The Verema Awards 2025 ceremony once again brought Valencia, Spain, together with the leading figures of the national wine and gastronomy sectors to celebrate excellence and a commitment to wine culture. In this edition, the Verema Award – Louis Roederer for Best Wine Handling in 2025 honored Atrio restaurant in Cáceres, solidifying its status as one of Spain’s great temples of gastronomy and wine. The gala took place a few days ago at the Las Arenas Hotel in Valencia, in an event that highlighted the talent and dedication of the sector.
With a tradition dating back to 1776, Louis Roederer remains firmly a family-owned and independent house, today one of the indispensable names in champagne on the international stage. In Spain, its presence is supported by Primeras Marcas, the importer and official distributor of the Maison, bringing its magnificent champagnes to haute cuisine.
The recognition honors the sensitivity, rigor and coherence with which Atrio integrates wine into its gastronomic offering, serving as a unifying element of the experience. With this award, the Extremadura restaurant joins the list of establishments distinguished in previous editions, taking over from leaders such as Akelarre (2024) and L’Escaleta (2023). The plaques for the second and third place went to Venta Moncalvillo and Coque, respectively.
Located in the heart of Cáceres’ historic district, opposite the San Mateo church, Atrio is one of the great references of Spanish haute cuisine and boasts three Michelin stars. Founded and run by chefs Toño Pérez and José Polo, since 1986 it has built a culinary offering based on respect for the product, technical elegance and a deep connection to the Extremadura region. Its cuisine, recognized internationally, blends tradition and avant-garde with a contemporary sensibility that makes each menu a unique experience. Added to this is one of Europe’s most prestigious wine cellars, with thousands of carefully curated references, where wine pairing becomes an essential element to elevate the diner’s sensory experience.
Presence of Major National Brands
The gala brought together numerous finalists across the different categories, reflecting the high level of the sector in this edition. Among them were several references from Primeras Marcas’ portfolio, such as Juvé & Camps, present in the shortlist for Winery with Best Historical Trajectory; its icon Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia 2021, which has remained a strong contender.
Second, in the category of Best Sparkling Wine of the Year 2025; and Meritxell Juvé, CEO of the firm, nominated as Personality in the Wine World of the Year 2025. Additionally, Viña Sastre contended for Winery of the Year, and in the category of Best Rosé Wine of the Year 2025, its Marcelina Gómez 2024 rosé finished in second place. Likewise, Alba Rosé Menorca 2024 from Bodega Torralba was also nominated in this category.
The Verema Awards reaffirm, year after year, their role as one of the premier recognitions for well-executed work within the wine and gastronomic sectors. Beyond the trophy list, the event brought together professionals and wine enthusiasts for a day of shared celebration that highlights the richness and diversity of Spain’s wine landscape.
