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.” 

This year, Carol Shelton Wines; 2022 Coquille Rouge took the top prize, beating out nearly 300 competitors. A blend inspired by wines of the Rhône Valley, judges described it as a “crowd pleaser”; “dark and ripe, blueberry”; “spicy gum drops”; with “firm tannins and a long finish.” 

“I use Mourvèdre as an anchor point, with its firmer tannins and meaty black cherry flavors,” says winemaker Carol Shelton. “[Then I] add to that the very light body and strawberry flavors of Grenache Noir; the slightly tart raspberry fruit of Carignane; the tannin, color and blackberry flavors of Petite Sirah; and then a small percent of Alicante Bouschet, the blue-fleshed teinturier grape that’s in many Zin field blends — it brings lots of chewy tannin and a bit of blueberry fruit flavors.” 

She continues, “I added just a pinch of Viognier at the final bottling blend for that little kiss of je ne sais pas quoi, a hint of orange blossom and an opening up of tightly wound tannin structure. My goal is to not have any single varietal dominate but to have each part contribute to the whole, with the final blend an improvement over them all. It is that ‘yum factor’ of the final bottling that makes it special.” 

With multiple wines reaching the competition’s sweepstakes round, Shelton was easily named Woman Winemaker of the Year. “It’s always a great validation of the hard work and ‘sweat-spiration’ that’s involved in making any and all of my wines,” she says of the honor. “I actually do feel my wines demonstrate a more polished, ‘finished’ product, which some folks have called a ‘feminine touch,’ so being Woman Winemaker of the Year fits me to a T!” 

Turning to spirits, judges recognized Von Payne Spirits’ Black, a black currant infused bourbon, as Best of the Best and Best Bourbon (Infused). Company founder Steve Allen says, “As Von Payne was inspired by my five daughters, this award means even more to me. It validates the achievement of our goal to produce a bourbon that appeals to a more diverse market.” 

“This is only our third 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.” 

Zandra Gómez Santiago was named best Woman Distiller in recognition for her Suavecito Tequila, specifically the Destiladora Agave Azul, which judges called “Fruity, easy” with “Tropical flavors, silky mouthfeel.” Ultimately, they concurred, “Very well made.” 

This year’s IWWSC awarded gold medals (or higher) to twice as many wines as it did last year. A list of Sweepstakes wines and Best of Class spirits 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.

2023 Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition Wine Sweepstakes Entries

Best of the Best, Best of Show Red Wine, Best Woman Winemaker
Carol Shelton Wines 2022 Coquille Rouge (BOC, GG, 99 pts)
Judges: “Crowd pleaser”; “dark and ripe”; “firm tannins”; “spicy gum drops, blueberry”; “long finish”

Best of Show White Wine
Brecon Estate 2023 True Acacia Head Albariño (BOC, GG, 97 pts.)
Judges: “Beautiful floral nose”; “peaches, lychee, tangerine”; “gorgeous long finish”

Best of Show Rosé Wine
Taylor Made Pinot Noir Rosé (BOC, GG, 98 pts.) Judges: “Classic, bright and food friendly”; “Lively finish”

Best of Show Sparkling Wine (tie)
Bennett Valley Cellars NV Cuvee (BOC, GG, 96 pts.)
Judges: “Brilliant!”; “honeysuckle, apple”; “purity of fruit”; “buttery with a hint of toast”

Best of Show Late Harvest / Dessert Wine
Gray Ghost 2023 Adieu (BOC, GG, 989)
Judges: “White peach”; “Gardenia”; “Oregano on the finish”; “Lush and sensuous texture”

Best of Class Red Wines
Carol Shelton Wines 2021 Rockpile Reserve Zinfandel (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Pretty, floral”; “plum, berries”; “Sturdy structure”; “Spice and hibiscus”; “Balanced”

DeLoach Vineyards 2019 Estate Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 998)
Judges: “Plum, boysenberry, red cherry”; “Full mouth”; “Excellent minerality”; “Long, elegant finish”

Mercer Wine Estates 2021 Small Lot Petit Verdot (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Vibrant”; “Smooth texture”; “Dark blue fruit”; “Pepper and spice”; “Very well balanced”; “Engaging”

LVE: Legend Vineyard Exclusive 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Dark berry fruit with leather notes”; “Well-balanced with approachable tannins”

Perri Jaye Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Delightful dark fruit with subtle hints of spice, followed by a clean finish”

Navarro Vineyards 2022 Barbera (BOC, GG, 97) Judges: “Cherry fruit punch”; “Graber olives”

Wood Family Vineyards 2021 The Captain (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Plum and menthol”; “dark cocoa powder”; “Lilac aromatic”; “lavender”

Hoyt Family Vineyards 2019 Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Classic Paso fruit up front”; “Good viscosity”; “very well balanced”; “Lingering finish”

