Concours International du Gamay 2026: which cuvée will be named World's Best Gamay this year?

The 16th Concours International du Gamay will take place on Saturday 10 January 2026 at the Cité Internationale in Lyon. After an initial selection, a “grand jury” will taste the top-rated gold medal winners again to elect the “World's Best Gamay”. In 2025, nearly 730 samples from 4 countries (France, Switzerland, Italy, Canada), including 228 wines awarded a gold or silver medal, were tasted by 150 wine professionals and knowledgeable enthusiasts.

In 2025, the trophy went to the Beaujolais Villages Cuvée du Relais 2023 from Le Relais du Colombier:

LAURENT DUCROT, WINEGROWER AT LE RELAIS DU COLOMBIER:
“Winning the World's Best Gamay 2025 trophy was wonderful recognition of our work and our terroir. The award created real enthusiasm: press coverage, regional events, local tributes… all of which gave our estate unprecedented visibility. It brought us many visitors, allowed us to showcase our whole range of wines, and our guest rooms are fully booked until 2026! Beyond the commercial impact, the trophy put our village and our appellation in the spotlight, and gave us fresh momentum and the desire to keep sharing our passion with enthusiasm.”

 

FOR YOUR DIARY!

Producers can register online until 19 December (samples must be received by 24 December) by completing a form on the competition website: https://www.concoursgamay.com/pro/login. To join the jury, visit the “tasters” section of the website.

The results will be announced on Tuesday 13 January and the award ceremony will be held on Monday 26 January at the winner's estate.