MAY 28, 2026 – Experience Rosé, a wine competition that focuses exclusively on expressions of pink wine — sweet, dry and sparkling — has announced results of its 2026 contest. Taking top prize this year is a 2020 sparkling rosé of Pinot Noir from Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Wines in California’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Judges described it as “vibrant and fresh,” with “wild berry, pomegranate, citrus” and a “pale, beautiful color.”
Grower/winemaker Dan Kessler explains his technique: “I don’t pick for brix, I pick for flavor and color, which comes when brix is higher. The wine then spends 60 months en tirage before we gather club members for a trial tasting. They pick the dosage — it’s a great way to engage them and get them excited for the release.”
What makes the wine even more special is its label, which honors Kessler’s wife’s uncle, a jazz horn player in Baltimore; the label features a pencil drawing of the musician in his element.
Now in its eighth year, Experience Rosé was founded to help curious consumers confidently explore this newly emergent fine wine category. Says Debra Del Fiorentino, founder of Wine Competitions Management & Production, which presents the contest. “The range of colors, grape varieties and styles is always so wide — it’s fun to sample through them all. The quality of the wines entered proves that rosé is not a style to be overlooked.”
Says Kessler, “Experience Rosé caught my attention because of its focus on the audience and the wine style. I’m looking for people who love the rosé style. I’m excited to show them my interpretation of it.”
Eligibility for this competition is open to any wine (U.S. or international) with the word “rosé” clearly included on its front or back labeling. Judges include winemakers, sommeliers, retail buyers, wine educators, and journalists.
EXPERIENCE ROSÉ BEST OF CLASS WINNERS
Best of the Best, Best Domestic Sparkling
Kessler-Haak Wines 2020 No Samba Brut Rosé (BOG, GG, 98 pts.)
Judges: “Wild berry, fresh pomegranate, citrus”; “vibrant”; “pale, beautiful color”
Best Domestic Sweet
Charleston Peak Winery 2025 Desert Blush (BOG, GG, 96)
Judges: “Great mouthfeel”; “ perfume and violet” “peach pit”
Best Domestic Dry
Pedroncelli 2025 Rosé of Zinfandel (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Consumer-friendly rosé”; “crowd pleaser”; “spicy notes”
Best International Dry
Famille Perrin 2025 Côtes du Rhône Réserve Rosé (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Crisp and refreshing”; “creamy mouthfeel and beautifully integrated acid”; “touch of minerality”; “violets”; gorgeous”
Best Native American / Hybrid Rosé
Franklin Hill Vineyards Saignee Mousseux NV (BOC, GG, 94)
Judges: “Cherry blossoms and fresh herbs”; “excellently made wine”
Other Best of Class Winners
Annadel Estate Winery 2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “WOW aromatics”; “complex”: “cranberry, orange zest, white cherry, key lime pie”
Masia de la Vinya Winery 2025 Rose de Garnacha (BOG, GG, 97)
Judges: “Orange blossom and grapefruit”; “complex and tart”; “nicely made”
Hazy Mountain Vineyards 2025 Rosé (BOC, G, 96)
Judges: “Strawberry and stone fruit”; “lip smacking”; “tart yet balanced”
Mia Bea Wines 2024 Rosé (BOC, G, 95)
Judges: “Floral, crisp, balanced”; “white peach and soft mineral notes”
Brockmeyer Family Wines 2025 Flamant Rosé (BOC, G, 95)
Judges: “Strawberry rhubarb”; “Jolly Rancher watermelon candy”; “great balance”; “looks good”
2026 International Women's Wine & Spirits Competition Winners Announced
Acquiesce Winery and Rhum Barbancourt Estate Take Top Honors Best Woman Winemaker and Best Woman Distiller Also Named May 26, 2026 — Winners have been
2025 Sunset Magazine International Spirits Competition Announces Call for Entries
Santa Rosa, Calif. (July 23, 2025) Sunset Magazine, the leading media brand of the Western lifestyle, announced today its call for entries in the 2025
Wakefield Taylors Wines and 1800 Milenio Take Top Honors
July 14, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 18th annual Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWWSC). The competition, which took place recently 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.
