At the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards, Fran Beausejour from Yeonil Liquor Import & Sales won the "Best of 2024," given to the highest-rated wine among Old World red wines.
Fran Beausejour is a chateau wine made from grapes grown in limestone and gravel soils in central Bordeaux. The judging panel said it conveys the mild climate near the Dordogne River and its gravelly soil as is, offering a balanced structure and richly layered fruit aromas.
The Best of 2026 in the Old World white wine category went to "Freih Gewürztraminer Spätlese," imported and distributed by Vino H. Using grapes harvested later than usual, it shows higher natural sweetness, concentrated aromas, and an intense, dense flavor.
The New World red wine Best of 2026 went to Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, imported by NARA CELLAR, and the New World white wine Best of 2026 went to Daishi's "Daishi Chardonnay."
In the sparkling wine category, Sira East's "Vinkara Yasasin 2021 (white brut)" won Best of 2026, and in the fortified wine category, "Joao Pires Moscatel de Setubal 10 Years" received Best of 2026.
In rosé wines, CSR Wine's "Pio Cesare, Rosy," and among natural wines, NARA CELLAR's "Ognostro White" took the top spots in their respective categories this year.
The Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is Korea's representative alcoholic beverage competition, now in its 13th year. With the aim of "discovering good domestic liquor, promoting it widely, and supporting the formation of a sound drinking culture," ChosunBiz has held it annually since 2014. This year's event saw 260 companies submit a total of 1,118 brands, setting an all-time record. Of these, 449 brands, or 40%, received top honors.