13/04/2026
The Danube Wine Challenge is one of the 14 elite wine competitions in the world, and the only one in Slovakia, that is a member of the World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits Competitions (VINOFED), held under the high patronage of the OIV - International Organisation of Vine and Wine) and the International Union of Oenologists (UIOE). The competition is held annually in the unique location of the Manor house, winery & Hotel Château Bela in the south of Slovakia. The evaluation is conducted according to strict international standards and is anonymous – the tasters do not know the origin of wines, the variety or the producer. The jury of 11th edition of the Danube Wine Challenge was composed of renowned wine experts and opinion leaders from 12 countries of 4 continents. As part of the accompanying programme, the international tasters could participate in masterclasses, tastings and visits to local wineries, meet the local winemakers personally and discover Slovakia as a promising destination for oeno-gastro tourism.
„The wine competition puts Slovakia on the map of the wine world. Thanks to this, after each competition we see a huge increase in tourists who come to the wine regions specifically to enjoy the renowned wines"- Ján Kolkus, Director of Château Bela.
„Slovakia is a wine country and wine is one of the products that offer a comprehensive experience throughout the country, even within the accompanying programmes. I believe that this event will also show Slovak wines and viticulture in top quality and will spread Slovakia's reputation internationally as a country of tasty gastronomy and quality winemaking" - Matej Fekete, General Director of Slovakia.Travel Visit Slovakia
„This year's edition brought exceptional quality of the wines in competition, as evidenced by the number of Grand Gold and Gold Medals awarded and the fact that medals could be awarded from a score as high as 89 points (30% of the OIV limit)“ - Edita Ďurčová, oenologist and General Director of the Danube Wine Challenge.
„Our aim is to focus on quality winemakers and to promote wine culture and moderate wine consumption. Not only do we present the most successful winemakers from Slovakia and the world, but the wine public has the opportunity to taste the awarded wines and meet the winemakers in person at traveling public tastings throughout Slovakia all year round “ - the President of the Danube Wine Challenge and the organizer of the Gala tasting, Igor Štumpf.
For the results of the previous editions and registration for DANUBE WINE CHALLENGE 2026 and more information on Danube Wine Challenge IWC go to our website 🔗https://wwwdanubewine.sk
Watch the ambiance of the DWC'25 here 🔗https://youtu.be/gtzSqcw4r5s?si=-r7Qrhufibh9e0Up
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