The China Wine Competition proudly announces that the Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Trocken, VDP.GG from Balthasar Ress Weingut (Hattenheim, Germany) has been crowned Wine of the Year at the 2025 China Wine Competition.

This exceptional Riesling stood out among world-class submissions, captivating judges with its precision, structure, layered minerality, and expressive purity — a definitive benchmark for Rheingau excellence. With its tense acidity, crystalline fruit profile, and profound sense of terroir, the wine exemplifies world-leading craftsmanship and the enduring global appeal of fine German Riesling.

A Landmark Win for German Riesling in China

“German Riesling continues to demonstrate incredible momentum in the Chinese market, and this wine is a shining example of why,” said Sid Patel, CEO of the China Wine Competition and Beverage Trade Network. “The Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Trocken, VDP.GG delivers precision, purity, and a level of finesse that speaks not only to its terroir, but to the skill and vision of Balthasar Ress Weingut. As China’s on-trade sector evolves with more adventurous and premium-seeking consumers, wines like this are perfectly positioned to lead the next wave of growth and appreciation.”

About Balthasar Ress Weingut

Founded in 1870 in the heart of the Rheingau, Balthasar Ress Weingut has evolved from a traditional family inn into one of Germany’s most respected family-owned wineries. Guided by the philosophy “fine moments, fine wines,” the Ress family champions ecological and terroir-driven viticulture, producing wines that reflect the purity, character, and nuance of their historic vineyard sites. Their Rieslings are globally celebrated for precision, elegance, and longevity — and remain shining ambassadors of the Rheingau’s unique soil and microclimate.

About the China Wine Competition

The Competition

The China Wine Competition is the only wine competition in China where wines are judged for the on-trade and by on-trade buyers. It is designed to help importers, wholesalers, restaurants, hotels, and bars identify the best wines for China’s growing hospitality sector.

Judging Panel of 2025 China Wine Competition

Judging Panel

The 2025 China Wine Competition was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of on-trade experts from China and Hong Kong, including: Tom Baxter (Asia Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd), Dirk Chen (Director of Wine, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong), Yohann Jousselin MS (Master Sommelier, Head of Fine Wines at Kerry Wines), Juwan Kim (Head Sommelier, La Petite Maison, Hong Kong), Phenol Mak (Head Sommelier at Tosca di Angelo, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong), Danny Ng (Beverage Manager, The American Club, Hong Kong), Dominique Noel (Senior Manager – Wine Management / Wine Buyer / Sommelier), Jasper Otten (Sommelier, Aqua Restaurant Group, Hong Kong), Nicola Perrone (Head of Wine, Asia at Zuma Restaurants), Esther Poon (Senior Sommelier, Feuille, Hong Kong), Kenny Tsui (Sommelier, Epure, Hong Kong), Alex Wai (Head Sommelier, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong), and Kelvin Ziea (Chief Sommelier, JW Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong).

These individuals were selected for their expertise in wine service, buying, and list-curation within Asia’s hospitality landscape — ensuring the competition’s awards reflect real on-trade relevance and market readiness

Judging Process

Wines are evaluated based on:

- Quality in the glass

- Value for trade & consumer audiences

- Commercial relevance for China’s on-trade channels

The goal: To benchmark and celebrate wines most suited to China’s restaurant, hotel, and bar market. View the full winners list here.

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