The winners of the third edition of the V d'Or – Business Awards by Vinexposium were announced on February 8th in Paris, at a ceremony held at the Trianon, on the eve of the opening of Wine Paris 2026.
The awards recognize organizations and projects with a proven impact on the global wine and spirits sector.
Created in 2024, the V d'Or awards are open to professionals worldwide and evaluated by an independent international jury. The goal is to recognize initiatives that contribute to the structural evolution of the sector in the areas of education and knowledge transfer, technological innovation, and environmental and social sustainability.
In the Education & Communication - Wine category, the award was given to Sonal Holland Academy, in partnership with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), for implementing certified programs that raise the standards of wine education in India, with a special focus on empowering women.
In the Education & Transmission - Spirited category, the Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l'Armagnac (BNIA) of France won for its work in preserving and transmitting the Armagnac heritage through educational initiatives.
In the Innovation – Wine category, the award went to the French company Agrafes Viti 4.0, which developed technological solutions aimed at increasing efficiency in viticulture. In the Innovation – Spirits category, the prize was awarded to the partnership between the British company PA Consulting and Diageo, for the development of a paper bottle for the Johnnie Walker brand, designed to reduce plastic use and carbon footprint.
In the Sustainability - Wine category, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, from the United States, was highlighted for creating practical tools to support climate action in viticulture. Meanwhile, in the Sustainability - Spirits category, the Canadian Distillerie du Fjord was recognized for its commitment to local raw materials and low-environmental-impact production processes.
The jury also awarded a special mention to the British organization Sustainability in Drinks, for its work in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices throughout the sector's value chain.
During the ceremony, the IMW Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to British writer Andrew Jefford, recognized for his contribution to the international wine trade and culture. The award ceremony was attended by Patrick Schmitt MW, editorial director of The Drinks Business , and Sarah Harrison, executive director of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW). Actress and businesswoman Kylie Minogue also participated in the ceremony, as part of Wine Paris 2026, where her brand Kylie Minogue Wines was represented.
According to Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, the awards aim to reinforce the visibility of projects that define new priorities for the sector, serving as an indicator of trends and commitments made by the industry globally.
The event also included a dinner conceived by French chef Yannick Alléno, accompanied by wine and spirits pairings selected to highlight the diversity and international scope of the sector.
