Though the Sunset International Wine Competition is in it’s 9th year introducing western wine drinkers to best wines in the industry, this will be the 4th year that we’ve had the category “Best of the Best”. Beyond Gold, Double Gold, Best in Class and Best in Show is the one wine that’s considered the very best of that competition year. Take a look at the Best of the Best of the past three years. The Best of the Best 2022 2018 Wapato Point Cellars Cabernet Franc 2023 2022 Brecon Estate Albariño 2024 2022 Trentadue Montepulciano Entry now open for the 2025 competition The Sunset International Wine Competition will take place June 10th - 12th, 2025. The final deadline for submission is May 22nd, 2025. Enter the Competition

JUNE 28, 2024 – Winners have been announced in the 17th annual Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWWSC). The competition, which took place June 10-12 in Santa Rosa, Calif., was founded on the premise that the majority of wine purchased for home consumption is bought by women. The IWWSC judging panels consist entirely of professional women in the wine and spirits industries — winemakers, distillers, marketers, buyers, sommeliers, educators and journalists.  “As always, the International Women’s Wine & Spirits Competition shined a spotlight on hundreds of deserving wines,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, owner of Wine Competitions Management & Production, which organizes and presents IWWSC. “And even though entry is open to all winemakers regardless of gender, I found it gratifying that six of this year’s sweepstakes wines were created by women. And our overall wine winner also was named Best Woman Winemaker

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: 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition  BEST OF SHOW Brecon Estate 2022 Albarino Best of the Best Best of Show - White Wine Husch Vineyards 2022 Muscat Canelli Best of Show Dessert/Late Harvest Sojourn Cellars NV Brut Sparkling Best of Show Sparkling Wine La Storia Trentadue Winery 2020 Merlot Best of Show Red Wine Seaglass Trinchero Family Estates 2021 Rosé Best of Show Rosé Wine T

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 h

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 h

Afternoon Brief, June 21st

Foley Family Wines Buys Napa’s Silverado Vineyards: Vintner, finance executive and hockey team owner Bill Foley secures 300 acres of Napa vines with latest deal expanding his winery holdings...