At Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards talking about the exciting Sonoma County Wine Celebration Weekend happening this Friday and Saturday, September 19-20, with the great Alexandra O’Gorman, of Foley Family Wines and Foley Food & Wine Society, who is receiving the special SCV 2025 Wine Business Leadership Award at our annual charity auction happening on Saturday, as well as recognition for the wonderful contributions FFWS has made to this auction, and all year long, that help make Sonoma County one the world’s greatest wine destinations!!! For more information about attending one of the spectacular dinners happening on Friday night or bidding on the silent auction lots online, visit the Sonoma County Vintners website!
The AFWC’s THE Rosé Competition 2025, which benefits multiple charities, is thrilled to announce the outcome of its twelfth annual event, hosted along with The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club in South Florida on Saturday, May 31st, 2025. It was a special year welcoming Chris Sawyer to the team, and adding new categories due to the abundance of entries. (Scroll down for full results!)
Outstanding Winners in THE Rosé Competition
The prestigious organization, The American Fine Wine Competition, which encompasses both THE Rosé Competition and The Invitational (held in January), has crowned the 2019 Gloria Ferrer Cuvee Rosé, Methode Champenois, as the Best of Show Sparkling ($94). Located in Carneros (Sonoma), California, the wine is described by the judges as complex and elegant, with aromas of cranberries, strawberry, and rhubarb pie; apples, cherries and some spice. It’s beautifully balanced and just delicious!
In the Dry Rosé category, the prestigious Best of Show title was bestowed upon V. Sattui Rosato di Pinot Noir, priced at $37. Last year V. Sattui earned Best of Show for their Sparkling Rose! This winery is worth paying attention to! The judges were captivated by their juicy watermelon flavors and vibrant strawberries; and a sophisticated profile that culminates in a long, gratifying finish.
Moving to the Off Dry Rosé category, the highest accolade was secured by one of Sonoma’s most beautiful wineries, Deerfield Ranch. Their Checkerbloom Rosé, made from organic Syrah grapes, at $28 impressed the judges! They were enchanted by the lusciousness and vibrant flavors. A slightly sweet wine that should be enjoyed year-round.
A new category was introduced by Chris Sawyer this year called “Super Blend”, the blend of the winner was Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Black Muscat, Carignan and Syrah. The winner was Banshee with 97 points. Banshee is located in Sonoma and produces this magnificent wine plus multiple other varietals.
Congratulations to these exceptional Rosé wines and all the winners!
This year, the event “Fifty Shades of Pink” followed THE Rosé Competition 2025 and was held on June 1st, also at the Ft. Lauderdale Women’s Club. Attended by more than 150 guests, it proved to be a huge success for the charities as well as for the wineries. The event benefited both the Ft. Lauderdale Women’s Club and the Joel Feigenheimer Endowment Fund. It featured scores of magnificent award-winning Rosé wines plus fine red and white wines from AFWC’s The Invitational. Since its inception, AFWC has donated more than $1,250,000 to charity.
THE Rosé Competition 2025 will be taking place on May 31st in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for its 12th edition!
Featuring world-renowned judges who are professionals in the wine industry. They include chefs, sommeliers, retailers, writers and educators
* Winning medals can help boost sales and brand awareness.
* Give your brand pride, prestige and bragging rights.
* Gain recognition with consumers, distributors and retailers.
* Wines awarded medals receive a beautiful Medal/Ribbon to display.
* Digital medals are provided for promotions, online marketing, and social media.
* Medals help you sell more wine
REGISTER HERE! The fee is $70.00 per wine entered. Both International and domestic rosé wines are invited to participate: Including sparkling, dry, and sweet wine categories. (We require four bottles of each wine entered, two for the competition, one to promote your wine at our annual “Fifty Shades of Pink” fundraising event and one signed bottle for our charity auction.) CHEERS! Chris & Shari
Stuck in Lodi again? HELL yeah!Join THE VARIETAL SHOW for this special visit with Mohr-Fry Ranches, recently awarded 2025 Vineyard of the Year by California State Fair for “Marian’s Vineyard”. We discuss gnarly old Zinfandel vines, the amazing Fry family who care for this famous vineyard planted in 1901, and a collection of seven other wonderful old Zinfandel plantings.
Joining us are my great friends Lodi Mayor Emeritus Mark Chandler, Stuart Spencer of St. Amant Winery (whose family has worked with the precious fruit from this historic vineyard for over three decades), and Fry family father Jerry, son Bruce and granddaughter Morgan (holding my camera).
The American Fine Wine Competition is both pleased and honored to invite you to submit your rosé wines to THE Rosé Competition 2025. This will be the 12th edition of this noted wine competition,taking place in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on May 31, 2025.Our esteemed judges from across the country include a balance of sommeliers, chefs, wine writers, retailers and educators.
REGISTER HERE! The fee is $70.00 per wine entered. Registered wines will be accepted through May 15, 2025. Both International and domestic rosé wines are invited to participate. This includes sparkling, dry, and sweet wine categories.
We require four bottles of each wine entered, two for the competition, one to promote your wine at our annual “Fifty Shades of Pink” fundraising event (date and location will be announced soon), and one signed bottle for our charity auction. Thank you and we look forward to sharing your wines. ~Shari & Chris
AFWC’s “One Thousand Bottles”: Sipping through America
Get your TICKETS! January 19, 2025 from 6:30-9:00 PM
FIU CHAPLIN SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY ON THE PATIO (3000 NE 151st St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160)
This is the most exciting and exclusive wine tasting event of the year. More than 1,000 bottles of very special wines from the American Fine Wine Judging, The Invitational, are poured to our hundreds of wine-enthusiastic guests. It is a true Wine Extravaganza! SEE YOU THERE- CHRIS/SawyerSomm
Benefitting Charites are End Childhood Hunger and The Joel Feigenheimer Endowment Fund.
Revealed during the Awards Brunch, hosted by Fairmont Mission Inn, at theSonoma International Film Festival last Sunday March 24th. Watch the highlights, peruse the list for more details: Congratulations & THANK YOU to everyone involved!
SPARKLING WINE
DBL GOLD / 96 Pts Breathless NV Blanc de Noirs Brut, Sonoma County
BEST OF CLASS / BEST SPARKLING WINE
–SIFF WINE AWARDS 2024
Forgive my negligence for not sharing this sooner: Congrats to all the winners & a hearty THANK YOU to The Bohemian, and all that voted for Christopher Sawyer as Best Sommelier in Sonoma County again this year!
It is official as of today, Sunday March 26th, where the announcement was made at the SIFF Awards Brunch! Here are the best of the best, selected by our premiere judging panel. Try some for yourself to find out why.
BEST SPARKLING WINE
Breathless NV Blanc de Blancs, Sonoma County 98 Points
