12.02. — 14.02.2026

1st Blaufränkisch International Competition

Hotel Kravi Horav, Bořetice, Czech Republic

Relevant for:

Invited guests only, Wineries

In mid-February, the first comparative tasting of wines made from the Blaufränkisch grape variety will take place in Bořetice, Czech Republic. Winemakers from around the world can register for the competition until 16 January. Experts will share their knowledge of Blaufränkisch at a major conference.

Blaufränkisch, Lemberger, Frankovka, Kékfrankos, Schwarzfränkisch…many names, one grape variety. This grape is the heart of the Blaufränkisch International Competition. For the first time, Blaufränkisch wines from different parts of Europe and from around the world will be compared with one another – wines shaped by diverse climatic and geological conditions as well as by different, sometimes completely contrasting, vinification methods, yet sharing one common denominator: Blaufränkisch.

The first Blaufränkisch International Conference & Competition was initiated by VOC MODRÉ HORY, z.s. and the National Wine Centre of the Czech Republic. It will take place from Thursday 12 February to Saturday 14 February 2026, at Hotel Kravi Hora in Bořetice (Czech Republic), south of Brno - approximately a two-hour journey by car or train from Vienna.

The competition is open to wine producers worldwide who submit wines made from the Blaufränkisch grape variety (Lemberger, Frankovka, Kékfrankos). Wine registration must be completed by 16 January 2026 directly via the online portal. Registration and delivery may also be handled through importers or distributors.

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The competition

Within each category, the Blaufränkisch wines are tasted by an international jury of five to seven recognised experts (at least half from abroad) and evaluated according to the 100-point system.

In addition to the awards Grand Gold (from 92 points), Gold (from 88 points), and Silver (from 86 points), the following Special Awards will be presented at the end of the competition:

Champion Blanc de Noirs
Champion Rosé
Champion Red Wine
Champion Sparkling Wine
Champion Cuvée
Overall Winner (determined in a separate tasting and awarded to the winemaker with the five highest-rated wines achieving the highest average score)

The official regulations, including participation conditions as well as information on evaluation and awards, can be found here:

PDF DOWNLOAD (English)

Discussion & exchange

The event aims to cover all aspects of Blaufränkisch. Therefore, a major conference will be held on Friday, February 13, at which international Blaufränkisch experts - including winemakers and researchers - will share their knowledge about the grape variety. Above all, however, the conference should be a platform for all participants to promote international exchange. While the competition is reserved for the jury, the conference (tasting of the submitted wines can be booked optionally) is open to all interested parties.

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