2022 Sunset International Wine Competition Awards Best of the Best and Best Red Wine to Wapato Point Cellars’ 2018 Cabernet Franc

Santa Rosa, Calif., — June 14, 2022—Boasting a record number of entries, the 2022 Sunset International Wine Competition awarded Best of the Best and Best Red Wine to a Cabernet Franc from Wapato Point Cellars (Manson, Wash.). Judges raved: “Beautiful oak”; “Blackberry”; “Righteous herbal”; “Focused.” This is the first time a Washington State wine has taken top prize at this prestigious competition.

“It was unexpected but well deserved,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, founder and president of Wine Competitions Management & Productions. “We had some really great wines in the final sweepstakes rounds, and Wapato Point Cellars swoops in and takes it all. Results like this are why competitions are so valuable.”

To win Best of Show Red Wine, the Wapato Point Cab Franc had to best a field of 16 other reds in the Sweepstakes Round, including such heavy hitters as a Mi Sueño Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Ehret Family Winery Merlot, Sean Minor Wines Pinot Noir and Concannon Vineyard Petit Verdot, among others.

Nine outstanding wines competed for Best of Show White Wine honors, including a Husch Vineyards Gewürztraminer, a Harney Lane Albariño and a Sauvignon Blanc from Francis Ford Coppola’s Diamond Collection. Ultimately, though, the prize went to Dry Creek Cellars 2021 Dry Chenin Blanc, which judges described as “Lemony”; “Golden delicious apples”; “Orange blossoms.”

In the final sweepstakes round for Best Of Show, the Wapato Point marched to victory over the Best White, Best Sparkling (2018 Domaine Carneros Brut), Best Rosé (Del Rio 2021 Rosé of Grenache) and Best Dessert (2019 Baldacci Family Vineyards Late Harvest Gewürtztraminer) contenders. See below for more details.

Revived in 2017 after a decade-long hiatus, the Sunset International Wine Competition is designed to attract all wineries interested in reaching the Western wine drinker and is juried by the best judges in the industry, who understand and appreciate the Western palate and lifestyle. Judges include winemakers, sommeliers, retail buyers, wine educators, and journalists.

“Wine is central to the Sunset lifestyle, a passion of our audience, and a core part of the stories we tell,” says Hugh Garvey, editor-in-chief at Sunset Publishing. “Every year, we look forward to sharing the results of the annual wine competition with our readers. This year saw a record number of entries, which is a testament to the talents and output of an industry we look to for inspiration and deliciousness. We’re grateful for the efforts of all who entered and raise a glass to the winners.”

Winning producers will be featured in the October release of a Wine Special nonprint, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for the Wine Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2022 Wine Competition Awards winners are announced.

The complete list of Gold and above medal winners can be found here: Sunset International 2022 Result by Brand.

SWEEPSTAKES WINES

Best of the Best and Best of Show Red: Wapato Point Cellars 2018 Cabernet Franc (99 pts.)

Judges: “Beautiful oak”; “Blackberry”; “Righteous herbal”; “Focused.”

Best of Show White: Dry Creek Vineyards 2021 Dry Chenin Blanc (96)

Judges: “Lemony”; “Golden delicious apples”; “Orange blossoms.”

Best of Show Sparkling: Domaine Carneros 2018 Estate Brut Cuvee (99)

Judges: “Bright, lively”; “Very well-balanced”; “Tropical fruit.”

Best of Show Rosé: Del Rio Vineyards 2021 Grenache Rosé (97)

Judges: “Deep salmon color”; “Bing cherry’; “Juicy and balanced.”

Best of Show Dessert Wine: Baldacci Family Vineyards 2019 Late Harvest Gewürtztraminer (96)

Judges: “Citric”; “Honey”; “Rich”; “Demands attention”; “Flowers that blossom in the grass.”

OTHER BEST OF CLASS SWEEPSTAKES WINES

Best of Class Spanish White: Harney Lane 2021 Albariño (96)

Judges: “Finely structured”; “Nice length”; “Crisp citrus”; “Nice mouthfeel.”

Best of Class Pinot Gris/Grigio: Foris 2021 Pinot Gris (95)

Judges: “Good structure”; “Good acid”; “Citrus, peach, pear”; “Ripe melon, Honeydew.”

