Photo credit: © Bartosch Salmanski. International jurors evaluating white wines at The World White Wines Contest in Strasbourg, highlighting global diversity and the unique atmosphere of this benchmark event.
Wine Market News & Insights

Strasbourg 2026: Registrations Open for Two International Wine Competitions

Strasbourg strengthens its role as a global reference for wine excellence with the opening of registrations for its two major events in 2026. Producers can now register for The World White Wines Contest and the newly launched European Red & Rosé Wine Contest.

The World White Wines Contest 2026

The World White Wines Contest celebrates its 28th edition and remains the only international competition devoted entirely to white wines from around the world. Organized by Strasbourg Events, it has been under OIV patronage for 16 years and part of VINOFED for 12 years. The 2026 edition marks an important milestone, as the competition will, for the first time, also be placed under the patronage of the International Union of Oenologists.

White wines from classic grape varieties, emerging terroirs, and new winemaking styles will be judged by a panel of 60 international experts. The competition continues to highlight both heritage and innovation in global white wine production.

New Highlight: The Franc de Pied Distinction

One of the major innovations of the 2026 edition is the introduction of a special Coup de Coeur dedicated to wines produced from ungrafted vines, known as Franc de Pied. This world first celebrates the uniqueness and rarity of vines still growing on their original root systems. Alongside this new distinction, the competition will award Grand Or, Or, and Silver medals, as well as several thematic trophies and special recognitions.

Winners benefit from strong international visibility through media partnerships and global communication campaigns.

Photo credit: © Bartosch Salmanski. The World White Wines Contest highlights the full diversity of global white wine styles, awarding top distinctions including Grand Or, Or, Silver and the new Franc de Pied Coup de Coeur.
Photo credit: © Bartosch Salmanski. The World White Wines Contest highlights the full diversity of global white wine styles, awarding top distinctions including Grand Or, Or, Silver and the new Franc de Pied Coup de Coeur.

Launch of the European Red & Rosé Wine Contest

Strasbourg Events expands its international reach with the creation of a dedicated competition for red and rosé wines produced in the 46 countries that are members of the European Union or the Council of Europe. This new event responds to fast-moving market trends, including the rise of lighter reds, more structured rosés, and the growing presence of dealcoholized wines.

The contest will showcase the diversity of European styles across still, sparkling, and dealcoholized categories for both red and rosé wines. The objective is to offer a clear platform for producers while ensuring comprehensive evaluation of the full spectrum of European red and rosé expressions.

The European Red & Rosé Wine Contest showcases Europe’s red and rosé wines across still, sparkling and dealcoholized categories, with international awards and special distinctions.
The European Red & Rosé Wine Contest showcases Europe’s red and rosé wines across still, sparkling and dealcoholized categories, with international awards and special distinctions.

Awards That Reflect Today’s Market

The jury will award the full set of international distinctions, including Grand Or, Or, and Silver medals, along with a Grand Prix du Jury for the best red and the best rosé. Special recognitions will highlight standout wines such as the best Franc de Pied, the best wine from an autochthonous grape variety, and the best dealcoholized wines.

As with The World White Wines Contest, the winners will gain significant media coverage and visibility among professionals and consumers across Europe and beyond.

Practical Information

With these two events, Strasbourg confirms its status as an essential destination for wine professionals. Both competitions bring together producers, experts, and decision-makers, offering a platform for discovery, innovation, and international recognition.

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