France has performed admirably at the 2012 International Wine Challenge, taking a total of 1,136 medals compared to only 673 in second place.

The country that is renowned for regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, and wines such as Chateux Margaux, Lafite and Chateauneuf du Pape run riot at the awards, taking the most medals for yet another year.

France topped the medal board overall with a total of 1,136 medals, with Australia coming second with 673 and Portugal landing in third with 444. A surprise inclusion in this year's awards was Wales, which took home three commended awards for Ancre Hill Estates Sparkling Rosé, Ancre Hill Estates Sparkling White and Tintern Parva Bacchus.

England also triumphed once again, with a record sweep of 49 medals, an impressive increase of 36 per cent on last year. Sparkling wine production in England has been touted as excellent by many commentators, and there is surely going to be some popped for the imminent Jubilee celebrations.

But this year's awards were a celebration of success all around. In its 29th year, the IWC saw 426 gold medals awarded, which is the highest gold medal tally in the history of the IWC.