3 IWSC Trends in Gold Medal-Winning Premium Rosé and Orange Wines

What trends emerged in 2025?

The IWSC's 2025 London Judging put the spotlight on two of the wine world's most expressive and fast-evolving categories: rosé and orange wines. This year, judges tasted 257 rosé and orange wines from 26 countries, spanning 103 grape varieties. Whilst a remarkable 84% of these wines were awarded a medal, only four achieved Gold status - two rosés and two orange wines – underscoring the high bar required for gold medal distinction.These results not only reveal the exceptional calibre needed to reach the top but also highlight emerging trends and regions pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rosé and orange winemaking.

1. Provence Rosé Still Leads The Way

Provence continues to be the global benchmark for rosé, and one of this year's two Golds went to a Côtes de Provence standout: Garrus 2023 by Château d'Esclans. This wine won praise for its creamy texture, citrus blossom nose and elegant savoury length. But it wasn't just about pale colour and finesse. Complexity was the true differentiator. "We scored an oaked rosé very high, it was an outlier, but it's those unique surprises that stand out," noted judge Dan Belmont. Aromatic layers, structural ambition and subtle oak use were all rewarded by the panel.

2. England and Canada Making Waves

Beyond the Mediterranean, rosés from England and Canada stood out for their originality and balance. Among them was Williams Family Wines Rosé 2024 from Cambridgeshire (Bronze)." One Pinot Gris rosé from Canada was original and a standout – is this the new home of rosé?!" said judge Libby Brodie. These cooler-climate rosés demonstrated clarity, vibrancy and individuality, pointing to a future where excellence in rosé isn't defined by geography alone.

3. Georgia as the Orange Wine Authority

Georgia's historic qvevri traditions continue to shape the modern orange wine category. Two of this year’s four Gold medal orange wines hailed from Georgia and exemplified harmony between structure, skin contact and aromatics. Teliani Valley Glekhuri Anniversary Edition Kisi 2023 (95 pts) offered a richly textured wine with savoury spice, orange blossom, layered tropical fruit and a long, mouth-coating finish, whilst Schuchmann Wines Georgia Vinoterra Mtsvane 2022 (95 pts) was bright and spice-laced, with red apple, citrus marmalade and honeyed tannins. These wines illustrated Georgia's leadership in producing complex, cellar-worthy orange wines that remain drinkable and refined. Judges praised the way they balanced oxidative character with freshness and finesse.

Across both categories, gold medal winners shared one trait: they had something distinctive to say.

Check out the full set of results below. The full set of IWSC results can be viewed on our website