All the medallists from The Global Small Format Masters 2025

The inaugural Small Format Masters showed that great things can come in small packages, with quality unexpectedly high. Patricia Stefanowicz MW reports.

In the past, we may have thought of small-format wines as items to be served on flights or train journeys. But these products may have a place outside the drinks trolley – and so the Small Format Masters was born. The judging team was pleased with what we discovered in this inaugural competition. Whether small cans, tiny bottles or half-bottles, these are wines to be taken more seriously. Due to light weight and portability, wines in cans or small plastic bottles are ideal for on-the-go occasions like picnics, hikes or canoeing trips. These formats are also great for beach events, because cans and plastic are less likely to break than glass bottles. Small formats are also incredibly useful for large informal parties or the ubiquitous summer barbecue, where people may want to drink various wines, beers or soft drinks over the course of a party.

Small bottles or cans are also an easy option when a drinker wants only one glass without opening an entire bottle. There is no wastage of wine or a risk of wine deteriorating in a partly consumed full-sized bottle.

There are plenty of times when a half-bottle is ideal. They are perfect for solo or two-person servings, or for trying multiple wines during a multi-course dinner. And in fact, certain styles of wine, including Port, Madeira or dessert wines, lend themselves to half-bottles when a full-size bottle might be too much. The results of our foray into small formats were encouraging. All of the wines we sampled achieved a medal. The judges gave out plenty of Silvers and quite a few Bronzes too. At the top of the pyramid, Golds were earned by two sparkling rosés: La Gioiosa Rosea from the Veneto and Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé, which is produced in partnership with Zonin Estate.

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Two Golds were given to Marisco Vineyards for its still, almost white (very pale peach) The Ned in a Can Pinot Gris, made with a touch of Pinot Noir; and for its still The Ned in a Can Rosé, made from Pinot Noir with a tad of Pinot Gris. A Gold medal and our Best in Class accolade was earned by another canned wine – Les Dauphins Côtes-du-Rhône Red from the Union des Vignerons des Côtes-du-Rhône. Besides tasting delicious, the wine won an unofficial award for its fantastic design. The company has adapted the vividly-coloured label of the standard bottle to wrap around the can, creating a genuine feast for the eyes.

Wine producers have certainly adapted their full-bottle offerings to small-format packaging with great effect. The judges of this competition were thrilled by the high quality and decided that, when our next bash or visit to the mountains or beach comes along, we will happily lay on these wines. Cheers!

No Alcohol Sparkling White

No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé

Sparkling White

Sparkling Rosé

Still White

Still Rosé

Still Red

RTD

About the competition

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Small Format Masters provides a chance for your brands to shine. The 2025 competition was judged on 20 November at the Union Press offices in London, employing experienced judges. The top entries were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze medals according to their result, and the entrant that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolade: Small Format Masters Best in Class. This report features medal winners only. Please visit the Global Masters website for more information or, to enter future competitions, with a chance to appear in print and online, call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Aston at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com