This year, Wakefield Taylor Wines 2024 Estate Riesling and 1800 Milenio Extra-Aged Añejo took top honors. Wakefield Taylor, a heritage winery in Australia’s Clare Valley (a region known for quality Reislings), wowed judges with its “mouthwatering citrus blooms” and “gentle salinity.”
A representative from 1800 Mileno remarked, “1800 Milenio is backed by 11 generations of tequila-making expertise and a legacy of aging innovation – beginning with the world’s first Añejo in 1967 – marking a turning point in the tequila category that helped elevate tequila as a luxury spirit. That same pioneering spirit lives on in 1800 Milenio, originally created to commemorate the dawn of a new millennium and celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year.”
“As always, the International Women’s Wine & Spirits Competition shined a spotlight on hundreds of deserving products,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, owner of Wine Competitions Management & Production, which organizes and presents IWWSC. “Entry is open to all winemakers, regardless of gender, but we do add an extra spotlight for the top woman winemaker and distiller. In an industry that has traditionally been perceived as a ‘men’s club,’ it’s important to highlight the roles women are playing to push the industry forward.”
An unprecedented tie in the race for Best Woman Winemaker saw two past winners — Carol Shelton (Carol Shelton Wines) and Diane Wilson (Wilson Family Wines) — sharing the title this year. Meanwhile, Victoria Eady Butler was named Best Woman Distiller. Butler, Master Blender for Uncle Nearest, Inc., is the first African American master blender for a major spirit brand, earning multiple awards for her expertise, including this one.
“This is only our fifth year including spirits in this competition,” says Del Fiorentino. “I’m pleased with the category's growth since then. We continue to add entry volume and product quality every year, and our judges appreciate being exposed to new releases and companies.”
A list of Sweepstakes contenders in both wine and spirits categories follows this press release.
About Wine Competitions Management & Production
Wine Competitions Management & Productions (WCMP) produces more than a dozen wine, cider and spirits competitions annually, each carefully designed to appeal to a niche market based on regionality or style of judging. Judges are internationally renowned and respected experts. For more information, visit our website at winecompetitions.com
2025 International Women’s Wine Competition Winners
Best of the Best, Best White Wine
Wakefield Taylors Wines 2024 Estate Riesling (BOC, GG, 96 pts.)
Judges: Mouthwatering citrus blooms; gentle salinity
Best Red Wine
Sierra Starr Vineyards 2022 Barbera (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: Delicious, earthy; Fennel and rich, ripe dark fruit
Best Sparkling Wine
Breathless Wines Blanc de Noirs NV (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: Honeysuckle and Rainier cherry; integrated bubbles; long, balanced finish
Best Rosé Wine
Wilson of Dry Creek 2024 Rosé of Zinfandel (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: Strawberry and watermelon notes; lilac and orange peel; nice color; crisp and refreshing
Best Dessert Wine
Barefoot Cellars White Moscato NV (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: Bright lemon-lime; vanilla pastry; candied grapefruit on finish
Best Cider
Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders Rosé Cider NV (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: Fresh clean style; great acid structure with sweetness; complex
Best Woman Winemaker (tie)
