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Credit: Matteo D’Ambrosio | Instagram: @mattdamb
(Image credit: Matteo D’Ambrosio | Instagram: @mattdamb)

The flagship Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) was held on Saturday 11th November at the breathtaking Landmark Hotel, bringing together top-class producers from around the world and more than 1,200 wine lovers and professionals.

At the one-day event, and as part of Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) promotional opportunities, 57 top-scoring wines from the 2023 competition were showcased at the internationally led DWWA winners’ table.

Almost one tenth of the Top 50 wines from DWWA 2023 were available to try on the day with seven Best in Show wines (97 points) from Australia, Austria, Italy, Serbia and Spain. Other highlights included 12 Platinum-awarded wines and many more Golds.

DWWA winners’ table highlights in pictures

(Image credit: Matteo D’Ambrosio | Instagram: @mattdamb)

The DWWA winners’ table included 57 top-scoring wines from the 2023 awards, including sparkling, whites, reds, sweet and fortified.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Best in Show medal winners including Mecori, Duo, Etna, Sicily, Italy 2021 and Bodegas Ysios, Finca Lagunazuri, Rioja, Spain 2018 were available to try alongside 97-point Platinum medal winners and 95-96 point Golds.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

The stunning Landmark Hotel provided a luxurious welcome for Decanter's flagship event.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Guests lined up around the busy DWWA winners' table to try an outstanding array of wines from classic wine regions to those lesser discovered.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

The Landmark Hotel's Winter Garden Restaurant in the glass-roofed atrium provided a quiet escape for guests to enjoy lunch, dinner and live piano music during the event.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

A section of the DWWA winners' table highlights just how international the selection was. Producers from left to right: Zuljan (Slovenia), Doña Paula (Argentina), Gota (Portugal), Gen del Alma (Argentina), Clos de Lôm (Spain), Kilikanoon (Australia).

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Sampling Gagliole's Balisca, Colli della Toscana Centrale 2019 from Tuscany, Italy, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine awarded Platinum (97 points) at DWWA 2023.

(Image credit: Matteo D’Ambrosio | Instagram: @mattdamb)

Nine wines from Spain and 12 from Italy were showcased. Producers from left to right: Mecori, Il Botolo, Clos Pachem, Marco Abella, Bodegas Tarón, Bodegas Lan, Cillar de Silos.

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

Co-chair Sarah Jane Evans MW (pictured right) joined us at the event to re-try some of the best wines from the 2023 competition, alongside many more wines from top exhibitors.

(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

More DWWA top-scoring wines featured on the day, including Platinum awarded, 97-point Swiss wine: Domaine Histoire d’Enfer, L’enfer du Calcaire Cornalin, Sierre, Valais 2018 (pictured far right).

(Image credit: Ellen Richardson)

The outstanding one-day event came to a close with a cocktail party for exhibitors and sponsors.

Loukia Xinari
Loukia Xinari

Loukia is Marketing Manager at Decanter, supporting Decanter’s awards and events in the UK and overseas, including Decanter World Wine Awards, Fine Wine Encounters, Decanter Masterclasses and Decanter’s international presence at trade fairs and events.

Loukia is currently a WSET Diploma student and has a MSc (Hons) in marketing. Her background is diverse with her study focus being in law before she discovered her love for wine. She previously completed an internship in a winery in Naoussa, northern Greece and she also has experience working in the spirits industry with UK specialist retailer Master of Malt.

Loukia loves learning and exploring more about wine and her favourite grape varieties and wines at the moment include Assyrtiko, red Burgundy and Xinomavro.