Best of Class Sauvignon Blanc: Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection 2021 Sauvignon Blanc (98)

Judges: “True to varietal”; “Classic Sauvignon blanc”; “Notes of citrus”; “Great with fish tacos.”

Best of Class White Blends: Stefano di Blasi IGT Sicilia Zibibbo 2020 Catarratto (96)

Judges: “Mint aromatics”; “Honeysuckle”; “Fruit and structure.”

Best of Class Riesling: Black Girl Magic Wines 2021 Riesling (96)

Judges: “Tangerine”; “Honeysuckle blossom.”

Best of Class Gewürztraminer: Husch 2021 Gewürztraminer (95)

Judges: “Apple blossom”; “Honeysuckle”; “Really nice balance”; “Long finish.”

Best of Class Viognier: Vina Robles 2021 Viognier (99)

Judges: “Bright sunny wine”; “Great nose”; “Fresh fruit basket”; “Makes you wish you were on a yacht.”

Best of Class Chardonnay: Picchetti Winery 2020 Leslie’s Estate Chardonnay (98)

Judges: “Notes of melon, cantaloupe”; “Floral”; “Reminds me of summertime”; “Zesty”; “A very nice wine.”

Best of Class Rosé Blends: Bayernmoor Cellars 2021 Rosé (98)

Judges: “Lithe structure”; “Very aromatic”; “Watermelon, cucumber.”

Best of Class Grenache: Casino Mine Ranch 2019 Grenache Noir (97)

Judges: “Round, rich, full”; “Dark plum”; “Sour cherry”; “Ageable.”

Best of Class Pinot Noir: Sean Minor 2019 Pinot Noir ‐ Sangiacomo ‐ Roberts Road Vineyard (99)

Judges: “Smokey”; “Nice red fruits”; “Earthy, classic varietal character.”

Best of Class Merlot: Ehret Family Winery 2018 Merlot (96)

Judges: “Rich, sexy, structured”; “Big, concentrated”; “Chewy”; “Dark notes of briary blackberries, plum and cherry”; “Pure luxury in every sip.”

Best of Class Cabernet Sauvignon: Mi Sueño Winery 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (99)

Judges: “Sweet pipe tobacco”; “Olive tapenade”; “A classic Cab”; “Great cellar potential.”

Best of Class Rhone Type Blend: Dorcich Family Vineyards 2020 Crveno (97)

Judges: “Dark fruit”; “Balanced sour plums”; “Bing cherry, oak, spice”; “Drinkable”; “Spicey, sublime acidity”; “Superb.”

Best of Class Italian Type Red Blends: Denier-Handal Vineyards 2019 Don Angelo (97)

Judges: “Pretty nose”; “Varietally correct”; Pleasant quaffing wine”; “Nice spicy notes”; “Cherry compote.”

Best of Class Sangiovese: Le Vigne Estate Wines 2019 Sangiovese (96)

Judges: “Clean!”; “Cherry and plum notes”; “Strawberry with subnotes of roasted pepper”; “Leather, tobacco and dried roses”; “Lingering finish.”

Best of Class Barbera: Vezer Family Vineyard 2019 Blue Victorian Barbera (98)

Judges: “Blackberry, cranberry, pepper”; “Tobacco leaf”; “Persistence”; “Elegant.”

Best of Class Zinfandel: Hendry 2019 Blocks 7 & 22 Zinfandel (98)

Judges: “Classic pepper”; “Lush, big finish”; “Underripe blackberry.”

Best of Class Malbec: Bunnell Family Cellar 2014 Malbec, Walla Walla (99)

Judges: “Spicy”; “Jalapeño and fruit notes”; Well-structured wine”; “Very versatile”; “Malbec through and through.”

Best of Class Tempranillo: Coventina Vineyards 2015 Tempranillo Reserve (97)

Judges: “Bright fruit”; “Cinnamon”; “Lingering finish.”

Best of Class Red Bordeaux Type: Ehret Family Winery 2018 Hillside Reserve Red Wine (97)

Judges: “Chalky classic character”; “Roasted coffee/mocha”; Silky molten chocolate.”