Garre Vineyard and Winery 2020 Profound Secret (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Floral, jasmine”; “concord grape jelly donut”; “Nice chocolate”; “Very smooth and pleasing”

Alamitos Vineyards 2021 Andorinha Touriga Nacional (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Fruit leather”; “Great depth and range”; “Wonderful herbal elements”; “Cardamon”; “Brewed coffee”

Great Bear Vineyards 2021 Tempranillo Reserve (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Pomegranate seed”; “dill, tarragon”; “molasses”; “Savory and sweet”

New Clairvaux Vineyard 2021 Petite Sirah (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Great integration of oak”; “spice and fruit”; “Great with food”

Oak Farm Vineyards 2020 Raffaele (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Pomegranate seeds”; “leather, cotton”; “olives”; “dark cocoa”; “red onion soup”

Scheid Family Wines 2022 Etenia Red Blend (BOC, GG, 95) Judges: “Balanced between fruit and wood with a pleasing finish”

Sierra Starr Vineyards 2022 Inertia (BOC, G, 94) Judges: “Cherry fruit and oak”; “red fruit and citrus”

deLorimier Winery 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, G, 94) Judges: “Green bean”; “cola”; “oak”; “herbal”; “long finish”

Fireside Winery NV Crownfire (BOC, G, 93)
Judges: “Deep, dense notes of wild berries, plum and cherry”; “Long dry finish”

ONEHOPE 2021 Winery Exclusive Cabernet Franc (BOC, G, 93) Judges: “Chocolate”; “oak”; “roundness on
the mid palate”

J. Lohr Estates 2021 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon (*BOC, G, 92) Judges: “Ripe”; “full mid-palate”;
“Cocoa powder, dark chocolate”

Oak Farm Vineyards 2021 Sangiovese (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Nice balance”; “Bright acidity”; “Cherry soda”; “Good tannin”; “Lively”; “Gentle tobacco note on finish”

Fireside Winery 2022 LaCrescent (BOC, G, 92) Judges: “Floral, rose”

Carol Shelton Wines 2021 Wild Thing Zinfandel (BOC, G, 92) Judges: “Black cherry”; “pepper”; “full bodied, firm tannins”

Wakefield Taylors Wines 2022 Estate Shiraz (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Luscious dark fruit with solid tannins and a pleasing finish”

Aimee 2021 Primitivo (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Spice, cardamom”; “red fruit”; “rich texture”; “plush and tangy”

Scheid Family Wines 2021 Fog & Light Pinot Noir (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Nice texture, earthy”; “plum skin and pomegranate”; “red apple skin”

Best of Class White Wines
Navarro Vineyards 2023 Edelzwicker (BOC, GG, ,99)
Judges: “Key lime pie”; “citrus driven acidity leads to a beautiful mouthfeel”

Nichelini Family Winery 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Green apple”; “green pepper”; “classic California Sauvignon Blanc”

Whitehaven 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, GG, 97) Judges: “Herbal”; “green bell pepper”; “very pleasant wine”

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2022 Martinelli Vineyard Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 97) Judges: “Very well balanced”; “Nice wet stone”; “yellow peach and apple”; “Pretty nose, gorgeous mouthfeel”; “Sage with a slight herbal note”; “Complex”

AniChe Cellars 2023 Baba Yaga (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Golden delicious apples”; “Electric on the palate”; “mouth watering”; “Bone dry”

Black Box NV Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, GG, 97) Judges: “Lime”; “citrusy”; “Key Lime”

King Estate 2021 Domaine Pinot Gris (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Citrus driven”; “notes of mandarin orange and green apple”

Clos du Bois 2022 Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “A standout”; “maple syrup and baking spice”; “lemon curd”; “flaky pie crust”

San Sebastian Winery NV Blanc De Fleur (BOC, GG, 96) Judges: “Silky”; “bananas”; “sherbet and juicy”

Brecon Estate 2023 Viognier (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Beautiful floral rose, jasmine”; “chamomile”; “spicy finish”; “an aromatic wonder”

Navarro Vineyards 2023 Muscat Blanc (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Citrus”; “; tangerine and white peach”; “pretty nose”; “warm spice”

Nassau Valley Vineyards NV Naked Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Very tropical”; “ Clean acidity”; “ Lots of texture”; “ Lots of complexity”; “ Gentle
intensity”

DeLoach Vineyards 2022 Estate Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 95) Judges: “Clean and crisp”; “Very well balanced and well structured”

Navarro Vineyards 2023 Deep End Gewurztraminer (BOC, GG, 95) Judges: “Nice and floral”

Caposaldo NV Moscato (BOC, GG, 95) Judges: “Honeydew”; “Sweet almond”

Maison-Raymond 2023 Les Hauts de Lagarde (BOC, G, 93)
Judges: “Sweet tropical notes”; “honeysuckle”; “quince paste”; “thrilling hint of Kaffir lime and touch of wild sage”

Nassau Valley Vineyards NV Broadkiln White (BOC, G, 93) Judges: “Lychee”; “dragon fruit”; “hint of lime”; “well crafted”

Scheid Family Wines 2023 Hive & Honey Riesling (BOC, G, 92) Judges: “Lime”; “apple”; “tropical fruit and petroleum”

Barefoot Cellars NV Riesling (BOC, G, 92) Judges: “Rich and mineral”; “ Honey”

Best of Class Other Wines
Ackerman Winery NV Iowa Rhubarb (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Great acid — nailed it”: “essence of rhubarb”; “Lovely tartness”; “Orange rind” “Complex”

King Estate 2019 Brut Cuvee (BOC, GG, ,97)
Judges: “Lemon pear”; “Rainer cherry”; “quince”; “Touch of lemon pith”

San Sebastian Winery NV Port – Ruby (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Pink peppercorn”; “Raspberry pecan Danish”; “ Soft herbal notes”

Barefoot Fruitscato NV Lemonade (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Ripe and engaging”; “ Balanced”; “bright poolside”; “mouth watering”

Wakefield Taylors Wines 2023 Estate Riesling (BOC, G, 94) Judges: “Lime”; “Petroleum”

7 Vines Vineyard 2023 True North Rosé (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Bright red fruit”; “fresh savory herbs”; “earthy spice notes”

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2023 Rosé (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Fresh strawberry”; “orange peel”; “Floral nose”; “Warm climate”; “Salmon colored”

Ackerman Winery NV Concord (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Ripe, lush”; “fills mouth with flavor”; “Ripe grape”; “Jolly Rancher candy”

Caposaldo NV Prosecco (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Nice nose”; “springtime”; “apple”; “citrus and clean”

SEPPI 2018 Brut Rosé (BOC, G, 90)
Judges: “Nutty, toasty”; “blanched almonds”; “Lovely”

Thousand Islands Winery NV La Crescent Spritz m(BOC, G, 90) Judges: “Tropical fruit”; “vanilla pudding and creamy”

Best of Show Spirits

Best of the Best, Best Bourbon (Flavored/Infused)
Von Payne Spirits Black Bourbon (BOC, GG, 99 pts.)
Judges: “Exceptionally well-executed layers”; “Very well done!”

Best Tequila, Best Woman Distiller (BOC, GG, 98 pts.)
Sauvecito Cristalino Resposado (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Fruity, easy”; “Tropical flavors, silky mouthfeel”; “Very well made”

Best Tequila Blanco
Elevación 1250 Tequila Blanco (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Real mellow”; “Very nice, long finish”; “Excellent smoke infusion”

Best Tequila Reposado
Elevación 1250 Tequila Reposado (BOC, G, 93) Judges: “Complex yet smooth and lovely”; “Long finish”

Best Tequila Añejo
Gran Coramino Añejo (BOC, GG, 96) Judges: “Chocolaty”; “Unique sweetness”

Best Extra Añejo
1800 Milenio Extra Aged Añejo (BOC, GG, 96 pts.) Judges: “Mellow and rich”; “Lovely”; “Nice color”

Best Mezcal
Fósforo Mezcal Ensamble (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Earthy notes”; “Elegant style”; “Naturally rich, smooth texture”

Best Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey – Batch 905 (BOC, GG, 98) Judges: “Delicious!” “Excellent hint of spices”; “Bold heat”

Best Single Malt Whiskey
Stranahan’s Blue Peak (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Sweet, approachable, well-balanced.” “Soft and easy”

Best Bourbon
Great Jones Straight Bourbon (BOC, GG, 98 pts.) Judges: “Wonderful!” “Refined and elegant profile”

Best Vodka
Napa Cru Corn Vodka (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Soft, approachable finish with easy quality”; “Hint of minerality on the finish”

Best Vodka (Flavored/Infused)
Napa Cru – Vodka Pineapple (B OC, G, 92)
Judges: “Nice subtle pineapple flavors”; “Not overpowering”

Best Gin
Dry Land Distillers
Native Colorado Gin (BOC, GG, 97 pts.) Judges: “Real warm, vibrant botanicals”

Best Gin (Flavored/Infused)
Napa Cru Gin Cucumber (BOC, G, 90)
Judges: “Clean, crisp, refreshing”; “Nice hint of cucumber”; “Very light, yet profound”

Best Rum (Flavored/Infused)
Cap & Cane Coffee Rum (BOC, G, 93 pts.) Judges: “Nicely-balanced coffee profile”

Best Liqueur
Jack from Brooklyn Sorrel Liqueur (BOC, G, 92 pts.)
Judges: “Big, over-the-top botanical flavors”