Sonoma County Grenache Shines at the North Coast Wine Challenge: A Historic Victory

A significant milestone for Sonoma County wine was achieved this week when Grey Stack Cellars’ 2023 Grenache triumphed over 1,039 entries to claim the prestigious Best of the Best award at the 14th annual North Coast Wine Challenge. This marks the first time that a Grenache has secured this highest honor in the competition’s history, which was judged at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.

The event celebrated Grey Stack Cellars further, as their Grenache not only earned the top award but also received titles for Best Red and Best Sonoma County wine. Additionally, their 2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir and Grenache won Best Rosé.

Deodora Estate’s 2023 Riesling from Sonoma Coast won Best White, making it the first in the competition’s history to achieve back-to-back victories. The Best Sparkling wine award went to Breathless Wines (NV) Brut from Sonoma County, while the Best Dessert award went to Navarro Vineyards’ Late Harvest Riesling.

Daryl Groom, chief judge of the competition, expressed excitement over seeing lighter wines like Grenache and Riesling gaining recognition, noting the change in preferences from the traditional favorites like Chardonnay or Bordeaux blends. A memorable moment occurred during the judging for the best white wine category, where Deodora’s Riesling faced fierce competition from Ra Ra Wine Co.’s Gewürztraminer and Melon de Bourgogne, made by Daryl’s daughter, Kara Groom.

The North Coast Wine Challenge featured over 1,000 wines submitted from 220 wineries, evaluated by 30 local judges. Among these was a notable increase in entries for alternative white varietals, indicating a shift toward crisper styles that resonate with consumer preferences.

In summary, Grey Stack Cellars and Deodora Estate shone brightly at the 2026 North Coast Wine Challenge, with numerous wines receiving accolades reflective of the high-caliber offerings from the region.

For those interested in sampling the award-winning wines, the North Coast Wine & Food Festival is scheduled for June 13 at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, promising an array of culinary delights to pair with these celebrated wines. For tickets and more details, visit northcoastwineandfood.com.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!