Best of Class Other Red Varietals: Quevedo Family Alegria Vineyard Douro 2018 Touriga Nacional (99) Red Varietals

Judges: “Lip-smacking cranberry”; “Nice structure”; “Fresh fruit”; “Seamless.”

Best of Class Petit Verdot: Concannon Vineyard 2018 Reserve Petit Verdot (96)

Judges: “Balanced, smooth”; “Smokey nose”; “Dark fruit.”

Best of Class Syrah/Shiraz: Eberle 2020 Steinbeck Syrah (99)

Judges: “Supple”; “Nice finish”; “Seductive oak.”

Best of Class Petite Sirah: Aimée 2017 Petite Sirah Region lll (97)

Judges: “Classic Petite Syrah”; “Oak and blueberry fruit with smooth tannins.”

Best of Class Late Harvest Red Varietals: Kelley & Young Wines 2018 Late Harvest Zinfandel (96)

Judges: “Beautiful layers”; “Lovely fruit”; “Rich.”

Best of Class Canned Wines:   Maker Wine Company Muscat Canelli (95)

Judges: “Bright and floral”; “Lively acidity.”

Best of Class Cider: Portland Cider Company Strawberry Pineapple Cider NV (94)

Judges: “Fun”; “Great fruit combo”; “Great with hot spicy BBQ.”

Best of Class Boxed Wine: E&J Gallo Winery Black Box Red Sangria NV (95)

Judges: “Stunning aromas”; “Blackberry and spices”

Best of Class Fruit Wine: Fortino Winery Pomegranate Wine NV (91)           

Judges: “Nicely balanced, flavorful”; “Great acid balance”; “Earthy.”

The complete list of Gold and above medal winners can be found here: Sunset International 2022 Result by Brand.

_______________________________________________________________________

About Sunset

Sunset shares the best of life in the West―from travel and food to home and garden―with an audience of more than 6 million. Sunset showcases the region’s unique lifestyle and noteworthy destinations, inspiring readers to achieve the dream of living in the West. Sunset.com is the West’s essential guide to all the best things about the region: easy outdoor living and gardening, unexpected day trips and destinations, fast and fresh foods, shockingly perfect wine pairings, and innovative home decorating and design. www.sunset.com

About Wine Competitions Management & Production (WCMP)

WCMP owns and operates a variety of competitions including Sunset International Wine Competition, West Coast Wine Competition, International Eastern Wine Competition, East Meets West, International Women’s Wine & Spirits Competition, Harvest Challenge, the Craft Distillers Spirits Competition, Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, and Experience Rosé. www.winecompetitions.com

The Sunset International Wine Competition is one of the most influential wine programs in the country — and there’s still time to enter at the discounted rate.

 We’ve extended our Early Bird Deadline Until Midnight Tonight, May 12.

As the leading voice of the Western lifestyle, Sunset is uniquely positioned to help you reach the Western wine drinker. Our competition is judged by some of the most respected professionals in the industry — including Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine — who understand and appreciate the Western palate.

 Winners Receive Year-Long Exposure:

• The Sunset Wine Awards Special Digital Edition (October release)

• A dedicated microsite

• A Featured Sunset Article

• Promotions across sunset.com, our eNewsletters, and social platforms
  (Available online for 12 months!)

Competition Dates: June 10–12, 2025
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Final Entry Deadline: May 22, 2025

Don’t miss your chance to stand out! 

Final Hours to Enter the 2025 Competition!

The Sunset International Wine Competition will take place June 10th - 12th, 2025. The final deadline for submission is Tonight, May 22nd at Midnight

What Sets Us Apart

Esteemed Judging Panel: The competition boasts a panel of highly respected judges, including Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, seasoned winemakers, and influential wine journalists. This ensures that each wine is evaluated with a high level of expertise and discernment.

Comprehensive Promotion for Winners: Winning wines receive significant exposure through Sunset magazine's digital platforms, including a dedicated Wine Special digital edition, features on Sunset.com, and promotions across Sunset’s social media channels. This extensive coverage helps winners reach a broad audience of wine enthusiasts.

Diverse Categories: The competition recognizes excellence across various categories, from traditional red and white wines to sparkling, rosé, dessert, and even innovative formats like canned and boxed wines.

