Ukrainian Winemakers Shine at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards
At the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026, held in London, Ukrainian wineries earned a total of 73 medals. The top scores went to Chateau Chizay (Late Harvest Furmint 2022) and Shabo (Grande Cuvée Extra Brut 2015), each receiving 94 points and a silver medal. This year’s competition featured over 17,000 wines from 58 countries, judged by a panel of 245 international experts.
The tasting sessions in London lasted two weeks. Despite this strong showing, Ukraine did not break into the top ten nations by medal count. The leaders in top-tier awards this year were:
- France – 254 highest-level awards
- Italy – 144 top-tier medals
Additionally, Spain set a new historical record, while wineries from Inner Mongolia (China) and Hiroshima (Japan) earned their very first medals at this event.
“The global wine industry is experiencing one of its strongest periods ever. We are currently in a true ‘golden age,’ with high-quality wines being produced in the most diverse regions around the world.” – Pierre Mansour
This haul of 73 medals by Ukrainian wineries at a prominent international competition highlights the rising quality and growing global recognition of Ukrainian wines. It reflects the dedication of local producers who are continuously refining their techniques and offerings. Although Ukraine did not rank among the top winners by total awards, this achievement serves as a powerful motivator for further growth in the sector.
The Competition’s Role in Global Winemaking
The Decanter World Wine Awards remains a key platform for celebrating winemaking achievements worldwide. The increasing interest in wines from emerging regions, such as Inner Mongolia and Hiroshima, underscores shifting global trends in viticulture, opening new opportunities for both established and developing wine-producing countries.