Best Education & Transmission – Wine
INDIA
Sonal Holland Academy x Wine & Spirit Education Trust
The Women in Wine: Innovation & Leadership Scholarship is a pioneering initiative by The Sonal Holland Academy, India’s foremost institution for wine and beverage education, and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). It is the first dedicated effort in India to encourage an equal representation of women in the country’s wine industry through formal education, professional mentorship, and global certification.
Best Education & Transmission – Spirits
FRANCE
Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l'Armagnac
Since its launch in June 2024, the Armagnac Educator certification has established itself as the only official BNIA-recognized program to train and accredit international specialists capable of teaching and transmitting the culture of Armagnac. A five-day immersion in Gascony, hosted by BNIA, it includes theoretical training, practical workshops, and visits to Armagnac houses. 14 educators have been certified across 10 different countries in 2024 and 2025.
Best Innovation – Wine
FRANCE
Agrafes Viti 4.0
The AV4 is a 100% biodegradable vineyard clip that replaces metal and plastic staples. It naturally decomposes in soil, reducing waste and simplifying vineyard operations. Made in France from natural fibres with zero-waste production. Direct-to-grower sales ensure fair pricing and adoption. Already scaled in over 100 vineyards, it reduces environmental impact while maintaining efficiency.
Best Innovation – Spirits
UNITED KINGDOM
Diageo x PA Consulting
Johnnie Walker tested a 70cl paper-based Black Label bottle to reduce plastic use and carbon footprint as a first-of-its-kind sustainable innovation in luxury spirits. Made from 90% Dry Moulded Fiber with a recyclable liner, a functional and durable design with premium aesthetics, it was trialled in a real bar setting. It achieved 60% weight reduction and up to 47% lower emissions versus glass.
Best Sustainability Initiative – Wine
United States of America
California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance
The Climate Action Toolkit, developed by CSWA, guides growers on regenerative, climate-smart practices. 2,634 vineyards and 223 wineries (90% of California wine) are now certified. Both workshops and advisory groups engage the industry in actionable climate initiatives. The toolkit is scalable internationally, demonstrating leadership in sustainable winegrowing.
Best Sustainability Initiative – Spirits
CANADA
Distillerie du Fjord
DISTILLERIE DU FJORD produces spirits using locally foraged, upcycled ingredients. Cucumber Gin and Limoncello save 8 tons of produce per year from waste. Circularity extends to by-products used in food, jobs, and community contributions. Production is powered by hydroelectricity and closed-loop water systems. A bottle return program reinforces circularity and environmental responsibility.
Jury’s Special Mention
UNITED KINGDOM
Sustainability In Drinks
SID is a global sustainability platform for the drinks sector, connecting producers, retailers, NGOs, and policymakers. It features workshops, debates, and exhibitions on climate, packaging, and social sustainability and facilitates cross-sector dialogue, peer learning, and practical solutions. Inclusive pricing ensures broad access while emphasising measurable impact. It is recognized as the flagship international sustainability event in the drinks trade.