Influential Audience: Sunset magazine's readership is known for its passion for wine, with a significant portion of readers being regular wine consumers who enjoy exploring new and diverse wine options. This makes the competition an attractive platform for wineries aiming to connect with an engaged and knowledgeable audience.

Early Bird Pricing Ends Thursday, May 8th!

Entry Fee: $99

Early Bird Pricing until May 8

The Sunset International Wine Competition will take place June 10 - 12, 2025. 

The final deadline for submission is May 22nd, 2025

What Sets Us Apart

Esteemed Judging Panel: The competition boasts a panel of highly respected judges, including Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, seasoned winemakers, and influential wine journalists. This ensures that each wine is evaluated with a high level of expertise and discernment.

Comprehensive Promotion for Winners: Winning wines receive significant exposure through Sunset magazine's digital platforms, including a dedicated Wine Special digital edition, features on Sunset.com, and promotions across Sunset’s social media channels. This extensive coverage helps winners reach a broad audience of wine enthusiasts.

Diverse Categories: The competition recognizes excellence across various categories, from traditional red and white wines to sparkling, rosé, dessert, and even innovative formats like canned and boxed wines.

Influential Audience: Sunset magazine's readership is known for its passion for wine, with a significant portion of readers being regular wine consumers who enjoy exploring new and diverse wine options. This makes the competition an attractive platform for wineries aiming to connect with an engaged and knowledgeable audience.

Meet Honorary Chief Judge, Jennifer J.B. Kelly!

As a wine and spirits executive, certified sommelier, entrepreneur, and wine judge with 15+ years of industry experience, Jennifer J.B. Kelly is perfectly poised to lend her experience to the Sunset International Wine Competition as Honorary Chief Judge.

Jennifer has represented some of the world’s most prominent wine and spirits organizations working with both domestic and international portfolios.

Jennifer is an aspiring Master of Wine who is currently enrolled in the WSET certification program to earn her diploma.

Meet the Other Judges

Winemakers • Sommeliers • Buyers • Wine Journalists

Professional Wine Judges • Wine Educators

Entry Fee: $99

Early bird pricing until May 8

Enter the Competition

The Sunset International Wine Competition, established in 2012, has rapidly become one of the most esteemed wine competitions, attracting a diverse array of entries from both domestic and international wineries.

What Sets Us Apart

Esteemed Judging Panel: The competition boasts a panel of highly respected judges, including Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, seasoned winemakers, and influential wine journalists. This ensures that each wine is evaluated with a high level of expertise and discernment.

Comprehensive Promotion for Winners: Winning wines receive significant exposure through Sunset magazine's digital platforms, including a dedicated Wine Special digital edition, features on Sunset.com, and promotions across Sunset’s social media channels. This extensive coverage helps winners reach a broad audience of wine enthusiasts.

Diverse Categories: The competition recognizes excellence across various categories, from traditional red and white wines to sparkling, rosé, dessert, and even innovative formats like canned and boxed wines.

Influential Audience: Sunset magazine's readership is known for its passion for wine, with a significant portion of readers being regular wine consumers who enjoy exploring new and diverse wine options. This makes the competition an attractive platform for wineries aiming to connect with an engaged and knowledgeable audience.

Entry Fee: $99

Early bird pricing until May 8

The Sunset International Wine Competition will take place June 10th - 12th, 2025. The final deadline for submission is May 22nd, 2025.

Enter the Competition

1. Create your Account

Already have an account? Log in instead! Your account will last year after year.

2. Register your Wines

Create a database of your wines to enter into the competition.

3. Enter the Competition

With Enofile's "Easy Enter" you'll enjoy quick and secure competition entry and fee processing

2025 Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition Announces Call for Entries 

Santa Rosa, Calif., (March 20, 2025) — Sunset Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle, announced today its call for entries in the 2025 Sunset International Wine Competition. Established in 2012, the Sunset International Wine Competition was the most successful launch of a wine competition in U.S. history. 

Winning producers will be featured in a Fall release of a Wine Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for the Wine Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months up until the 2026 Wine Competition Awards winners are announced. Wine & Spirit Competitions Management & Productions (WSCM&P) will manage the competition. 

