The Calaveras Winegrape Alliance (CWA) is pleased to share the good news about our many winery members who took home top honors in the 2020 Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition. CWA Executive Director, Sandra Hess, shares "The Calaveras Wine Region has been recognized as a place of innovation and exploration since the early days of the Gold Rush in 1851 to the wine renaissance that Barden Stevenot brought in the 70's and 80's. Our winemaking families and vineyard specialists embrace the unique climates and soil profiles that make up the Sierra Foothills wine region and it's exciting to experience the vast array of varietals being produced today. With over 40 tastings rooms to explore across Calaveras Wine Country, we have become an incredible Wine Wonderland. I applaud the winners of this year's Sunset Magazine competition and look forward to sipping on these delicious wines!"
About the 2020 Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition:
This year’s competition saw a 10% increase in entries over last year, despite the pandemic, and was held in Santa Rosa the week of June 22. A record 12 judging panels were needed to accommodate the volume of 2700 entries, along with physical distancing requirements. Judging panels were comprised of 36 industry experts, including journalists, buyers and winemakers, who judged wines from all over the world over a three-day period. While many wine competitions have been canceled this year, the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition was determined to go on. AND we are so grateful it did as we are able to showcase some of the best wines coming out of the Calaveras wine region most recently! Debra Del Fiorentino, President of Wine Competitions Production & Management (WCP&M), who owns and operates the Sunset International Wine Competition, said, “First of all, we are grateful for the support of the local county Health Department in allowing us to run this competition. All imaginable health precautions were taken to ensure the safety of judges and backroom staff, while the wines were given the full measure of respect they deserve. Secondly, we are grateful to all the wineries that sent in their wines for evaluation. This year’s entries garnered a record number of Golds and Double Golds, making for a very competitive Sweepstakes round. The judges had some very difficult decisions to make when faced with those final 30 wines!”
We have provided the list of winners/honors below and invite you to explore these wineries in a variety of ways. You can find Shipping Offers, Curbside PickUp Options, Local Delivery Options, Virtual Event Details and Reservation Details for those offering outside wine tastings during the pandemic in our Tasting Room Directory HERE. Please join the CWA in celebrating these award-winning winery teams by sharing the good news in your social media outlets and of course by exploring these delicious wines!
