SAKURA Women’s Wine Awards Unveils 2026 Winners

Yumi Tanabe, founder of SAKURA Japan Women’s Wine Awards. With over 40 years in the industry, Tanabe is one of the most influential figures in wine in Japan and Japanese wine. She is a writer, educator, and importer. In 1992, Tanabe founded Yumi Tanabe’s Wine School where many sommeliers have studied. More than 10,000 students have graduated from her school

Founded by Wine Writer & Educator Yumi Tanabe in 2014, SAKURA Japan Women’s Wine Awards (SAKURA JWWA) is the first international wine competition judged solely by women. 

The 13th SAKURA JWWA concluded last February with judging sessions held at Hotel Nikko Osaka and Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel.

A total of 430 female judges – including sommeliers, winemakers, F&B management, journalists, wine buyers, educators, and distributors – evaluated 3,715 entries from 37 countries. 

Judging Session at Hotel Nikko Osaka

Judging Session at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

The judging panel awarded 274 Double Gold, 1,272 Gold, and 714 Silver awards, honouring a total of 2,260 wines. 

Among the Double Gold winners, 65 exceptional wines received the Diamond Trophy, recognising their exceptional craftsmanship and quality.

These Diamond Trophy winners are from 15 countries including, Australia, Chile, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Moldova, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, and U.S.A.

Amelie Faivret, Winemaker of Bouchard Aine & Fils

The highest honour of the competition, the Grand Prix Woman Winemaker of the Year, was awarded to Amelie Faivret, Winemaker of Bouchard Aine & Fils. Her winning wine is Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2024.

A trained and qualified oenologist, Amelie Faivret is daughter and granddaughter of winegrowers from Meursault, the heart of some of Burgundy’s finest white wines. She remains deeply attached to the noble grapes of her home region. This strong connection to Burgundian tradition and style is what Faivret seeks to express in her wines.