“When you combine the reputation and influence of Sunset with the most experienced wine judging professionals, including award winning winemakers, Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, wine buyers, and key media, this becomes a must-enter competition for any winery looking for exposure to the ideal wine drinking audience,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, founder and president of WSCM&P. 

Participating in the Sunset International Wine Competition provides the opportunity to gain national exposure for your wines. Sunset boasts more than 900,000 monthly online visitors, 1 million social followers and over 500,000 newsletter subscribers. What’s more, 96% of Sunset readers drink wine, and more than 75% of subscribers drink wine every week. 

Enter before May 8, 2025, for early bird pricing. Final entry date is May 22, 2025. Go to sunsetcompetitions.com for more information.

About Sunset 

Sunset is the premier resource for achieving the ultimate Western lifestyle. Our experts focus on travel destinations in the 13 Western states, home design and outdoor living ideas suited to our region, and recipes and menus that celebrate the West. 

About Wine & Spirits Competitions Management & Productions 

Based in Santa Rosa, California, Wine & Spirit Competitions Management & Productions is an independently owned and operated adult beverage competition company with a uniquely designed portfolio to appeal to a niche market based on its regional or otherwise defined style of judging. Its competitions include: The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, Harvest Challenge, East Meets West, the International Women’s Wine Competition, Craft Distillers Spirits Competition, Sunset International Wine and Spirits Competition, L.A. Invitational Wine and Spirits Competition and Experience Rosé Wine Competition. 

Visit www.SunsetCompetitions.com for more information

Entry Closes Tonight at 11:59pm!

Are you as anxious as we are to find out this year's best of the best? Tonight is the final night to submit entries for the Sunset International Wine Competition!

Once all of the entries are collected and prepared, we'll begin 3 straight days of thoughtful consideration, concentrated tasting, and precise glass swirls so that the judges can announce who takes the gold. 

Don't miss your chance to be in the running! 

  The Sunset Audience

The Sunset International Wine Competition is designed to attract all wineries interested in reaching the Western wine drinker and is juried by the best judges in the industry, who understand and appreciate the Western palate and lifestyle

The Categories

Whether you specialize in bold reds, delicate whites, or innovative blends, the Sunset International Wine Competition offers a platform to showcase the distinct qualities of your creations.

It's Easy To Enter!

With Enofile's "Easy Enter" you'll enjoy quick and secure competition entry and fee processing.
1. Create your Account

2. Register your Wines
3. Enter the Competition

The Winning Campaign

Winning producers will be featured in the October release of a Wine Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite.The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2025 Wine Competition Awards winners are announced.

The Judges

Honorary Chief Judge Jennifer Kelly is joined by Winemakers, Sommeliers, Buyers, Wine Writers, Professional Wine Judges and Wine Educators.

Enter the Competition

Entry Deadline is May 7

If you missed the early bird deadline last week, don't worry! There's one week left to enter your wines in the 2024 Sunset International Wine Competition!

Winning producers will be featured in the October release of a Wine Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for the Wine Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2025 Wine Competition Awards winners are announced.

Enter the Competition

Early Bird Pricing Ends Today!

Don't miss your chance to save on discounted pricing.

Early Bird Entry Fee: $99

Enter the Competition

For the 8th consecutive year, Sunset Magazine, the definitive lifestyle brand of the modern American West, proudly presents

The Sunset International Wine Competition 

Our engaged, discerning, and wine aficionado Sunset audience perfectly pairs with the select panel of judges comprised of seasoned wine professionals, Master Sommeliers, and Masters of Wine to celebrate the brightest and boldest wines of the year.

Meet Honorary Chief Judge, Jennifer Kelly!

Other Judges Include:

Winemakers • Sommeliers • Buyers • Wine Writers
Professional Wine Judges • Wine Educators 

Entry Fee: $99

Early Bird Pricing until April 23rd

Enter the Competition

Why should you join the competition?

The Wine Edition

Picture your wines featured in the eagerly anticipated Wine Awards edition of Sunset Magazine!

Winning producers will be featured in the October release of a Wine Special non-print, digital edition with supporting microsite. Promotions for the Wine Award Special Issue will be placed in sunset.com, Sunset eNewsletters, and Sunset social sites. The edition will be promoted and available for 12 months or until the 2025 Wine Competition Awards winners are announced.

