Vino H, a wine importer established by Hyundai Department Store Group, said on the 22nd that all 10 red, white and sparkling wines it entered in the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards won the grand prize. In particular, the white wine Gewürztraminer Spätlese from the German organic winery Frey was also selected for the competition's highest honor, "Best of 2026."
Marking its 13th edition this year, the Korea Wine & Spirits Awards is Korea's representative alcoholic beverage competition. With the goal of "discovering and widely promoting good domestic drinks and supporting the formation of a sound drinking culture," ChosunBiz has held it annually since 2014.
This year's event drew 260 companies submitting a total of 1,118 brands. It is the largest among domestic competitions that cover all categories of alcoholic beverages. Of these, 449 brands won the grand prize.
The award-winning products are: ▲ Frey Gewürztraminer Spätlese (white wine, Old World, 60,000 won to under 100,000 won · Best of 2026) ▲ Frey Riesling Kabinett (white wine, Old World, 30,000 won to under 60,000 won) ▲ Yealands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Reserve (white wine, New World, 30,000 won to under 60,000 won) ▲ Frey Pinot Noir (red wine, Old World, 60,000 won to under 100,000 won) ▲ Pflüger Pinot Noir (red wine, Old World, 30,000 won to under 60,000 won) ▲ Viña Finia Shiraz (red wine, Old World, under 30,000 won) ▲ Caliveda Cabernet Sauvignon (red wine, New World, 60,000 won to under 100,000 won) ▲ Kings of Prohibition Cabernet Sauvignon (red wine, New World, 60,000 won to under 100,000 won) ▲ La Marchesina Brut (sparkling wine, under 50,000 won) ▲ Champagne Gaston Declos (sparkling wine, 100,000 won and above).
Frey Winery is a family-run winery in Ober-Flörsheim, southern Rheinhessen, Germany. It produces wine by combining a grape-growing tradition dating back to the 18th century with modern winemaking techniques. Based on organically certified vineyards and diverse soils and microclimates, it makes wines that bring out each variety's character.
Frey Gewürztraminer Spätlese, selected for the top honor "Best of 2026," is made from grapes harvested later than the usual harvest time. It is characterized by concentrated fruit aromas and sweetness reminiscent of tropical fruits such as lychee and pineapple.
A Frey Winery official said, "This award is a valuable result achieved by combining an organic approach that respects nature with traditional winemaking techniques," adding, "We will use this sweep of the competition as an opportunity to further promote the charm of German wine to Korea's wine lovers."