Grey Stack Cellars has claimed the prestigious “Best of the Best” title at the 14th annual North Coast Wine Challenge, marking the first time a Grenache has ever taken the top prize.
The Press Democrat reports the 2023 Sonoma Mountain vintage beat out over one thousand entries, also securing honors for Best Red and Best Sonoma County wine. Judges noted a shift in consumer preference toward lighter, vibrant styles, as evidenced by Deodora Estate’s Riesling winning Best White for a record second year in a row.
Other major winners included Breathless Wines for Best Sparkling and Navarro Vineyards for Best Dessert. Experts say the competition highlights the rising popularity of alternative varietals across the North Coast region.
Full results from the blind-tasting event will be published in The Press Democrat on April 22nd.