Sunset Circulation

Sunset has a circulation of 230K in print and digital with 1.2MM+ site visits per month. Average page views are 1.57MM.

Entry Fee: $99

Early Bird Pricing until April 23rd

Enter the Competition

Why should you join the competition?

It's Easy to Enter!

1. Create your Account

Already have an account? Log in instead! Your Account will last year after year. 

2. Register your Wines

Create a database of your wines to enter into the competition.

3. Enter the Competition

With Enofile's "Easy Enter", you'll enjoy quick and secure competition entry and fee processing.

How many bottles need to be sent per entry?

An official entry shall consist of 4 bottles, each bottle no less than 750ml in volume. For containers larger than 1 liter in volume, an official entry shall consist of 2 units. An official entry of wines, such as dessert wines, that are bottled only in 375ml bottles shall consist of 6 bottles, each no less than 375ml.

Entry Fee: $99

Early Bird Pricing until April 23rd

Enter the Competition

Why should you join the competition?

The Categories!

Whether you specialize in bold reds, delicate whites, or innovative blends, the Sunset International Wine Competition offers a platform to showcase the distinct qualities of your creations.

With an extensive array of categories catering to various tastes and styles, there's ample opportunity for your wines to shine in their respective categories

There is a category for every wine, but only one wine will be voted

 Best of the Best!

Best of Show Red Wine
Best of Show White Wine
Best of Show Rosé Wine
Best of Show Sparkling Wine
Best Dessert/Late Harvest Wine
Best of Show Port
Best of Show Sherry
Best of Show Cider
Best of Show Mead
Best of Show Fruit
Best of Show Fortified Wines
Best of Show Canned Wines

Best of Show Flavored Sparkling
Best Bordeaux Style Blend
Best of Show Sake
Best of Show Hemp
Best of Show Low Alcohol
Best of Show Alcohol Free
Best of Show Boxed
Best of Show Spritzer
Double Gold
Gold
Silver
Bronze

Will your wine be Best of Show?

Enter the Competition

Why should you join the competition?

The Audience!

The Sunset International Wine Competition is designed to attract all wineries interested in reaching the Western wine drinker and is juried by the best judges in the industry, who understand and appreciate the Western palate and lifestyle.

Meet The Sunset Reader

Sunset readers appreciate Sunset's commitment to the wine industry and count on the magazine to expand their wine knowledge.

106% Above average for being enthusiastic consumers of wine

93% Drink wine at least once a week

83% Above average for typically drinking wine with dinner

$229,619 Average HHI

$959,263 Average HH net worth

82% Visit wineries

Ready to meet your audience?

Enter The Competition

Sunset Magazine is thrilled to announce the call for entries in the 2024 Sunset International Wine Competition!

For the 8th consecutive year, Sunset Magazine, the definitive lifestyle brand of the modern American West, proudly presents the Sunset International Wine Competition.

Our engaged, discerning, and wine aficionado Sunset audience perfectly pairs with the select panel of judges comprised of seasoned wine professionals, Master Sommeliers, and Masters of Wine to celebrate the brightest and boldest wines of the year.

Meet 2023's Competition Winners:

The 2023 winning wines and wineries delivered incredible flavor, the highest production standards, and, above all, deliciousness in the glass.

Are you ready to showcase your exceptional wines?

Enter The Competition

Best of Show Awarded to Brecon Estate Albariño 

June 6, 2023 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, which took place in May in Santa Rosa, Calif. Taking the top spot this year is Brecon Estate 2022 Albariño, which judges described as “fresh and bright,” “honeysuckle,” with a “lingering finish.” Ultimately, they concluded, “a very well-made wine.” 

Brecon Estate is a boutique estate winery located in the westside hills outside of Paso Robles, Calif. “This particular varietal has been hugely successful for us,” says winemaker Damian Grindley. “It fits so well with alfresco summers in Paso Robles and so many Southern states, as well as the seafood culture of the [San Luis Obispo] Coast. It’s helped put both Brecon Estate and Central Coast Albariño on the map.”

He continues, “Its fruit sourcing has always been from the San Luis Obispo Coast, however following the official approval of the appellation [in March 2022], this is the first time we have been able to put its true fruit source on the label rather than the somewhat more generic Central Coast AVA.” 

