Winners Announced for the International Wine Challenge Merchant Awards in Spain

The 5th edition of the International Wine Challenge Merchant Awards Spain, also known as the “Oscars of wine,” were recently announced. These distinctions seek to recognize Spanish professionals who are dedicated to raising the profile of wines from Spain and promoting them among consumers.

Among this year’s winners, ICEX Spain Trade & Investment sponsored two awards. The first was for the Best Online Promotional Campaign, which went to Sherry Week, recognized for its digital transformation in recent years and for promoting a wide-reaching project that spans more than 30 countries. The other was for the Best International Promotion Platform, which went to Spanish Wine Lover, for helping promote the culture of wine in Spain to the rest of the world and its exhaustive analysis, in both Spanish and English.

Other winners included Sergi Ferrer Sala, from Restaurante Monvínic, who received the Solidarity During Covid-19 award and Txomin Rekondo, from Restaurante Rekondo, who took home the Lifetime Achievement 2020 award in recognition of his commitment to wine and gastronomy. Person of the Year went to Pau Roca, the director of the International Organization of Vine and Wine, for his efforts to improve the sector’s position and adapt to current challenges.

Best Sommelier of 2020 went to Miguel Anxo Besada, from Taberna A Curva, to recognize his extensive knowledge of wine and his excellent communication skills. The Best Wine Shop distinction was for Vila Viniteca and the Best Wine Bar was La Tana. The Best Wine Training Center was the Galician Wine Institute, the Best Packaging went to Serie Palmas by González Byass, and the Best Winery Wine Shop went to Museo Vivanco Cultura del Vino. Lastly, the Best Wine Book to Vinos Silenciosos, the Best Online Wine Publication went to La Semana Vitivinícola and the Best Wine List to Venta Moncalvillo.