of tastings, masterclasses, and gastronomic experiences.

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