“At Sunset, celebrating great wine and the good people who make it is an essential part of our mission to help people live their best possible life in the West,” said Hugh Garvey, editor-in-chief at Sunset Publishing. “This year’s annual wine competition, yet again, saw a record number of entrants submitting their fine bottlings and reflects the ongoing diversity and vitality of the wine industry. It’s a pleasure to share the winners with our audience. Congratulations to one and all!”

This is the first time an Albariño — and the first time a wine labeled as San Luis Obispo Coast — has won the Sunset International Wine Competition. This year’s winner topped nearly 3,000 other entered wines to take the top spot. After two days of judging, the sweepstakes round featured 34 stellar contestants (listed below). 

“The number of wines submitted was higher than last year, and the quality of those wines [was exceptional],” said Honorary Head Judge Miro Tcholakov (Trentadue Winery and Miro Cellars). “The sweepstakes winner is Albariño, which is significant because it shows winemakers are not just playing with unconventional varieties, but they have advanced in making world-class wines from those varieties. Luckily, consumers are more engaged in seeking out and exploring [lesser known] varieties.” 

“We are so excited to have our characterful wines, as well as the up-and-coming crisp refreshing Albariño grape, exposed to such a wide audience of folks across the United States and beyond,” adds Grindley. “It will reach places we would never normally venture and to people who would never normally have a chance to drive past our door or stumble across our website.” 

Tcholakov was further encouraged by another result. “The fact that Merlot was the Best Red is also significant. It shows Merlot is back on top where it should be — and once was — as one of the best red varieties,” he said.

The Sunset International Wine Competition is judged by fellow winemakers, qualified members of the media, educators, researchers, sommeliers and retail buyers. This mix of experts gives the results professional weight and increases marketing opportunities for medal winners. A full list of medal-winning wines can be found at sunsetcompetitions.com/sunset-international-wine-competition/. 

2023 Sunset International Wine Competition Sweepstakes Wines 

Best of the Best, Best White Wine 

Brecon Estate 2022 Albariño (BOC, GG, 98 pts.)
Judges: “Fresh and bright,” “Honeysuckle,” “Lingering finish,” “A very well-made wine” 

Best Red Wine 

La Storia 2020 Merlot (GG, 98)
Judges: “True to varietal,” “Good fruit,” “Made by a real pro!” 

Best Sparkling Wine 

Sojourn Cellars NV Brut (GG, 97)
Judges: “Elegant cherry,” “Hints of earth,” “Golden delicious apple,” “Traditional sparkling,” “Tiny beads” 

Best Rosé Wine 

Seaglass 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir (GG, 98)
Judges: “Light, delicate,” “Pale blush,” “Complex and lively” 

Best Dessert/Late Harvest Wine 

Husch Vineyards 2022 Muscat Canelli (GG, 97)
Judges: “Sugar and tartness in harmony,” “Well made, balanced, very clean,” “Elegant” 

Best Brandy 

Jaxon Keys NV Brandy Cornerstone (GG, 96)
Judges: “Rich,” “Vanilla cream soda,” “Good texture,” “Honey”

Additional Sweepstakes Wines 

Bricoleur Vineyards (GG, 96)
Judges: “Nose is tantalizing,” “Red cherry, tangerine, with notes of spice box,” “Vibrancy”

Blue Farm 2020 Laceroni Vineyard Chardonnay (GG, 97)
Judges: “Tropical fruit,” “Creamy,” “Tart vanilla oak,” “Very well put together”

Carol Shelton Wines 2022 Coquille Blanc (GG, 98)
Judges: “Honey, peach, integrated oak,” “Clean finish,” “Layered fruit”

Cline Cellars 2022 Viognier (GG, 96)
Judges: “Fusel aromatics,” “Coastal,” “Lemon tart candies,” “A lovely wine”

King Estate 2022 Pinot Gris (GG, 96)
Judges: “Floral,” “Pear, spice, white pepper, lemon peel,” “Perfect balance”

Paradise Ridge 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (GG, 97)
Judges: “Bright, racy, lemon,” “Minerality,” “Blossoms on the nose,” “Delicacy”

