On April 7-8, 2026, a collection of esteemed wine professionals will gather in Santa Rosa, Calif., to evaluate entries in the 2026 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge. Competition managers are now accepting entries for the 14th annual NCWC, considered among the most prestigious wine challenges in the United States.
This regional competition rates wines exclusively produced and bottled in Northern California’s premier winegrowing region to determine which wines are considered the Best of the Best. Eligible wines must be made from fruit sourced in the North Coast AVAs of Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Marin and parts of Solano counties. This includes any bottled wine labeled with these AVAs as their main source of grapes and whose winery is in California.
“The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge is unique in that only wines made from grapes grown in the six North Coast counties are allowed to enter,” says Daryl Groom, chief judge of NCWC. “With that, the starting quality is high — and our experienced wine judges know that. Typically, 95% of the wines receive awards and 30% or more typically score gold or above.”
NCWC only promotes the highest awarded-wines (golds and above), keeping your win exceptional and exclusive. Golds are converted into a point score above 90 and all 90+ point wines will get a marketable positive comment from the judging panel. Winning gold medals can help boost sales and brand awareness for producers of all sizes, but small wineries can truly benefit from a gold medal in this contest.
“I like to think of this competition as the ‘size me up’ competition, where wineries and winemakers that enter get way more than they do from usual wine competitions,” says Groom. “Not only do you get the typical medal, but gold medal-winning wines get a 90 point or higher score and a marketing comment from the judges.
“In addition to that, they get to showcase their winning wines to 1000+ passionate consumers at the North Coast Wine and Food Festival, a wonderful opportunity for promoting and selling. Stellar coverage in the widely read Press Democrat newspaper adds to the rewards and, if that’s not enough, every winemaker is in the running to be awarded Winemaker of the Year in the Harvest edition of Sonoma Magazine.
“So I encourage winemakers to enter and get ‘sized up,’” he concludes.
The best wines draw the best professional wine judges, who annually vie for a coveted spot to judge NCWC. Many are seasoned retailers, distributors, restaurateurs and influential wine writers, who promote the wines they enjoy and can help give your wine increased exposure.
Groom adds, “All of our 30+ judges are hand-selected not only because they have great palates and wine expertise but because they have added value — being restaurant or retail buyers or members of the media who love to write about the wines they taste and discover.”
Public announcement of awards is made in print by The Press Democrat newspaper, the North Bay Area’s primary source for news and information. Additional ongoing promotion is made in other print publications, online, by virtual newsletters and through social media outlets.
Gold medal winners are invited to pour and have their wines enjoyed at the North Coast Wine & Food Festival, annually organized and hosted by The Press Democrat. This is a fun-filled day enjoyed by wine enthusiasts from near and far, who look forward to tasting the Best of the Best wines Northern California has to offer.
Enter the 2026 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge before midnight, March 16 for an Early Bird discount. Final entry deadline is March 26.
Visit https://www.pdncwc.com/ for more information.
Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Takes Top Prize
November 18, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 2025 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition. After two spirited days of judging, Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir took the top prize. It was also awarded Best of Show Red Wine and Best of Monterey County AVA. Coming in at 98 points, judges praised the wine as “warm and spicy” with “fig and nutmeg.” Other descriptors included “meaty,” “prosciutto,” and “dried rose petal.”
With entries from across the globe, the Harvest Challenge bases judging on a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions and grapes that combine to give personality to the wine.
In other competitions, this terroir is ignored. At the Harvest Challenge, judges taste wines alongside others from the same appellation. With cross-regional competition removed, the inherent quality of wines can be seen without the influences that sometimes eclipse even a wine of very high quality.
Below is a list of Best of Class medals awarded at this year’s competition. Visit www.winecompetitions.com for more information.
2025 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition Best of Show Winners
Best of the Best, Best of Monterey County AVA, Best Red Wine Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (Best of Class, Double Gold, 98 pts.)
