CMB Red & White Session in Yinchuan, China
The 32nd Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Yinchuan, China kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony, where International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo members and delegates, OIV members, and CMB directors officially welcomed the esteemed panel of judges. The event was further enriched by a captivating dance choreography, beautifully illustrating the rich and ancient history of wine in the region. I was one of the few to be invited in a look “behind the scenes” of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Red & White session in the northern part of Ningxia, China. The day before it’s about to begin, and the anticipation is palpable. After months of meticulous preparation, everything is perfectly in place for this grand event. The wines are organized by jury, the tables are set in anticipation for the competition to start. Over the course of three days, 375 expert judges were tasked with evaluating 7,165 wines from more than 49 countries followed by a program featuring cultural and oenological samplings.
Participating in the CMB wine competition is a transformative experience for wineries and a rigorous undertaking for judges, all centered on identifying and celebrating exceptional wines. For wineries, it begins with the careful submission of samples, followed by a blind tasting where their wines are judged purely on merit, free from the influence of labels or reputation. CMB is renowned for its rigorous evaluation, with typically only around 30% of entries earning a medal, making any recognition highly prestigious. Beyond the honor, winning wineries receive invaluable detailed feedback on their wines, including flavor profiles and sensory analyses, which can be crucial for refining their craft and marketing efforts. Ultimately, a CMB medal offers global recognition and opens doors to new markets, significantly boosting a wine's visibility and potential for international distribution.
As a wine judge and my second year judging at the largest of the four competitions, the Red & White wine session, the experience is an intense yet rewarding immersion into the world of wine. Comprising a diverse panel experts—including oenologists, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, and critics— we engaged in demanding, multi-day tasting sessions. Our collective goal is to meticulously assess and reach a consensus on the quality of each wine, using a 100-point system. This collaborative process ensures that only wines of truly impeccable quality are awarded. Beyond the rigorous judging, the CMB provides judges with an unparalleled opportunity for cultural exchange, fostering connections with wine professionals from across the globe, and exposing them to a vast array of wines, including those from emerging regions and unique varietals. This comprehensive approach makes the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles a pivotal event in the international wine calendar, setting benchmarks for quality and fostering innovation within the industry.
On the third and final day of the competition, the organizers unveiled the highly anticipated host city for the 2026 Red and White wine session: get ready, because we're heading to Yerevan, Armenia! This announcement wasn't just a simple reveal; it was a celebration. In a delightful tradition, the host country treats all the judges to a magnificent lunch, offering a tantalizing preview of the wines and gastronomy that await in the coming year. Imagine savoring exquisite local flavors and discovering hidden vinous gems, all while building anticipation for another incredible year of judging. Yerevan is set to be a truly captivating backdrop for the world's finest wines!
This event is a true global showcase of viticultural excellence, culminating in the announcement of this year’s top-tier wines. My heartfelt thanks to the over 300 volunteers and the CMB organization members for creating an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Watch the Instagram reels: Behind The Scenes & CMB 2025 Yinchuan
