LAFFORT® USA is inviting commercial wineries and research institutions across its U.S. territories to rethink traditional red wine with the launch of the 2026 LAFFORT® USA Chillable Red Wine Challenge.
The competition challenges winemakers to create vibrant, expressive red wines designed to be enjoyed slightly chilled—approximately 45–50°F—while showcasing the creativity, innovation and technical precision of modern winemaking.
As consumer interest continues to expand toward fresh, approachable and food-friendly red wine styles, the Chillable Red Wine Challenge gives winemakers an opportunity to explore a category that combines the character of red wine with the refreshing drinkability traditionally associated with lighter styles.
“We want to challenge winemakers to think differently about what a red wine can be,” said Shaun Richardson, General Manager of LAFFORT® USA. “A great chillable red needs to be refreshing and delight the palate. This competition is about creativity, balance and finding new ways to make red wines that consumers want to reach for again and again.”
What Makes a Great Chillable Red?
Entries should demonstrate the qualities that make this style particularly compelling:
Best served at 45–50°F
Fresh, fruit-forward character
Bright acidity
Moderate alcohol
Soft, approachable tannins
Crafted for immediate enjoyment
Wines may be single-varietal wines or blends and must be produced from the 2026 vintage.
Putting Winemaking Innovation to the Test
To participate, wineries must be commercial wineries or research institutions located within LAFFORT® USA territories and must use a minimum of three LAFFORT® products during production. Participating wineries will document their LAFFORT® products use during registration.
Each winery may submit one wine. Two 750 mL bottles must be submitted by January 15, 2027.
Five wines from different US winegrowing regions will advance from the initial judging round to the final competition. Finalists will then be asked to provide approximately 9 gallons of wine for the final blind tasting at LAFFORT® Rendezvous 2027.
Two Rounds. Five Finalists. One Grand Prize.
The competition will be conducted through two rounds of blind tasting.
Stage One — January 2027
LAFFORT® personnel, invited winemakers and industry guests will evaluate the submitted wines based on:
Drinkability
Aroma
Flavor
Balance
Innovation
The top five wines will advance to the final round. Each finalist will receive a magnum of Bordeaux.
Stage Two — LAFFORT® Rendezvous 2027
The five finalists will be presented during LAFFORT® Rendezvous 2027 for a final blind tasting. Rendezvous attendees will taste the wines and select the Grand Prize winner.
The Grand Prize
The winning winery will receive a curated collection of six exceptional magnums representing celebrated wine regions and styles, including:
Champagne • Bordeaux • Napa Valley • Paso Robles • Sonoma Coast • Finger Lakes
Key Dates
July 2026 — Competition opens
Harvest 2026 — Produce your chillable red and register
January 15, 2027 — Entry deadline
January 26, 2027 — Stage One judging
February 25, 2027 — Finalists submit additional wine
Spring 2027 — Final blind tasting at LAFFORT® Rendezvous 2027
Whether they're experimenting with a new variety, developing an entirely new style or creating the next consumer favorite, LAFFORT® USA is encouraging winemakers to embrace the challenge.
The next great chillable red could come from your cellar.
Registration
Registration is now open.
Complete competition rules and information:
LAFFORT USA Chillable Red Wine Challenge Rules
Register your wine:
2026 Chillable Red Wine Challenge Registration