The world’s most exclusive 3-day event, THE GOLDEN VINES AWARD, for the fourth time brought together distinguished master cellarmasters and rare spirits distillers along with connoisseurs and collectors to support, honor and celebrate the “best of the best” in the fine wine industry, based on the most extensive and in-depth industry research ever conducted.
Founded in 2021 by the Liquid Icons project (created by three friends, Lewis Chester, Gérard Basset OBE MS MW MBA OIV MSc ASI, the now deceased, and Alexander ‘Sasha’ Lushnikov), THE GOLDEN VINES AWARD has been successfully held in London, Florence, Paris, this year Madrid and will embark on its new journey to Miami in 2025 and then Singapore in 2026.
This spectacular weekend celebration, held in some of the world’s most beautiful cities, includes, in addition to exceptional wine and spirits tastings, master classes, Michelin-starred gastronomy, award ceremonies, a live charity auction, and vibrant performances by world-class talent.
The venue for 2024 edition of THE GOLDEN VINES AWARD became the vibrant and sunny Madrid during October 25-27.
The weekend kicked off with a selection of masterclasses led by renowned names such as Dom Pérignon, Château d’Yquem, Maison Krug, BOND, Ridge Vineyards, Opus One, Vérité, Domaine Vincent Dancer, Penfolds, Il Marroneto, Borgogno, Casanova di Neri, Roagna, Clos Mogador, Commando G, Domaine Georges Noëllat and Domaine Bonneau du Martray.
On the evening of the first day, guests gathered at the breathtaking Real Casa De Correos, sede de la Presidencia de la Comunidad de Madrid for the Golden Vines Charity Gala hosted by Ronan and Storm Keating. Here, guests embarked on a culinary journey prepared by two-Michelin-starred Chef Mario Sandoval, perfectly paired with Krug Grande Cuvée 162ème, Krug Vintage, Equipo Navazos, Vega Sicilia Unico, Barca Velha and Taylor’s Port 50-year-old Tawny, before enjoying a performance by world-class talent.
During the night, a Golden Vines Live Auction was hosted by leading international auction house Sotheby’s, all proceeds from which went to the Gérard Basset Foundation, supporting its mission to increase inclusion and diversity in the wine, spirits and hospitality industries around the world, and to empower those underrepresented in society to reach their full potential through scholarships, mentoring and training. Taylor’s Port Scholarships for Diversity and Inclusion were also awarded.
On the second day, guests enjoyed the finest wines and rare spirits during sumptuous lunches hosted by esteemed vignerons and producers, including Domaine Arnoux Lachaux, Emidio Pepe, Jacques Selosse, Roagna, Domaine Jean Trimbach, Weingut Müller, Vega Sicilia, Boërl & Kroff, Harlen Estate, Kei Shiogai, IWA Sake, Château Cheval Blanc, Maison Krug, Lïber Pater, Rare Champagne, Marqués de Murrieta, Biondi Santi, Ferrari Trento Montervertine, Tenuta San Guido and Sette Ponti.
As the evening progressed, everyone moved to Palacio Cibeles for the highlight of the program, THE GOLDEN VINES AWARD gala.
Guests were served with a five-course gourmet dinner by world renowned three Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, with both Joan and Josep Roca attending.
The dishes were accompanied by specially selected fine wines and spirits: Dom Pérignon Rosé 2009 (en Magnum), Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2006, Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2020 (en Magnum), Tenuta dell’Ornellaia 2006 (en Magnum), Marques de Murrieta 1980 (en Magnum), Château d’Yquem 1983 and Gonzalez Byass Palo Cortado (Golden Vines®️ Barrel Select).
The weekend culminated with more exclusive experiences provided by the world’s most renowned brands.
GASTROunika & Rare Champagne Lunch
A private Rolls-Royce collection tour and lunch at Asador Etxebarri in San Sebastián by private jet; lunch at The Octavian La Paulée; lunch at Vega Sicilia by helicopter; lunch with Salon & Cartier; a private Gucci shopping experience followed by a Michelin-Star restaurant dinner with Taylor’s Port wines and Maison Camus cognac, Caviar Linch by GASTROunika and Rare Champagne lunch at A’Barra Restaurant (1* Michelin), which we had an opportunity to attend.
Dalmore Whiskey & Cigar Tasting
Another unique experiences prepared for the guests were whiskey and cigar tastings from The Dalmore, as well as the opportunity to sample Abadía Retuerta in Sardon de Duero.
Winners of THE GOLDEN VINES AWARD 2024:
-Spanish wines Vega Sicilia — Robb Report Golden Vines World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award.
-South African company The Sadie Family Wines — The OPUL Jets Golden Vines World’s Best Rising Star Award.
-Domaine de la Romanée-Conti — Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe.
-California’s Harlan Estate winery — Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas Award.
-Australian company Henschke — Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World Award.
-Familia Torres of Spain — The 2024 Barca Velha Golden Vines Innovation Award
-The Macallan of Scotland was honoured with The Golden Vines World’s Best Rare Spirit Brand Award.
-The prestigious 2024 Golden Vines Hall of Fame Award was presented to Jasper Morris MW for his contributions to the wine industry.
Each winner received a trophy designed by acclaimed Spanish artist Nuria Mora, created under the guidance of the Trophy Creative Director Shantell Martin, and presented in a custom trunk crafted by Gucci.
The Golden Vines® Weekend, Miami, 7-9 November 2025:
THE GOLDEN VINES AWARD will once again bring together professionals and connoisseurs of the exclusive wine industry against the backdrop of exquisite venues in the city of Miami November 7-9, 2025. The program promises to be very rich and interesting, and the proceeds from the live auction during the weekend will also be donated to the Gerard Basset Foundation.
THE GOLDEN VINES Weekend tickets for Miami in November 2025 priced at $15,000 per person, including VIP concierge services for all travel, hotel and on-the-ground requirements, are available via:
tickets@liquidicons.com
Detailed information regarding the Golden Vines®️ Weekend itinerary will be available via liquidicons.com/miami from Spring 2025
The Golden Vines®
Adress: Rankin House, 139-143 Bermondsey Street London SE1 3UW
Instagram: @goldenvinesawards
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
