‘Make America drink again’ declares Michel Chapoutier

"Make America drink again" was the closing message from acclaimed winemaker Michel Chapoutier at Sunday’s Vinexposium business awards in Paris – where the word ‘headwinds’ was repeatedly used to describe the current market. Playing on the slogan 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA), Chapoutier elicited cheers when he made the remark, referring to the nation’s huge importance to the global wine trade, as well as the declining consumption seen in this market – along with most others worldwide. Indeed, as recently reported by db, “wine is hurting” in the US, quoting Dale Stratton, SipSource analyst and industry veteran, who attributed an 8% volume decline in the 12 months through to August 2024 to a change in consumer behaviour, economic and inflationary pressures as well as reduced shelf space. Nevertheless, leading members of the global wine trade were keen not to appear unduly negative when celebrating the winners at the business awards, called the V d’Or, which were announced the day before the opening of Wine Paris on Monday this week. While high-profile figures of the trade talked of headwinds for the drinks sector, they were also keen to draw attention to bright spots in the market, driven by talented individuals as well as the advent of innovative products, such as the award winners listed below. Held at Pavillon Gabriel in Paris, the ceremony comprised a lavish dinner for 280 professionals catered for by three-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, with the first course being a show-stopping combination of oysters and Chateau d’Yquem. Among attendees at the event were Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, chairman of the Mouton Rothschild family wine business, as well as president of Moët Hennessy Wine Estates, Jo Thornton, and president of China’s Grace Vineyard, Judy Chan. Commenting on the nature of the drinks trade at awards ceremony, CEO of Vinexposium, Rodolphe Lameyse, said it was an “ecosystem brimming with initiatives and creativity”. Among the winners celebrated at the event was The Gérard Basset Foundation & Bordeaux Mentor Week from the UK, along with Northern Ireland’s The Boatyard Distillery. As part of the ceremony, the drinks business and The Institute of Masters of Wine presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned writer, critic, and Australian winemaker James Halliday, which was accepted on his behalf by Jancis Robinson OBE MW. The winners by category were:

• Best Digital Strategy V d’Or: Baron Philippe de Rothschild for Mouton Cadet (France)
• Best Education & Knowledge Sharing V d’Or – Wines: The Gérard Basset Foundation & Bordeaux Mentor Week (United Kingdom)
• Best Education & Knowledge Sharing V d’Or - Spirits: Campari Group for Campari Academy (Italy)
• Best New Product Strategy V d’Or : Terres Milesimées + Québec for Bx le jus (France)
• Best Sustainability V d’Or – Wine: Bodegas Catena Zapata for The Catena Institute of Wine (Argentina)
• Best Sustainability V d’Or - Spirits: The Boatyard Distillery (UK)
• The Judging Panel's Special Mention for Sustainability: Vignerons Engagés (France)

The wines served at the awards ceremony

• Champagne Thienot, Cuvée Alain Thiénot, 2008
• Penfolds Yattarna, Chardonnay, 2021

• Château d'Yquem 2022
• Domaine Clarence Dillon, La Clarté de Haut-Brion, 2020
• Domaine Valentin Zusslin, Pinot Noir Bollenberg Harmonie, 2013
• Domaine Klein Constantia, Vin de Constance, 2010
• Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny Port
• Cognac Frapin Château Fontpinot XO