Judges: “Warm, spicy”; “fig and nutmeg”; “dried rose petal”; “meaty, prosciutto”
Best of Anderson Valley AVA, Best White Wine
Navarro Vineyards 2024 Grüner Veltliner (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Minerality”; “white flower”; “stone fruit”
Best Yadkin Valley NC AVA, Best Sparkling Wine
JOLO Winery & Vineyards 2024 Pearl D Blanc (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Fun blend”; “true to varietal, balanced”; “lemon, apple pie, spice”; “great acid”; “crowd pleaser”
Best of France, Best Rosé Wine
Hemispheres Lacalice NV Grenache (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Really fruity but not sweet”; “element of spice”; “wild strawberry”; “rosé all day”
Best of Ontario DVA, Best Port
Potter Settlement Artisan Winery 2021 Tawny Portage (BOC, GG, 99) Judges: “Caramel apples”; “candied orange peel”; “dried apples”; “apricots”; “exquisite”
Best of Argentina
Gallo Alamos 2023 Malbec Seleccion (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Earthy, toasty, savory”; “soft tannins and a lingering finish”; “dark chocolate”; “true to varietal”
Best of California
Redland Ranch 2024 Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Ginger fruit”; “crisp, clean”; “bright tropical fruit”
Best of Central Coast AVA
Unshackled 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Green herbs”; “dark charry, spices”; “baking chocolate”; “brambly”
Best of Chalk Hill AVA
Blaverne 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Crisp and rich”; “grapefruit”; “tropical”
Best of Chile
Hemispheres Alquira 2022 Carménère (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Blackberry”; “green olive”; “salty ocean”; “round with a long finish”
Best of Clarksburg AVA
DaVero Farms & Winery 2022 Falanghina (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Minerally”; “subtle spice”; “vaguely floral”; “layered and succulent”
Best of Delaware AVA
Nassau Valley Vineyards Naked Chardonnay NV (BOC, G, 90) Judges: “Well-produced”; “balanced sweetness”
Best of Dry Creek AVA
Amphora Winery 2022 GSM Gasparini-Beals Vineyard (BOC, GG, 97) Judges: “Complex”; “good example of true berry”; “cherry”; “nice aromas”
Best of FingerLakes AVA
Brashley Vineyards 2022 Wagner Vineyard Dry Riesling (BOC, GG, 97) Judges: “Wonderful nose of kumquat”; “incredible texture; “nectarine”
Best of Fountaingrove District AVA
Bricoloeur Vineyards 2024 Kick Ranch Viognier (BOC, G, 92)
Judges: “Very appealing”; “nice floral nose”: “subtle yet substantive mid-palate”
Best of Italy
Hemispheres Cantina Etrusca 2023 Friulano (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Balanced”; “floral”; “white pear”; “good acidity”
Best of Knights Valley AVA
EHRET Winery 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Bavarian Lion Vineyard (BOC, GG, 98) Judges: “Cellar-worthy”; “olive oil, redwood and spice”; “well-made”
Best of Lake County AVA
R Vineyards 2023 Reba Red (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Rich and earthy”; “nice blend”
Best of Lewis-Clark Valley AVA
Basalt Cellars 2020 Wasem Estate Stone Garden Red (BOC, GG, 97) Judges: “Cocoa powder”; “well-integrated”; “well-balanced”; “silky tannins”
Best of Livermore Valley AVA
Garré Vineyard and Winery 2022 Cabernet Franc (BOC, GG, 99) Judges: “Excellent nose”; “dark raspberry”; “silky tannins”; “pleasing finish”
Best of Mendocino County AVA
Navarro Vineyards 2024 White Roan (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Ripe entry”; “tropical notes”; “complexity, nice acid”; “nice finish”
Best of Mokelumne River
Oak Farm Vineyards 2023 Grenache Noir (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Strawberry”; “dry sherry”; “very berry”; “solid grenache”
Best of Napa County AVA
Rutherford Ranch 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Dark, concentrated, chewy”; “deep layers”; “well-balanced with a long finish”; “silky”
Best of Napa Valley AVA
Penrose Hill 2024 Anachronism Vintner’s Reserve (BOC, GG, 96) Judges: “Crowd pleaser”; “floral and zingy”; “showstopper”; “very pleasant from aroma to finish”
Best of Nevada
Charleston Peak Winery 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Peach and citrus”; “refreshing”; “crisp”
Best of New Zealand AVA
Hemispheres Lanark 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Grassy”; “grapefruit”; “rich and full”
Best of North Carolina AVA
JOLO Winery & Vineyards 2022 Carolus XII (BOC, GG, 979)
Judges: Toast, dark fruit, hint of allspice”; “ earthy, balanced, complex”; “well-structured”; “great acid with a lingering finish”
Best of North Coast AVA
Predator 2024 Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Mineral”; “lemon pit”; “really pleasant mouthfeel”
Best of Oak Knolls AVA
Fortunati Vineyards 2022 Estate Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Apple, pear”; “nice acid”; “well-integrated throughout”; “bright finish”; “nice use of oak”
