In his last column for the year, Matt Walls reflects on the experiences and standout moments of 2025. He uses the tradition of listing his top 10 wines as a way to process both the losses and new opportunities within the wine industry.
This year has revealed significant closures in the wine sector, prompting a sense of loss as he recalls winemakers who are no longer present. However, alongside the bittersweet reflections, there are emerging talents that offer hope for the future, revitalizing the landscape of wine.
As he lists his top wines, Walls emphasizes not only their quality but also the emotional connections he has formed with them throughout the year. These wines serve as reminders of the rich experiences that have shaped his understanding and appreciation of viticulture.
Through his narrative, he underscores the cyclical nature of the industry—how each ending paves the way for new beginnings, and how the wines that remain continue to inspire and evoke passion. In sharing his favorites, Walls invites readers to celebrate not just the beverages themselves, but the stories and friendships that come with them.
For those wishing to explore more about the wines he discusses, several relevant articles and reports are available, providing an enriched backdrop to his selections: