Atlanta, United States – Bottled water is no longer just about hydration — it is increasingly being recognized for its terroir, taste, and design. Fine Waters, the international authority on premium bottled water, has unveiled the winners of its 2025 Taste & Design Awards, showcasing brands that exemplify quality, diversity, and sustainability.
The competition, held during the annual Fine Waters summit in Atlanta, brought together more than 100 entries from 35 countries. A panel of six expert judges, including certified water sommeliers and educators, evaluated the submissions across multiple categories based on minerality, carbonation, pH balance, and overall flavor profile.
Among the still waters, Wossa from Austria once again stood out in the super-low minerality category, marking its fifth consecutive gold win. New Zealand produced two winners: Antipodes in the low minerality category and Pure One in the medium minerality class. Marzia from Italy secured gold for high minerality, while Socosani from Peru dominated the very high minerality division, both in still and sparkling.
In the sparkling water categories, Pure Mist from Australia, Jaure from Sweden, Balbin from the Czech Republic, and Tehuacan from Mexico were among the global standouts. Naturally carbonated waters also earned recognition, with Ecuador’s Güitig and Spain’s Vichy Catalan awarded for their distinctive mineral-rich effervescence.
Michael Mascha, founder of Fine Waters, emphasized that water, much like wine, carries a sense of place. “By paying thoughtful attention to what I was drinking, I discovered the world of fine bottled water,” he explained, noting that terroir plays a central role in shaping taste, texture, and minerality.
Anistacia Barber, a Colorado-based water sommelier who participated in the summit, highlighted the significance of this year’s results. “These award-winning selections stand as a powerful testament to the careful, responsible stewardship of these precious land and water sources,” she said.
Beyond recognition, the awards spotlight the growing global market for premium bottled water, valued at USD 38.6 billion in 2024 according to Global Market Insights. Increasingly, fine waters are finding a place in hospitality, with curated water menus appearing in Michelin-starred restaurants and select bottles gaining viral attention on social media.
At the same time, the niche appeal of fine waters is tempered by global realities. One in three people worldwide still lack access to clean drinking water, underscoring the stark contrast between water as a luxury product and water as a basic human right.
Still, the awards reflect a trend that continues to gain momentum: consumers’ interest in quality, provenance, and sustainability. For those exploring the world of premium waters, the 2025 Fine Waters Taste & Design Award winners serve as a benchmark for excellence and a gateway into a growing cultural phenomenon.