Best of Ohio AVA
The Vineyards at Pine Lake 2024 Vineyards White (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Nice acidity and blending”; “complex with nice structure”
Best of Paso Robles AVA
Les Bottes à Terre 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Grapefruit”; “consumer friendly”; “bright and fresh”; “crowd pleaser”
Best of Rockpile AVA
McCarter Cellars 2024 Zinfandel Leigh Thomas Vineyard (BOC, G, 91) Judges: “Elegant”; “blackberry”; “spicy notes”
Best of Rogue Valley AVA
Belle Fiore 2022 Icon Montepulciano (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Black cherry, spice”; “lip-smacking dark fruit”; “earthy”; “controlled tannins”
Best of Russian River Valley AVA
McCarter Cellars 2023 Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Bright fruit — cherry, blueberry”; “caramel”; “crème brûlée”
Best of San Luis Rey
Charleston Peak Winery 2019 Left Bank Blend (BOC, G, 93)
Judges: “Bright red fruit”; “well integrated”; “seamless with a great finish”
Best of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Perrucci Family Vineyard 2022 Estate Malbec (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Black fruit”; “lovely, easy”; “bright and outstanding”
Best of Santa Rita Hills AVA
Fortunati Vineyards 2023 Pinot Noir (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Bright red fruit”; “clean, beautifully balanced”; “baked berries”
Best of Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Brick Barn Wine Estate 2022 Rhône Blend (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Plum”; “currant”; “bold”
Best of Shenandoah Valley AVA
Fraser Family Vineyards 2024 Dolcetto (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Cocoa powder”; “dark fruits”; “savory herbs”; “rosemary”
Best of Solano
Legis Vineyards & Winery 2021 Estate Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (BOC, G, 91)
Judges: “Varietally correct”; “black peppercorn”; “seamless, smooth finish”
Best of Sonoma Coast AVA
Domaine Della 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (BOG, GG, 97)
Judges: “Red plum and cherry”; “spicy”; “earthy with a long finish”
Best of Sonoma County AVA
Brue Skok Cellars 2018 Judge’s Verdict Rhône Style Red Blend (BOC, GG, 99) Judges: “Lively fresh blend”; “great food wine”; “blueberry and peppercorn”
Best of Sonoma Valley AVA
Rock and Clay Wines 2024 White Blend (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Honeyed apricot, quince”; “bright stone fruit”; “superb nose”; “perfect mouthfeel”; “makes me want to own a yacht”
Best of South Africa AVA
Weelderige Velde 2024 Pinotage (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Black cherry and coffee”
Best of Spain
Finca del Marquesado 2024 Tempranillo Blanc (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Candied grapefruit”; “bright, zingy”; “zesty finish”; “crowd pleaser”
Best of Tehama County AVA
New Clairvaux Vineyard 2024 Albariño St. James Block (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Wonderful stone fruit aroma”; “lemon curd”; “honey flavored with touch of brine”
Best of Temecula Valley AVA
Churon Winery 2023 Estate Tempranillo (BOC, G, 94)
Judges: “Crunchy red fruit”; “pleasant mouthfeel”; “gentle, earthy notes”
Best of Virginia AVA
Pearmund Cellars 2022 Cabernet Franc Silver Creek Vineyard (BOC, GG, 99) Judges: “Olives”; “green tea”; “dried bay leaves”; “green peppercorn”
Best of Washington State AVA
Basalt Cellars 2019 Estate Merlot (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Refreshing”; “terroir-based”; “brambly”
We've Reached the Final Week to Enter the North Coast Wine Challenge!
The deadline for entry is March 21st. Best of Show winners will be featured in a special webinar series with The Press Democrat!
In addition to crowning the Best Wines of the North Coast, we're excited to announce the new Winemaker of the Year award, with the winner featured in Sonoma Magazine's Harvest edition.
THE DEADLINE IS NEAR -
DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!
ENTER NOW.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS
FRIDAY MARCH 22ND.
TOP REASONS TO ENTER -

- Exclusivity - This is a regional competition that ONLY rates wines produced and bottled in Northern California's premier winegrowing region.
- Multi-Channel Promotion - Public announcement of awards is made in print by the Press Democrat, the North Bay Area's primary source for news and information
- Judges with Influence - The best wines draw the best professional wine judges who annually vie for a coveted spot to judge here. Many are seasoned retailers, distributors, restaurateurs and wine writers with influence. They know how to promote the wines they enjoy and can help give your wine increased exposure.
- Public Tasting - Gold medal-winners are invited to pour and have their wines enjoyed at the North Coast Wine & Food Festival annually organized and hosted by The Press Democrat. This is a fun-filled day enjoyed by wine enthusiasts near and far who look forward to tasting the Best of the Best wines Northern California has to offer.
It's Time to Enter the 2024 Press Democrat
North Coast Wine Challenge
-Celebrating the Best of the Best-
North Coast counties:
Lake
Mendocino
Sonoma
Napa
Marin
Solano
Who will be this year's Best of the Best?
TOP REASONS TO ENTER -

- Exclusivity - This is a regional competition that ONLY rates wines produced and bottled in Northern California's premier winegrowing region.
- Multi-Channel Promotion - Public announcement of awards is made in print by the Press Democrat, the North Bay Area's primary source for news and information
- Judges with Influence - The best wines draw the best professional wine judges who annually vie for a coveted spot to judge here. Many are seasoned retailers, distributors, restaurateurs and wine writers with influence. They know how to promote the wines they enjoy and can help give your wine increased exposure.
- Public Tasting - Gold medal-winners are invited to pour and have their wines enjoyed at the North Coast Wine & Food Festival annually organized and hosted by The Press Democrat. This is a fun-filled day enjoyed by wine enthusiasts near and far who look forward to tasting the Best of the Best wines Northern California has to offer.
It's Time to Enter the 2024 Press Democrat
North Coast Wine Challenge
-Celebrating the Best of the Best-
North Coast counties:
Lake
Mendocino
Sonoma
Napa
Marin
Solano
Who will be this year's Best of the Best?
Early Entry discount ends today at midnight!
Don't miss the opportunity to save $
EXCEPTIONAL JUDGES!
It's Time to Enter the 2024 Press Democrat
North Coast Wine Challenge
-Celebrating the Best of the Best-
North Coast counties:
Lake
Mendocino
Sonoma
Napa
Marin
Solano
Who will be this year's Best of the Best?
WHAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MAKE AN EXCEPTIONAL WINE COMPETITION?
EXCEPTIONAL JUDGES!
It's Time to Enter the 2024 Press Democrat
North Coast Wine Challenge
-Celebrating the Best of the Best-
North Coast counties:
Lake
Mendocino
Sonoma
Napa
Marin
Solano
Who will be this year's Best of the Best?
Save $$$,
Enter before March 11th!
In Dedication to Bill Hayes - Judge
The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge along with its intimate team of judges are saddened by the recent loss of much-loved fellow judge Bill Hayes.
Bill was one of the core judges for the past 5 competitions and his expertise, knowledge, experience, and friendliness will be very much missed.
Says Daryl Groom Chief Judge “Bill was always top of my list to invite back every year. He had a great palate but more importantly he just got along with everyone. He is a judge you could put on any panel as he loved and appreciated all wines and simply got along with everyone. He was always happy and smiling and at the end of every competition made sure he came and thanked me for having him and how much he enjoyed himself. He was often the last one to leave, always being around and volunteering for any Gold Medal judge offs for Best of Class. He oozed passion, respect, and kindness.

BILL Hayes -
Wine Buyer Bounty Hunter Wine Bar | Napa, CA.
Bill Hayes is the Wine Buyer for the well known Bounty Hunter Wine Bar and Smokin' BBQ. With over 33 years of career experience in the Wine Retail industry, Bill has developed key relationships with winery Owners, Winemakers, Growers as well as other industry partners that have cultivated his vast knowledge of and passion for Wines around the world. Bill’s career in the Wine business began as a Buyer with the Liquor Barn stores. Bill was also a part of the Kendall-Jackson Family Wine organization where he managed the Distributor portfolio that included Kendall-Jackson, La Crema, Cambria and Stonestreet Wines. In 1994 Bill joined BevMo! as one of its very first employees as the Corporate Wine Buyer. He has played key roles in the development, launching and fostering of BevMo!’s iconic 5₵ Wine Sale that has grown from one Wine to now over two-hundred. As part of the BevMo! Private Label/Exclusive Wine program, Bill has traveled throughout Europe and South America to work with Wineries and industry partners to blend and bottle Import Wines such as Zolo and Tapiz, and has blended and developed varietal extensions of the Unruly , Shiloh Road and Stateland Cellars brands. Bill’s current focus with BevMo! is sourcing and developing the premium selection of wines from around the world and promote the local brands for the next-generation BevMo! Consumer. The Hayes family has had deep roots in the Russian River Valley and its Wine industry for over 50 years. Bill continues that heritage and tradition through his love and passion of Wine, whether it be an approachable bottle or a rare bottle for his cellar. If you know Bill, you have been fortunate enough to share in a great bottle of Wine along with a story that truly captures the spirit of the Wine, its origins and the people who made it.
