Berry wine made from Yeongdong grapes named best traditional liquor of 2026

Berry Wine 1168CS, crafted from Campbell Early grapes grown in Yeongdong, North Chungcheong Province, has been named the best traditional Korean liquor of the year. The 13-percent fruit wine, praised for its balance of strawberry and floral aromas with fresh acidity and tannins, claimed the Presidential Award from a field of 472 products submitted by 294 producers nationwide.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Wednesday that it had selected 18 winners across six categories at the 2026 Korea Traditional Liquor Competition, with Blue Wine Company's Berry Wine 1168CS taking the top Presidential Award.

The competition, held annually since 2010, is the country's only government-run traditional liquor contest and aims to discover outstanding Korean liquors while raising their quality and competitiveness. This year's entry count of 472 products was up 70 from last year's 402.

Entries were evaluated across six categories — low-alcohol and high-alcohol takju, yakju and cheongju, fruit wine, distilled spirits, and other liquors. A panel of experts and public evaluators assessed taste, aroma, color, texture and overall quality, while a separate panel of foreign evaluators gauged international consumer preferences and export potential. Entries also underwent document screening and on-site evaluation to verify the use of locally grown agricultural ingredients.

The Presidential Award-winning Berry Wine 1168CS uses Campbell Early grapes from Yeongdong with a sugar content of at least 14 Brix. The production process involves cold soaking — bringing crushed grape juice into contact with the skins at low temperature before alcoholic fermentation — followed by a short primary fermentation, pressing, and a secondary fermentation. Judges said the method preserves the fresh flavors of the raw fruit while giving a modern interpretation to the homemade fruit wines of the past. The wine is characterized by a vivid purple hue, strawberry and floral aromas, and a well-balanced fresh acidity and tannin structure.

The category grand prize winners ranged from liquors reviving traditional brewing methods in a modern style to products that highlight regional agricultural ingredients through new techniques.

In the low-alcohol takju category, the grand prize went to Sanjeong Lake Dongjeongchun Makgeolli by Sulbitneunjeonganae of Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. The makgeolli is brewed first from non-glutinous rice and nuruk starter, then fermented a second time with the addition of glutinous rice steamed rice. The result is a modern recreation of Dongjeongchun, historically regarded as one of the three finest liquors of the Joseon era, with rich fruit aromas and a sweet flavor profile.

The high-alcohol takju grand prize went to Woori Cheotsul Cheongsseol by Woori Cheotsul of Guri, Gyeonggi Province. Brewed twice from non-glutinous rice and nuruk, it is a handcrafted takju produced in small batches by the brewer rather than through mass-production machinery. It is known for a smooth, creamy texture reminiscent of vanilla yogurt and a clean finish.

The yakju and cheongju category grand prize went to Dam Gold by Naeoildam of Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Made from Gyeonggi rice fermented for five weeks and then aged for ten, it develops a subtle golden hue. The yakju is low in sweetness, with a clean and refreshing tartness.

In the distilled spirits category, Ido 42 by Joeunssul Sejong of Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, took the grand prize. The 42-percent distilled soju is made from eco-certified organic rice grown in Cheongju, fermented and aged before being distilled at low temperature under reduced pressure. Despite its high alcohol content, it is noted for a smooth, clean finish and a subtle aroma of rice and nuruk.

The other liquors category grand prize went to Bokdomanchui 6-do by Chakhan Nongbu Yecheon of Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province. The 6-percent liqueur blends a distilled spirit made from Yecheon rice with locally sourced black raspberry juice, combining the smooth character of the rice distillate with the sweet-tart flavor of the fruit. The product targets younger consumers who prefer light, refreshing low-alcohol drinks.

In the fruit wine category, no separate grand prize was awarded given that Berry Wine 1168CS received the Presidential Award; only the excellence and merit prizes were given in that category.

The ministry said it will follow up with support measures to help all 18 winning products translate their recognition into actual sales and expanded distribution. Next month, tasting and sales events for the winners will be held at traditional liquor galleries in Seoul's Bukchon and Doota Mall in Dongdaemun, along with buyer consultation sessions targeting merchandise planners at department stores, hypermarkets and online retailers, as well as purchasing managers at hotels, restaurants and specialty liquor shops.

In October, pop-up stores will open at department stores. In November, the winners will be given priority placement at the Korea Traditional Liquor Grand Festival and featured at domestic and overseas buyer consultations. In December, the ministry plans to support winning companies in attending overseas liquor trade fairs and visiting local distribution operations abroad.

The awards ceremony will be held at the opening of the Korea Traditional Liquor Grand Festival on Nov. 13 at Hall 1 of the aT Center in Seoul. The Presidential Award carries a cash prize of 10 million won ($7,230). Each of the five grand prize winners receives 3 million won, each of the six excellence award winners receives 2 million won, and each of the six merit award winners receives 1 million won.

Jeong Gyeong-seok, director general for food industry policy at the ministry, said the winning products "showcase the value of our agricultural produce and the distinct character of each region." He added that the ministry would strengthen promotional and distribution support "so that consumers can more easily access outstanding traditional Korean liquors and winning companies can expand into both domestic and overseas markets."