CVNE has been named European Producer of the Year 2026 at the Sommelier Wine Awards, one of the most influential competitions in the UK hospitality sector and a key reference point for sommeliers, wine buyers and hospitality professionals across the country.
Organised by the trade publication Harpers in partnership with BCB London, the Sommelier Wine Awards are the only wine competition dedicated exclusively to the hospitality industry. Wines are judged by a panel of sommeliers, buyers, educators and consultants working in some of the UK’s leading restaurants, bars and hotels, many of whom use the competition’s results as a guide when building and refining their wine lists. In addition, only wines available to hospitality operators are eligible to enter, making the awards particularly relevant to the on-trade.
The competition recognised CVNE as European Producer of the Year, highlighting the strength of its portfolio and the outstanding performance of every wine submitted. In the judges’ words: “A traditional Rioja stalwart yet still a frequent medal winner, CVNE’s wines sung this year, landing the bodega two golds, one silver and one bronze, accounting for all its entries. And those golds were neatly spread between a red and a white, with the Imperial Gran Reserva 2017 and Monopole Clásico Reserva 2021 taking top spot, respectively. These were seamless and hugely enjoyable examples of why Rioja is a perennial favourite with trade and punter alike.”
The European Producer of the Year award is presented to wineries whose overall submissions and medal performance distinguish them as outstanding suppliers of quality wines for the modern restaurant and hospitality sector.
In addition to this recognition, three CVNE wines from Rioja and one from the Compañía’s winery in Rias Baixas, La Val, were awarded medals at the 2026 competition:
- Imperial Gran Reserva 2017 – Gold Medal
- Monopole Clásico Reserva 2021 – Gold Medal
- Viña Real Reserva 2020 – Silver Medal
- La Val Orballo Albariño 2024– Bronze Medal
For CVNE, this distinction is especially meaningful as it comes from professionals who work in direct contact with consumers and have first-hand knowledge of market trends, expectations and requirements. Being named European Producer of the Year underlines the enduring relevance of a historic winery founded in Haro in 1879 and validates a philosophy of winemaking built on quality, consistency over time, and the ability to remain relevant to both long-standing and new generations of wine lovers.