THE Results! The RosÉ Competition 2025

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!

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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.

Taste of Sonoma 2025: A Somm P.O.V.!

A very special episode of THE VARIETAL SHOW with an amazing discussion about what makes Sonoma County so fantastic, with special SOMM SUMMIT guests Bradley Horne of Wine Time London in the UK, Shiva Gautam of Montys of Kathmandu in Ireland, and Morton Moog Kristensen of Husted Vin in Denmark.

We spent some quality time together during their first visits to wine country hosted by Sonoma County Vintners, as a lead into the epic Taste of Sonoma this past weekend! Enjoy . . .

Pour+Explore Zinfandel Tasting! Thursday July 10th

Join Sonoma County Vintners and Sawyer Somm for this exclusive wine tasting event at St Francis Winery & Vineyards featuring a special selection of Zinfandels from over 25 wineries across Sonoma County!

This festive evening (5:30-7:30pm) includes a walk-around tasting of a curated selection of wines from each vintner, paired with appetizers crafted by the St. Francis culinary team and Executive Chef Peter Janiak. You’ll enjoy a special selection of delicious dishes that are perfect pairings with Zinfandel; Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders with Peach BBQ Sauce; Esquite Bowls with Blackened Corn and Roasted Poblano Aioli; Fried Chicken Skewers with Tahini Yogurt and Charred Green Tomato Tabbouleh

TICKETS available now!

Some featured Sonoma County producers include A. Rafanelli Winery, BACA, Benovia, Bricoleur Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, Comstock Wines, Croix Estate, DeLoach Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyard, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Flambeaux Wine, Gamba Vineyards & Winery, Hartford Family Winery, Ledson, Limerick Lane Cellars, Martinelli Winery, Mauritson Wines, Muscardini Cellars, Papapietro Perry Winery, Saini Vineyards, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Solo Nostro, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Trentadue Winery, WALT, Williams Selyem, Zialena and more!