Carol Shelton, Carol Shelton Wines
Diane Wilson, Wilson of Dry Creek Wines
2025 International Women’s Spirits Competition Winners
Best of the Best, Best Tequila
1800 Milenio Extra-Aged Añejo (BOC, GG, 99 pts.)
Judges: Absolutely beautiful, balanced; everything you want in an aged Tequila
Best Cristalino
Snow Tequila (Te-ski-LA) Cristalino Reposado (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: Beautiful, subtle sweetness; round and rich — well made; notes of sweet agave, vanilla, light caramel and light milk chocolate; mouthwatering finish
Best Tequila Anejo
Guachimonton Añejo Tequila (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: Elegant; orange peel/Grand Marnier taste
Best Tequila Blanco
Orgullo Ajeno Tequila Blanco (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: Nuance of fresh lime skin; textbook Tequila
Best Tequila Reposado
Dia De La Sirena Reposado Tequila (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: Well-made, clean and complex; richness
Best Bourbon
Lythgoe Bourbon Founders' Collection Small-Batch Bourbon (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: Salty caramel; extremely well-made; well balanced
Best Bourbon (Infused)
Von Payne Black Ultra Premium (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: Well-integrated; easy sipping; crowd pleaser
Best Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: Elegant and well-balanced; beautiful vanilla notes with orange
Best Gin
Holistic Spirits Company Harmony Gin (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: Nice palate; very well-integrated; stellar craftsmanship
Best Vodka
Vodka 57 Pure Glacier Vodka (BOC, G, 93)
Judges: Freshness; would accommodate a cocktail
Best Vodka (Infused)
Holistic Spirits Company Origen Specialty Vodka (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: Creative; notes of artichoke but it doesn't taste like artichoke
Best Woman Distiller
Victoria Eady Butler, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
For a full list of Gold and Double Gold medal winners, visit www.winecompetitions.com/2025-international-women-s-re
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. With cross-regional competition removed, the inherent quality of wines can be seen without the influences that sometimes eclipse even a wine of very high quality.
Below is a list of Best of Show medals awarded at this year’s competition. Visit www.winecompetitions.com for more information.
2024 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition
Best of Show, Double Gold and Gold Medal Winners
Best of the Best, Best Sparkling Wine, Best of Leelanau Peninsula AVA
Two K Farms Cidery and Winery 2022 Bubbly Riesling (BOC, GG, 97 pts.)
Judges: “Mouth watering citrus and honeysuckle”; “Lingering tropical finish”; and “Perfect bubbles”; “Well balanced.”
Best Red Wine, Best of Atlas Peak AVA
Sea Bird 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Broken Rock Vineyard (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Dark fruit, dark chocolate — cocoa powder”; “Spicy on the midpalate”; “Really well made wine from Atlas Peak”
Best White Wine
Miro Cellars 2023 Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Gorgeous, blow-your-mind aromatics”; “Great interpretation of the variety”; “Long finish, layered texture”
Best Rosé Wine; Best of Anderson Valley AVA
Pennyroyal Farm 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Beautiful mouthfeel, varietally correct”; “Rainier cherry, raspberry Kool-Aid”; “Spicy with a long finish”
Best Sherry
San Sebastian Winery Cream Sherry NV (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Nutty, smooth, silky”; “Ripe peach”
Best Port
San Sebastian Winery Ruby Port (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Heavenly aromas”; “Rich blackberry jam”|
Best Fruit Wine
Barefoot Fruitscato Mango NV (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Lovely”; “Wildly aromatic and tropical”
Best of Alexander Valley AVA
Miro Cellars 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon a CURE eSTATE (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Notes of berries and cocoa”; “The palate is refreshing, yet complex”; “Fresh, bright and very well integrated”
Best of Argentina
Alamos 2021 Red Blend (BOC, G, 93)
Judges: “Dark fruits with notes of spices and herbs”; “Rich finish”; “Well-structured with nice acidity”
Best of Australia
Wakefield Taylors Wines 2022 Masterstroke Shiraz (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Classic, natural”; “Pepper and herbs”
Best of California AVA
New Clairvaux Vineyard 2021 Abbot’s Reserve Fr. Paul Mark (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Fresh plum, nutmeg”; “Good mouthfeel”
Best of Calistoga AVA
Poggi Wines 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, G, 93)
Judges: “Toasty, dark fruit”; “Nice interplay for a Cabernet-dominant blend”; “Nice amount of acid”
Best of Carneros AVA
Grand Scheme Wines 2023 Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Elegant”; “Purity, earthy”; “Cherry fruit”
Best of Central Coast AVA
Unshackled 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Great personality”; “Good flow, good finish”
Best of Chalk Hill AVA
Mews 2021 Cabernet Franc (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Classic, rich, juicy”; “Graphite”; “Savory aromas, ginger”
Best of Chile
Black Box Cabernet NV (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Dark tannins, rustic spice”; “Lovely wild herb”; “Completely fine finish”
Best of Columbia Valley AVA
Penrose Hill 2023 Whale Light Chardonnay (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Big fruit”; “Straight fruit, peach”; “Nice balance with juicy finish”
Best of Delaware AVA
Nassau Valley Vineyards Meadow’s Edge White NV (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Juicy, ripe, balanced”; “Tropical melons”
Best of Dry Creek Valley AVA
St. Anne’s Crossing 2022 Angelo Zinfandel (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Classic Dry Creek Zinfandel”; “Brambleberry”
Best of France
Ch. Philippe Jacques & Co. 2023 White Blend (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “A beautiful wine.”
