Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Takes Top Prize  November 18, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 2025 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition. After two spirited days of judging, Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir took the top prize. It was also awarded Best of Show Red Wine and Best of Monterey County AVA. Coming in at 98 points, judges praised the wine as “warm and spicy” with “fig and nutmeg.” Other descriptors included “meaty,” “prosciutto,” and “dried rose petal.”  With entries from across the globe, the Harvest Challenge bases judging on a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions and grapes that combine to give personality to the wine.  In other competitions, this terroir is ignored. At the Harvest Challen

Two K Farms Cidery and Winery 2022 Bubbly Riesling Takes Top Honors November 15, 2024 — Winners have been announced in the 2024 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition. After two spirited days of judging,Two K Farms Cidery and Winery 2022 Bubbly Riesling took the top prize. It was also awarded Best of Show Sparkling Wine. Coming in at 97 points, judges praised the wine for its “Mouth watering citrus and honeysuckle”; “Lingering tropical finish”; and “Perfect bubbles.” They also called it “Well balanced.” With a record number of entries from across the globe, the Harvest Challenge bases judging on a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions and grapes that combine to give personality to the wine. In other competitions, terroir is ignored. At the Harvest Challenge, judges taste wines alongside other wines of the same appellation. W

Sustainable Story: Niner Wine Estates Shoppers’ sense of urgency around climate change is rising. 78% of global consumers feel that environmental sustainability is important, they like the idea of being sustainable, and want to live more sustainable lives (Simon Kucher & Partners, 2021). While many brands and retailers today are making eco-friendly claims, some chalk up to little more than greenwashing: a marketing ploy designed to make products seem more sustainable than they are. Because of this, consumers feel that they can’t always trust “green” claims. It’s more important than ever for sustainable brands like you to share your sustainable story in a meaningful and authentic way. Wondering what it means to share a story that consumers can trust? See an example in this week’s Marketing Tip, where we share Niner Wine Estates’ Sustainable Story surrounding the Value of Energy Efficiency.   Stacking Energy Savings Electrici

Shoppers’ sense of urgency around climate change is rising. 78% of global consumers feel that environmental sustainability is important, they like the idea of being sustainable, and want to live more sustainable lives (Simon Kucher & Partners, 2021). While many brands and retailers today are making eco-friendly claims, some chalk up to little more than greenwashing: a marketing ploy designed to make products seem more sustainable than they are. Because of this, consumers feel that they can’t always trust “green” claims. It’s more important than ever for sustainable brands like you to share your sustainable story in a meaningful and authentic way. Wondering what it means to share a story that consumers can trust? See an example in this week’s Marketing Tip, where we share Niner Wine Estates’ Sustainable Story surrounding the Value of Energy Efficiency.   Stacking Energy Savings Electricity use in the winery accounts for a la

Afternoon Brief, July 25th

Alexandre de Lur Saluces, Longtime Proprietor at Bordeaux’s Château d’Yquem, Dies at 89: The aristocrat was a global ambassador for the Sauternes icon, then waged a bitter battle to prevent LVMH’s takeover...

Originally built in 2012 to accommodate equestrian events, the pavilion at Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards and Winery underwent a full-scale renovation in 2018. The pavilion can host both large scale events and intimate, VIP experiences like access to this wine tasting room on the lower level. Stone flooring that matches the slate used throughout the property helps to bring a sense of cohesion to the large estate. Architect: Chuck Peterson Interior Designer: Talbert Helms Eccles Interior Design Photographer: Technical Imagery Studios

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 ha

Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery Announces 50th Anniversary Chardonnay Lot #8 for the 2022 Sonoma County Barrel Auction

Healdsburg, CA, April 27th, 2022– Marking their golden anniversary, Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery is pleased to offer a special 5-case 50th Anniversary Chardonnay lot from the 2021 vintage […]