A night at Wine Paris 2025: The Master Winemaker 100 ceremony

Where better to honour the world’s finest winemakers than at one of the biggest wine events on the planet? From exceptional vintages to heartfelt speeches, the Master Winemaker 100 awards at Wine Paris 2025 celebrated the very best in global winemaking.

In the heart of Paris, amidst the grandeur of one of the world's premier wine events, the Master Winemaker 100 awards ceremony unfolded with excitement. Wine Paris, now in its sixth year, has solidified its reputation as a pivotal hub for the global wine and spirits industry. The 2025 edition surpassed all expectations, welcoming over 4,600 exhibitors from 50 countries and attracting an estimated 50,000 visitors from 140 nations.

Presiding over the evening's festivities was db's Patrick Schmitt MW, whose commentary and passion for the craft set the tone for a night dedicated to celebrating oenological excellence. Guests were treated to a curated selection of wines from esteemed sponsors, including Champagne Collery, Catena Zapata, and Gérard Bertrand, offering guests a journey through diverse terroirs and winemaking philosophies.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Rosemary Cakebread as the Master Winemaker of the Year. Her exceptional work with Gallica Wines, particularly the 2019 Cabernet Franc and 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, garnered unanimous praise from the judging panel. Upon receiving her award, a delighted Cakebread shared, "I am truly honoured to be here at Wine Paris and to receive this recognition from The Drinks Business. It's just amazing to me; I'm truly honoured. Thank you so much."

For those eager to delve deeper into the achievements and stories behind these remarkable winemakers, the Master Winemaker 100 book is now available exclusively to subscribers.

What did our winemakers have to say?

Gérard Bertrand, honoured for producing the Best Orange Wine, expressed his enthusiasm: "I am very happy to receive this award for best orange wine in the world. You know, it's a new category, and we have really enjoyed our journey into the wine industry so far, especially in promoting diversity of taste and diversity of colour."

Collecting the award on behalf of Kym Schroeter, Shaughna Bastow of the Penfolds team remarked, "This is such a great award to receive for the brand and for Kym. A lot of hard work, determination, and passion goes into crafting our white wines. And a big shout out to our dedicated growers all over the Australian region who contribute to our wine."

Bruce Jack, recognised for his work with Pinotage, shared his passion: "So we won this award for a South African variety called Pinotage, and if you haven’t tasted a great Pinotage, you haven’t been moved in life."

Ralf Holdenried, celebrated for winning best Merlot, noted, "Thank you very much for the award. We’re just really excited because Merlot is usually overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon a little bit, so I think the Merlot really deserves a great award like this."

Full award winners list:

• Master Winemaker of the Year: Rosemary Cakebread of Gallica Wines – 2019 Cabernet Franc and 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Best New Entrant: Ed Carr of House of Arras – 2015 Rosé.
• Best Chenin Blanc: Johan Jordaan of Spier Family Wine – 2023 Good Natured Chenin Blanc and 2022 21 Gables Chenin Blanc.
• Best Rioja: Emilio Sojo Nalda of Bodegas Riojanas – 2009 Monte Real Gran Reserva Edición Limitada and 2020 Monte Real Reserva Tempranillo Blanco Colleción Larrendant.
• Autumn Tasting Award: Bruce Jack – 2022 Heritage Flag of Truce Pinotage.
• Best Chardonnay: Kym Schroeter of Penfolds – 2021 Yattarna Chardonnay.
• Best Bordeaux: Marielle Cazaux of Château La Conseillante – 2016 vintage.
• Best La Place Wine: Luc Morlet of Morlet Family Vineyards – 2018, 2019, and 2020 Coeur de Vallée vintages.
• Best Malbec: Ernesto Bajda of Catena Zapata – Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2022.
• Best Syrah: Daniela Jansen of Saronsberg Cellars – Saronsberg Full Circle 2022.
• Best Riesling: Steve Baraglia of Pikes – Pikes Hills and Valleys Riesling 2023.
• Best Grenache: Peter Fraser of Yangarra Estate – Yangarra Estate Old Vine Grenache 2021.
• Best Rosé: François Matton of Château Minuty – Château Minuty 281 2023.
• Best Merlot: Ralf Holdenried of Black Stallion Estate Winery – Limited Release Merlot 2020.
• Spring Tasting Award: Veronika Pichler of spusu – spusu Gemischter Satz The First 2022.
• Best Sparkling: Antonio Massucco of Banfi Piemonte – Banfi Cuvée Aurora Riserva 100 Mesi 2012.
• Best Pinot Noir: Matías Ríos of Cono Sur – Cono Sur Ocio 2021.
• Best Sauvignon Blanc: Hannes Sabathi of Weingut Hannes Sabathi – Ried Kranachberg Kreuz Sauvignon Blanc 2021.
• Best Champagne: Hugo Drappier of Champagne Drappier – Grande Sendrée 2012 and Trop M’en Faut.
• Best Prosecco: Mirco Balliana of Andreola – Dirupo Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut 2023.
• Best Carmenère: Aurelio Montes Jr of Viña Montes – Montes Wings 2020.
• Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Adam Eggins of Wakefield Wines – Wakefield The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.
• Best Cabernet Franc: Alejandro Vigil of El Enemigo – El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2021.
• Best Orange Wine: Gérard Bertrand of Villa Soleilla – Villa Soleilla 2022.
• Best Sangiovese: David Landini of Villa Saletta – Chiave di Saletta 2019.
• Best Pinot Grigio: Gianfranco Gallo of Vie Di Romans – Friuli Isonzo Dessimis 2022.