Savoring the World, One Glass at a Time
By Bethany Castro
A distinguished panel of 60 experts and nine returning judges meticulously assessed 921 wines from 314 wineries across 13 countries — including an impressive 243 wines from 39 Texas wineries.
Presented by the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, this year’s competition marked a special milestone: the event’s 15th anniversary. What began with the first wine showcase in 2010 and the inaugural competition in 2011 has since grown into one of the most respected wine events in the United States. Over the years, it has connected local wineries with international recognition while celebrating the deep sense of community that defines San Antonio.
Texas Wines to Watch:
Bending Branch Winery (Comfort, TX)
Known for bold reds like Petite Verdot and Tannat, this Hill Country favorite continues to impress judges worldwide.
Becker Vineyards (Stonewall, TX)
Their Reserve Chardonnay shows just how refined Texas whites can be.
Michael Ros Winery (Hye, TX)
The Sangiovese Rosé pairs Hill Country sunshine with old-world craftsmanship.
Top 15 Champion Wines at a Glance:
Grand Champion
2022 Ride & Ridden California Cabernet Sauvignon
Reserve Champion
NV Champagne Lanson Le Black Label Brut
Top All-Around Winery
Rombauer Vineyards
Best of Herd Texas Winery
Bending Branch Winery
Best of Show Red
2022 Opaque Darkness, Paso Robles
Best of Show White
2023 Rombauer Chardonnay, Carneros
Best of Show Rosé
2025 Oyster Bay Marlborough Rosé
Best of Show International
2022 Bodegas Emilio Moro Malleolus, Ribera del Duero DO
Best of Show Texas Red
2020 Bending Branch Winery Reserve Petite Verdot, Texas High Plains, Narra Vineyards
Best of Show Texas White
2023 Becker Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay, Texas
Best of Show Texas Rosé
2024 Michael Ros Winery Sangiovese Rosé, Michael Ros Vineyards
Best of Show Sparkling
NV Maison Albert Bichot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Réserve
Best of Show Sweet
NV Messina Hof Winery Beau, Tribute Series
Best of Show Value
2022 Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell, Jumilla DO
Best of Show Featured Country
(Italy) 2019 Pasqua ‘Famiglia Pasqua’ Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
