Fundador has cause for celebration. The oldest winery in the Jerez region and birthplace of the first Spanish brandy has been recognised as the third best winery in the world, and the first (and only) in Spain, according to the newly published ‘Top 50 Wine Producers’ ranking by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2025.
A leading position in a competition that stands out, especially considering that this edition evaluated 2,268 producers from 50 countries. The ranking covers all wine categories presented at the competition – from still and sparkling wines to fortified wines – further highlighting the magnitude of Fundador’s achievement as the third-best global producer.
This is a historic milestone that confirms the quality and prestige of Fundador, a winery with almost 300 years of history and a benchmark in the viticultural and wine tourism scene. Its reputation is built on a combination of deep respect for tradition and an innovative attitude, adapting to new customer profiles without losing sight of its essence and heritage.
The ‘Top 50 Wine Producers’ list is a new initiative by the IWSC, created to recognise wineries demonstrating “sustained exceptional performance, year after year,” as the organisation highlights. The ranking takes into account producers who participated in the last three editions, not only considering medals awarded but also the non-awarded samples submitted. This thorough analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and transversal view of each producer’s trajectory and excellence.
The news was received with enthusiasm at the winery. For Ángel Piña, global chief commercial & marketing officer of Grupo Emperador and board member at Casa Pedro Domecq, the recognition as the top Spanish producer and third in the global ranking is a source of pride and an incentive that confirms their work is bearing fruit. “It is an honour to be the flagbearers of Spanish wine on the world stage, endorsed by the IWSC ranking, one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions, where values so important to us are rewarded, such as excellence in what we produce and respect for traditional production methods,” Piña said.
Only a Portuguese winery, Pereira D’Oliveira Madeira, and South Africa’s Graham Beck, surpass Fundador in the Top 50 Wine Producers ranking by IWSC. No other Spanish wineries appear in the Top 50.
Other awards in a historic year
This recognition is yet another achievement in Fundador’s impressive collection of medals. In the most recent IWSC edition last May, wines from the VORS (Very Old Rare Sherry) range won three gold medals with 95 points each, for Harveys 30 YO Palo Cortado, Harveys 30 YO Oloroso, Harveys 30 YO Amontillado, and Harveys 30 YO Pedro Ximénez.
The excellence of Fundador’s brandies also stood out in the competition. In 2023, Fundador Supremo 15 obtained a Gold Medal and 96 points, as well as a special mention for its unique character, and in 2019, Fundador Supremo 18 was awarded ‘Best Brandy in the World’ within the same contest.
These accolades add to many others earned in recent months, capping a particularly brilliant season for Fundador.
The legendary Harveys Bristol Cream was named ‘Best Sherry in the World’ and ‘Best Cream in the World’ at the World Drinks Awards (WDA) held in June in London, reaffirming its international leadership as a benchmark wine for more than 140 years.
The excellence of Fundador’s brandies has also made them a reference in the spirits world with a diverse array of accolades.
At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025, Fundador Triple Madera Sherry Cask was awarded a gold medal and 93 points. In the same contest, Fundador Supremo 18 YO Oloroso Sherry Cask and Terry Centenario 40 were also recognised with gold medals, each scoring 91 points.
On the other hand, Harveys VORS Palo Cortado received the Platinum Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, the competition’s highest possible distinction. Harveys VORS Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso also took home two additional gold medals at the same event.
All these awards strengthen Bodegas Fundador’s position as one of the world’s great references in fortified and generous wines.
