We are thrilled to share that Beloka Water’s lightly sparkling mineral water has won the Gold award at the 2026 Fine Water Society Taste Awards in Montreal, Canada, with our still water placing a very close fifth in its category, just 0.4 points shy of Bronze. This result is an incredible honour for our family‑owned Australian brand and a powerful affirmation of the uniqueness of our Snowy Mountains source.
Gold in Montreal for our sparkling water
Our lightly sparkling mineral water received the top accolade in its taste category at the FineWaters TASTE & DESIGN AWARDS 2026, held as part of the Fine Water Summit in Montreal on 15 May. The awards bring together leading water sommeliers to blind‑taste and score fine waters from around the world, with Gold reserved for the very highest‑scoring entries in each class.
For us, this Gold medal confirms that our signature balance of medium minerality and gentle carbonation can stand among the very best sparkling waters globally. It is especially meaningful because the judging focuses purely on what is in the glass: aroma, flavour, texture, mouthfeel and aftertaste, all assessed at room temperature in professional stemware. We are immensely proud that our sparkling water impressed an international panel on such a competitive stage.
A near‑podium finish for our still water
While our sparkling water claimed Gold, our naturally still water also performed exceptionally well in Montreal. In its still medium‑minerality category, it placed fifth overall, missing the Bronze medal by just 0.4 points on the FineWaters 90–100‑point scale. In a field that featured many outstanding waters from around the world, this tiny margin underlines just how competitive the category was.
We see this result as a strong endorsement of the purity and character of our still water. It confirms that the same terroir that gives our sparkling water its elegance also delivers a stand‑out still water that is refined, balanced and memorable in its own right. Being within touching distance of another medal motivates us to keep striving, while also allowing us to celebrate how far our still water has come.
Recognition on a global fine water stage
The 2026 TASTE & DESIGN AWARDS in Montreal brought together more than one hundred waters from dozens of countries, all divided into clearly defined taste categories based on carbonation and total dissolved solids. In each class, judges evaluate entries blind and award scores up to 100 points, with only a select few brands achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze recognition. To emerge with a Gold medal and a near‑medal fifth place in this context is a significant achievement for any producer.
For Beloka Water, it is particularly special because we represent both Australia and the unique alpine terroir of the Snowy Mountains. Every bottle on the tasting table in Montreal carried the story of our source, our land and our community. The results show that this story resonates not just with our customers at home, but also with sommeliers and experts who taste waters from all over the world.
How our Snowy Mountains source shines through
Both our award‑winning sparkling water and our high‑scoring still water begin at the same source in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. The water emerges from an ancient spring near Kosciuszko National Park, filtered naturally through geological formations that are hundreds of millions of years old. Along the way it picks up a distinct mineral composition that places it in the medium minerality range, a profile that brings structure and mouthfeel without overpowering delicacy of taste.
We bottle at the source to preserve this natural character, adding only fine carbonation for our lightly sparkling variety to create a gentle, creamy bubble rather than an aggressive fizz. The Gold medal in Montreal tells us that this philosophy is working exactly as we intend: the judges recognised and rewarded the clarity, balance and subtle complexity that our unique terroir imparts.
Building on a strong awards history
Montreal 2026 is not our first success at the FineWaters awards, but it is one of the most satisfying. Over the past decade we have collected multiple medals at international tastings, including recognition for both still and sparkling across events in Europe and Asia. These accolades track our evolution as a fine water producer and highlight the consistency of quality in both formats.
The new Gold for sparkling in Montreal feels like a continuation of that story, showing that Beloka Water can repeatedly perform at the highest level, even as the field becomes more global and more competitive. The near‑podium finish for our still water adds another layer, reinforcing that our range is strong and cohesive across styles.
Why this matters for our customers and partners
Awards are not just trophies on a shelf; they help our customers, hospitality partners and retailers feel confident in the water they choose to serve. When you see Beloka Water on a table, menu or wine list, you can be assured that it has been tested and recognised by independent experts who taste fine waters professionally. The Gold medal from Montreal supports chefs and sommeliers who want to offer a premium, terroir‑driven water alongside their food and wine program.
For our loyal customers at home, these results simply confirm what many of you tell us: that Beloka Water tastes clean, refreshing and distinctive. Whether you enjoy it as a sparkling accompaniment to a special meal, as a still water for everyday hydration, or as part of a curated beverage offering, you are choosing a water that has proven itself on an international stage.
Looking ahead after Montreal
The Fine Water Summit in Montreal was also a chance for us to connect with fellow producers, water sommeliers, designers and hospitality professionals from around the world. We return to Australia inspired by new ideas about sustainability, design, service and how fine water can be better integrated into dining and wellness experiences. The recognition for our sparkling and still waters gives us fresh momentum as we explore new partnerships and ways to share our story.
We will continue to invest in our source, our bottling practices and our commitment to environmental responsibility, so that every bottle of Beloka Water reflects the same quality that was honoured in Montreal. Most importantly, we will keep listening to feedback from you, our customers and partners, as we build on this success.
A heartfelt thank you
We would not have achieved this Gold medal and near‑Bronze result without the ongoing support of our community. From restaurants and hotels that champion Beloka Water on their lists, to retailers who proudly stock our bottles, to individuals who choose our water at home, every decision to support us makes a difference. You have helped bring the taste of our Snowy Mountains spring all the way to Montreal and onto the judges’ tables.
We are incredibly grateful and excited to share these results with you, and we look forward to celebrating together. As we plan our next steps after Montreal, we hope you will continue to join us on this journey and raise a glass of Beloka Water, sparkling or still, to this special milestone.