With the recent results of the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) for 2025, American wines are making remarkable strides. California’s impressive performance stands out, but wineries in Oregon, Washington, and the eastern states like Pennsylvania and Virginia are also gaining recognition.
This year, the awards celebrated two Best in Show wines from the US, one each from Napa and Sonoma. Alongside these, American wines secured two Platinum awards and numerous Gold medals. The growing recognition of Pennsylvania and Virginia’s wine regions is noteworthy, as both secured Gold medals again, marking their development in the viticulture scene.
Breek Stock MW, a judge from Oregon, highlighted the shift in American wineries utilizing global platforms to showcase their unique regional styles. With a record submission of wines from 57 countries evaluated by 248 international experts, this year saw an uptick in top medals awarded—demonstrating enhanced quality in the wines submitted.
At the DWWA, there were 50 Best in Show medals and a significant number of Platinum and Gold medals distributed, indicating a growing trend in wine quality among the submissions.
Focusing on California, it was a standout performer with 143 medals out of the total 294 awarded to the US. Two of the Best in Show wines came from northern California regions, showcasing the prowess of local vintages. Clos du Val, known for its 2022 Cabernet Franc from the Stags Leap District, impressed judges, while Kenwood Vineyards’ Six Ridges Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley also received acclaim.
Moreover, California continues to excel in sparkling and white wines, as seen in the Platinum medals awarded to Chandon’s Étoile Brut and the Cupere Chardonnay.
Cabernet Franc emerged as a significant star in the DWWA results, producing noteworthy entries from both California and Washington state’s Walla Walla Valley, where Echolands’ Cabernet Franc gained high praise.
The awards not only spotlight existing success but also the potential of emerging regions. Pennsylvania and Virginia again received accolades for their wines, proving that diverse regions across the US are stepping into the spotlight and achieving international recognition.
In conclusion, the 2025 DWWA highlights not just the ongoing excellence of traditional wine regions like California, but also the promising developments from newer areas, affirming the expanding narrative of American wine on the global stage.