Grenaches du Monde Returns to Roussillon for Its 14th Edition

Grenaches du Monde wrapped up its 14th edition in Argelès-sur-Mer, France, bringing together wine professionals and international tasters around grenache in Roussillon, the grape’s historic home. The competition, organized by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon, or CIVR, with support from the Occitanie region and the Albères-Côte Vermeille-Illibéris community of municipalities, also marked the 90th anniversary of the Maury appellation.

The event took place at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and pressure across the wine industry, but organizers said participation remained strong. Wines entered this year came mainly from France, Italy and Spain. About 60 international judges from roughly 20 countries took part, including the United States, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Britain, France, Andorra, Spain and Italy. Organizers said attendance was slightly higher than in 2025.

Argelès-sur-Mer offered a setting between sea, mountains and vineyards that organizers said suited the competition well. Held at the Maison de la Mer, the event was also used to promote local terroirs, tourism and sustainability efforts in the area. Fabrice Rieu, president of Grenaches du Monde, said he was pleased to see the competition return to Roussillon in what he called a high-quality setting that reflects the values associated with grenache.

Local officials also emphasized the tourism value of hosting the competition. Grégory Marty, president of the Albères-Côte Vermeille-Illibéris community of municipalities, said the event highlighted the area’s landscapes, tourism infrastructure and winemaking know-how. Delegations from participating regions praised the organization and the professional exchanges that took place during the competition.

Organizers said the wines submitted this year showed the range and quality of grenache around the world. Several bids have already been submitted to host future editions, underscoring the event’s international appeal. The next host city will be announced in coming weeks. Results from the 2026 competition are expected to be released to the public and press next week.

The program will continue in the fall with a new edition of Night of Grenaches, an event designed to extend professional exchanges and bring more attention to the grape among consumers as well as industry figures.

Grenaches du Monde was created in 2013 in Perpignan by CIVR as an annual competition open to all wines made from grenache, whether single-varietal or blended, regardless of color or origin. With more than 160,000 hectares planted worldwide, grenache is among the most widely grown grape varieties. The competition has since become itinerant, with past editions held in Campo de Borja in 2016, Sardinia in 2017, Catalonia in 2018, Perpignan again in 2019, Montpellier in 2020, several key European grenache regions in 2021, Navarra in 2022, New York in 2023 as its first edition outside Europe, Paris in 2024 and Cariñena in 2025.