New wine-producing countries were the unexpected winners in the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).
China gained several awards at the competition, the results of which were announced at this month's annual London International Wine Fair. It took two silvers and a bronze for wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes.
Japan also improved on its handful of medals in 2009 with an impressive six silvers and 25 bronze medals.
Other surprise winners included a bronze medal for the first ever release from a new Welsh winery, Ancre Hill Estates in the Wye Valley.
The 2008 White Welsh Regional Wine was produced at the winery, set up in 2005 by retired chartered accountant Richard Morris, who followed his passion for wine after selling his transport and logistics business.
"I've always had a passion for wine and when we discovered the quality of the site near our home we followed our dream to plant a vineyard," said Morris.
Morris said he also has great hopes for his sparkling wine, the first vintage of which is currently ageing in the cellar for release in 2012.
"What this year's results highlight more than ever is that great wine can be made anywhere in the world, so wineries need to make a greater effort to stand out," said competition director, Frances Horder.
"An award from an internationally recognised independent competition such as the IWSC can help get a foot in the door of a major importer or give consumers the reassurance they need to pick a wine off a shelf."
The big wins were concentrated in the traditional wine-producing regions of the Old World with 20 golds for Champagne and 23 golds for Spain. Germany and Italy each secured 21 golds.