Pennyroyal Farm 2022 PinoTrio (GG, 97)
Judges: “Taste of place,” “Really nice wine,” “Good fruit, clean,” “Apple”

Rivino 2022 Pinot Blanc (GG, 95)
Judges: “Stone fruits,” “White peach, white flowers,” “Vanilla confections,” “Citrus pith”

Wise Villa Winery 2022 Stainless steel Chardonnay (GG, 97)
Judges: “Great texture from concrete,” “Harmony of sweet, sour, bitterness”

Apsara Cellars 2021 Whole Cluster Syrah (GG, 98)
Judges: “Bright, less weighty,” “Black fruit and good balance,” “Nimble”

Blue Farm Gap’s Crown Vineyard 2021 Pinot Noir (GG, 99)
Judges: “Wild strawberries,” “Mandarin peel,” “Fresh raspberry,” “Spice”

Dancin 2021 Tribute Barbera (GG, 98)
Judges: “Bold, sophisticated notes of red and black fruits,” “A finish that keeps on giving”

Enkidu 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, “ANSAR” (GG, 99)
Judges: “Nice touch of cassis,” “Classic Cab,” “Nice acidity,” “Food friendly”

EFESTE 2020 Grenache (GG, 99)
Judges: “High acid, bright, precise,” “Elegant aromatics,” “Southern Rhone,” “Electric”

Grindstone 2019 Petit Verdot (GG, 96)
Judges: “Earthy, sage aromas,” “Bing cherry, ripeness,” “Long finish, well balanced”

Heaven’s Gate Vineyard 2019 Mourvedre (GG, 96)
Judges: “Fresh strawberry jam,” “Boysenberry yogurt,” “Fruity, delicious,” “Spice box, sweet tobacco”

Imagery Estate Winery 2020 Cabernet Franc (GG, 98)
Judges: “Nice uniform structure,” “Bell pepper, jalapeño,” “An elegant wine”

Jessie’s Grove Winery 2020 Alicante Bouschet (GG, 96)
Judges: “Mouthwatering concentrated fruit,” “Old leather goods,” “Substantial in fruit expression and mouthfeel,” “Enjoyable without being overpowering”

Ledson 2019 Tiamo Red Blend (GG, 99)
Judges: “Well balanced,” “Elegant for linen table,” “Special wine”

Left Of Ordinary 2021 Tannat (GG, 97)
Judges: “Tame tannins, refined expression,” “Red current, strawberry rhubarb pie,” “Black Satsuma plum”

Macchia 2021 Amorous Sangiovese (GG, 97)
Judges: “Tobacco,” “Chewy,” “Nice oak, vanilla, lots of fruit,” “Great for aging,” “Nice tannins”

Miro 2021 Petite Sirah (GG, 98)
Judges: “Huge wine,” “Big and bold,” “Fennel and cassis,” “Molasses,” “Meaty”

Monserate Vineyards and Winery 2021 Negroamaro (GG, 96)
Judges: “Bursts of flavor,” “Food friendly,” “Well balanced,” “Wild berries, cherry, whisper of herbs,” “Fantastic finish”

Papapietro Perry 2020 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (GG, 100)
Judges: “Abundance of purple floral aromatics,” “Perfectly ripe raspberry,” “Savory green and cola balances sweet fruit”

Pezzi King 2020 Serracino Zinfandel (GG, 98)
Judges: “Classic Zin,” “Black tea, hints of black pepper,” “Ripe red fruit with herbs”

PWR Wines 2021 Tempranillo (GG, 97)
Judges: “Medium body,” “Gorgeous Bing cherry,” “Great nose,” “Elegant”

Sequoia Grove Winery 2019 Napa Valley Malbec (GG, 98)
Judges: “Mocha and black tea,” “Dark plums, blackberry,” “Very well balanced, long finish”

Starfield Vineyards 2020 Bronson Bros. Red Blend (GG, 97)
Judges: “Minty quality,” “Balanced black fruit,” “Robust varietal typicality,” “A crowd pleaser”

Wilson of Dry Creek 2021 Primitivo / McClain (GG, 98)
Judges: “Black sesame,” “Chocolate,” “Blackberry cobbler,” “Truffle”