Lustau concludes the Prestigious International Wine Challenge 2026 with 29 Medals and 3 Trophies
Jerez, September 9, 2026. Sergio Martínez, winemaker and cellar master at Bodegas Lustau, has been named Fortified Winemaker of the Year for the eighth time. This year’s honor is particularly historic: Martínez is the first winemaker ever to receive the title eight times at the prestigious International Wine Challenge, surpassing a record previously unmatched in the category.
The award, presented last night at London’s Guildhall, recognizes a career spanning more than 26 years dedicated to overseeing and nurturing Lustau’s wines and soleras in Jerez. A native of San Fernando, Cádiz, Sergio Martínez worked alongside Manuel Lozano for more than a decade before taking over leadership of the winery and its team in 2016. Lozano, Lustau’s former cellar master, previously held the record with seven wins.
“The results of the International Wine Challenge are not only great news for the Lustau team, but for the entire Sherry region. They recognize our daily commitment to maintaining the quality and distinctive style of our wines. And if they also help continue to give Sherry wines the recognition they deserve, the satisfaction is even greater,” says Sergio Martínez.
Sergio Martínez’s recognition caps an outstanding performance by Lustau at the International Wine Challenge, one of the world’s most influential wine competitions. The Jerez-based winery had already earned 8 Gold, 11 Silver and 10 Bronze medals, as well as three Trophies. Amontillado del Castillo received the Amontillado Trophy; Cream VORS, the Cream Trophy; and PX VORS, the Pedro Ximénez Trophy.
Lustau concludes the International Wine Challenge 2026 with 29 medals, three Trophies and Sergio Martínez’s eighth title as Fortified Winemaker of the Year. This outstanding record once again places Sherry wines and Andalusia at the forefront of the international wine scene.