It's time once again to enter your best wines into the prestigious Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, honoring wines only produced from the following
North Coast counties:
Lake
Mendocino
Sonoma
Napa
Marin
Solano
Who will be this year's Best of the Best?
Save $$$,
Enter before March 10th!
January 29th – On April 2-3, 2024, a collection of esteemed wine professionals will gather in Santa Rosa, Calif., to evaluate entries in the 2024 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge. Competition managers are now accepting entries for the 12th annual NCWC, considered among the most prestigious wine challenges in the United States.
This regional competition rates wines exclusively produced and bottled in Northern California’s premier winegrowing region to determine which wines are considered the Best of the Best. Eligible wines must be made from fruit sourced in the North Coast AVAs of Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Marin and parts of Solano counties. This includes any bottled wine labeled with these AVAs as their main source of grapes and whose winery is in California.
“The competition focuses only on the high quality wines made on the North Coast that includes the six local counties,” says Daryl Groom, chief judge of NCWC. “We do not allow entries outside of these premium appellations nor allow international entries. Our judges know the quality will be high. Every past competition, judges have awarded more than 20% of the wines Gold Medal or above — some years up to 30%.”
NCWC only promotes the highest awarded-wines (golds and above), keeping your win exceptional and exclusive. Golds are converted into a point score above 90 and all 90+ point wines will get a marketable positive comment from the judging panel. Winning gold medals can help boost sales and brand awareness for producers of all sizes, but small wineries can truly benefit from a gold medal in this contest.
The best wines draw the best professional wine judges, who annually vie for a coveted spot to judge NCWC. Many are seasoned retailers, distributors, restaurateurs and influential wine writers, who promote the wines they enjoy and can help give your wine increased exposure.
“Our professional judges are the most experienced and influential in the area and are made up of retail and restaurant buyers, prominent winemakers, sommeliers, media personalities and wine writers,” says Groom. “So aside from winning medals, wineries that enter get their wines exposed to the North Coast wine industry ‘movers and shakers.’”
Public announcement of awards is made in print by The Press Democrat newspaper, the North Bay Area’s primary source for news and information. Additional ongoing promotion is made in other print publications, online, by virtual newsletters, and through social media outlets.
“One of the core efforts of our company is to bring the community together, to engage our audiences in ways that educate, inform and celebrate,” says Eric Johnson, CEO and publisher for Sonoma Media Investments, which owns the Press Democrat newspaper. “Through the North Coast Wine Challenge, we are able to celebrate the amazing products of our region. [It] supports our local economy and recognizes the role the community plays in its production — from the vineyard workers to the winemakers.”
Gold medal winners are invited to pour and have their wines enjoyed at the North Coast Wine & Food Festival, annually organized and hosted by The Press Democrat. This is a fun-filled day enjoyed by wine enthusiasts from near and far, who look forward to tasting the Best of the Best wines Northern California has to offer.
“The North Bay Food and Wine Festival is a fantastic way for our winning regional winemakers to introduce their wines to thousands of wine enthusiasts from all over Northern California,” continues Johnson. “Included in their ticket price, guests will have access to the best wines produced in our region along with food samples from some incredible area chefs. Being relatively new to the area — and a first-time attendee at last-years event — I’ve really never seen anything like it. It’s definitely one of the things that makes living in Sonoma County incredibly special.”
Enter the 2024 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge before midnight, March 11 for an Early Bird discount. Final entry deadline is March 22.
Visit https://www.pdncwc.com/ for more information.
EARLY ENTRY DISCOUNT ENDS FRIDAY!
MARCH 10TH.
Judging April 4 -5th
Deadline to Enter
March 24th
Visit our Facebook page for a
special message from
Daryl Groom, Chief Judge
Recipient of 8 Winemaker of the Year awards.
Who will be this year's Best of the Best?
Add you name here........
Enter your best wines into the prestigious Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, honoring wines only produced from the following
North Coast counties:
Lake
Mendocino
Sonoma
Napa
Marin
Solano
Early Bird Discount - Save $$,
Enter before March 10th!