Best of Horse Heaven Hills AVA
Mercer Wine Estates 2023 Small Lot Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Clean”; “Green apple, lemon blossom”; “Elegant and rich in the finish”
Best of Italy
Ruffino 2023 Lumina Pinot Grigio (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Lemon peel, green apple”; “Well balanced”; “Lemon verbena”
Best of Lake County AVA
R Vineyards 2023 Viognier (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Bright, expressive and lean”; “Notes of apricots”; “White pepper on finish”
Best of Livermore Valley AVA
McGrail Vineyards and Winery 2022 Colton’s Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Tart ripe blackberry”; “Violet, dark fruit”; “Lovely”; “Forest floor”
Best of Massachusetts AVA
Russell Orchards Farm and Winery Sweetheart Cider NV (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Juicy apple”; “Good acidity”
Best of Mendocino County AVA
Husch Vineyards 2022 Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “A bundle of plum, blackberry, cranberry, cherry”; “Nice varietal aromas and concentrated flavors”; “Exactly what you want in a Mendo Pinot”
Best of Mendocino Ridge AVA
Woodenhead 2021 Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Rich and complex wine”; “Apple, pear, stone fruit”; “Lasting finish”
Best of Mokelumne River AVA
Anarchist Wine Co. 2023 Rosé Against the Machine (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Balanced brightness”; “Beautiful peaches”
Best of Monterey County AVA
Half Moon Bay Winery 2022 Coastal Monterey Fog White (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Bright and apricot”; “Soft, easy drinking”
Best of Moon Mountain AVA
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2021 Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Violet, dark plum”; “Young and promising”; “Nice balance”
Best of Napa Valley AVA
Herzog Wine Cellars 2021 Special Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Dark fruit with lots of oak”; “Concentrated and well-constructed tannins”; “Perfect amount of acid”
Best of New Zealand AVA
Whitehaven 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Classic New Zealand style with notes of gooseberry, green apple, corniche and white pepper on the finish”
Best of North Carolina AVA
JOLO Winery & Vineyards Rayson Elevage Blanc White Blend NV (BOC, G, 93)
Judges: “Nice acid”; “Juicy citrus”; “Poached pears”
North Coast AVA
Herzog Wine Cellars Variations 2022 American Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Big round tannins and good mouthfeel”; “Black fruit”
Best of Oakville District AVA
Sea Bird 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Great balance, long finish”; “Dark and concentrated”
Best of Ohio AVA
Hocking Hills Winery 2024 Pinot Grigio (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Good intensity, nice varietal character”; “Very well made”; “Apricot notes”
Best of Rockpile AVA
Florence Vineyard 2022 Zinfandel (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Mixed berry cobbler”; “Blackberry syrup”
Best of Rogue Valley AVA
Belle Fiore Winery 2021 Numinos (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Black pepper, menthol, cross of red and black fruits”; “Soft tannins”; “Dark chocolate nibs”
Best of Russian River Valley AVA
Elaine Wines 2021 Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Elegance in a glass”;’ “Balanced, soft tannins”; “Pure and savory”
Best of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Perrucci Family Vineyard 2021 Sangiovese (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Medium to full body”; “Loaded with red fruits”; “Sandalwood”
Best of Shawnee Hills AVA
Blue Sky Vineyard 2023 Vignoles (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Bright citrus”; “Ripe melon”; “Pleasing finish”
Best of Sonoma Coast AVA
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2022 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Classic crowd pleaser”; “Big, bright and lavish”; “Notes of pomegranate, plum and cherry”
Best of Sonoma County AVA
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2022 Cuvee Lago Red Wine (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Tight and tannic”; “Ripe lush fruit, dark cherry”; “Well-integrated tannins”
Best of Sonoma Valley AVA
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2020 Wild Oak Vineyard Petite Sirah (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Dark, rich, violet, blueberry and blackberry”; “Very well integrated, perfect balance”
Best of South Africa AVA
Wandering Cellars 2022 Old Vine Chenin Blanc (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Notes of melon and white peach”; “Bright and fresh”
Best of Tehama County AVA
New Clairvaux Vineyard Petite Temptation Lot 13 NV (BOC, G, 93)
Judges: “Dark, concentrated blackberry, plum, and spicy”; “Opulent and long finish”
Best of Texas AVA
Texas Heritage Vineyard 2020 Estate Tempranillo (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Well integrated”; “Good depth of tannins”
Best of Tokaji PDO Hungary
2017 Pannon Tokai Aszú 5 puttanyos (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Orchard fruit”; “Stone fruit, peach”; “Honeysuckle”
Best of Virginia AVA
Pearmund Cellars 2020 Petit Verdot Reserve (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Rich, brilliantly balanced”; “Deep smooth tannins”
Best of Washington State AVA
Basalt Cellars 2020 Merlot (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Toasty oak, bright acidity”; “Big”
Best of Yolo County AVA
Trecini Winery 20223 Rosé of Grenache(BOC, G, 90)
Judges: “Nose of a Strawberry patch”; “Wine pops mid-palate”; “Long and crisp finish”
Best of Yountville AVA
Goosecross Cellars 2021 Merlot (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Dark plum”; “Juicy, long finish”; “Fruit-sweet finish”; “Nicely made”
Understanding Terroir
How is your wine represented?
Entry Deadline is Friday, 10/25
2024 Harvest Challenge
A win in the Harvest Challenge as the BEST WINE in your AVA can put your wine into a whole new sales category.
Terroir is a French term that refers to the environmental factors that impact wine production, and it can affect many aspects of wine, including:
- Flavor profile: The soil type, climate, and topography of a region all contribute to the flavor profile of the wine. For example, sandy soil tends to produce drier wines, while clay-based soils produce bolder wines.
- Texture and mouthfeel: The soil type and topography of a region can impact the texture and mouthfeel of the wine. For example, chalky soils can give wine a mineral flavor and a chalky texture.
- Balance and acidity: The climate, particularly the amount of sunshine, temperature variations, and rainfall patterns, can impact the balance of sugars and acids in the grapes.
- Wine aging potential: Higher altitudes can result in more elegant, age-worthy wines.
- Unique identity: Terroir gives wines a distinct identity and a sense of place.
2024 Harvest Challenge
Entry Deadline October 25th
Wines to be delivered by October 28th
CONTACT:
Debra Del Fiorentino
debra@winecompetitions.com
Early Entry Discount! $10 Ends Friday ENTER Before October 18th!
It's All About Terroir
A win in the Harvest Challenge as the BEST WINE in your AVA can put your wine into a whole new sales category.
The annual Harvest Challenge is all about terroir. This judging recognizes wine entries that best exemplify the soil and climate of their respective viticultural areas, and acknowledges its influence on wine quality.
A medal here not only gives your wine prestige and selling power, it adds talking points in your retail room.
2024 Harvest Challenge
Early Entry Discount! $10
ENTER Before October 18th
Entry Deadline October 25th
Wines to be delivered by October 28th
For Early Bird Discount - Enter Here
CONTACT:
Debra Del Fiorentino
debra@winecompetitions.com
"The Harvest Challenge is a judge’s dream come true. Beyond varietal category and price point, this one-of-a-kind competition is based on appellation instead of mass-production. The end result is more definition of the wines made with grapes inside the boundaries of a specific viticultural area and distinct flavors that have helped wines rise to the top of the scale in the global marketplace."
- Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier to the Stars and Harvest Challenge Spokesperson
It's All About Terroir
A win in the Harvest Challenge as the BEST WINE in your AVA can put your wine into a whole new sales category.
The annual Harvest Challenge is all about terroir. This judging recognizes wine entries that best exemplify the soil and climate of their respective viticultural areas, and acknowledges its influence on wine quality.
A medal here not only gives your wine prestige and selling power, it adds talking points in your retail room.
2024 Harvest Challenge
Early Entry Discount! $10
ENTER Before October 18th
Entry Deadline October 25th
Wines to be delivered by October 28th
For Early Bird Discount - Enter Here
CONTACT:
Debra Del Fiorentino
debra@winecompetitions.com
"The Harvest Challenge is a judge’s dream come true. Beyond varietal category and price point, this one-of-a-kind competition is based on appellation instead of mass-production. The end result is more definition of the wines made with grapes inside the boundaries of a specific viticultural area and distinct flavors that have helped wines rise to the top of the scale in the global marketplace."
- Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier to the Stars and Harvest Challenge Spokesperson
With a nod to our ever-popular Awards Night Gala, the event now offers a glamorous evening (one-night-only) celebration, where guests will be the very first to learn which three wineries take home TOP HONORS as Sweepstake Winning Wines!
The Academy Awards-style Gala will roll out the red carpet for this memorable evening as you mingle and savor the flavors of a delightful grazing experience, showcasing culinary delights and the finest wines.
Be dazzled by the lights, camera, and action, spotlighting Sonoma County's best harvest offerings on October 12th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Grace Pavilion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
The cocktail party-style event will offer up to 1,500 industry food-savvy and wine-savvy guests the opportunity to taste Sonoma County's winning wines and culinary bites from top restaurants and food purveyors.
They will also witness the unveiling of the coveted
Sweepstake Wine Competition winners.
The Harvest Fair, though very much in the national spotlight, is still able to retain its exclusively local flavor. In addition to our wine and food judging, it holds a Grand Tasting where over 1,500 people can sip and taste all the Golds and Best of Class wines.
The purpose of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair is to highlight our County's agricultural, industrial, and recreational opportunities. The event is considered one of the premier regional wine judgings in the country. It draws a considerable amount of attention and interest on both statewide and national levels.
Sonoma County Harvest Fair Mission Statement
Our mission is to showcase and promote locally-produced agricultural products; to celebrate our region's culinary, visual and performing arts and to provide family entertainment while fostering and enhancing agricultural prosperity and our county's cultural resources.
If you have any questions, give us a call at (707) 545-4203 OR email harvestfair@sonomacountyfair.
East Meets West International Wine Challenge 2024 Open for Entries
Enter now and take advantage of Early Bird SAVINGS.
Offer for savings expires August 16th, 2024
Early Bird Entry Fees
$70 Online Entries // $75 Paper Entries
ENTER WCWC NOW & SAVE (West Coast)
ENTER IEWC NOW & SAVE (Eastern)
JUDGING:
September 10th-11th, 2024
ENTRY DEADLINE:
August 30th, 2024
WINE SHIPMENTS DUE by 5 p.m.
September 3rd, 2024
CONTACT
Debra Del Fiorentino / Trina Rushing
Two Competitions in One!
We have combined two of our oldest and most established brands into the International East Meets West Wine Challenge!
Wines will simultaneously be judged in two divisions: International Eastern Wine Competition and the West Coast Wine Competition. Traditional awards will be given in each division.
Best of Show winners will move on to compete in the East Meets West Taste Off to see which wine reigns overall. This affords your wine two chances to win!
And the Riesling Championship continues. Rieslings will be judged in both competitions to award a Best Eastern Riesling and a Best Western Riesling. These two winners will compete for Best Riesling!
The challenge is on! It’s time to see where East Meets West.
Open to all domestic and internationally produced wines according to regional designations.