Papapietro Perry Winery and Four Roses Bourbon Take Top Honors
(March 6, 2026) — Winners have been announced in the fifth annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. A pinot noir from Papapietro Perry (Sonoma County, Calif.) and a small batch bourbon from Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, Ky.) topped their fields to be named Best of the Best.
The competition was established in 2022, in conjunction with Los Angeles-based beverage professionals (representing both the on- and off-premise channels), to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world, and to introduce those producers to the largest market of consumers in the United States.
Judging took place February 18-19, 2026. Competition this year was stellar, says event producer Debra Del Fiorentino of Wine Competitions Management & Production: “Year after year, our judges continue to be impressed with the depth in each category. The quality of product was fantastic!”
When judging early rounds of a beverage competition, each entry is evaluated on its own merits — not comparatively — so every sample has a chance to earn a medal.
Papapietro Perry’s 2023 Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir was described by judges as “Luscious,” with “ wild cherry and strawberry.” The wine is sourced from a vineyard located near the town of Annapolis on the northern Sonoma Coast, an area now referred to as the “West Sonoma Coast” AVA. Perched on the fog line at 750 feet above sea level, Campbell Ranch was planted in 2000 with Dijon clones 667 and 777 in low-vigor soils. “The vineyard consistently produces exceptional fruit. The results are always outstanding,” says David Low, head winemaker.
Established in 1888, the Four Roses Distillery today uses two different mash bills, combined with five unique yeast strains, to create its bourbons. Each recipe brings something different to the batch, and carefully mingling them results in an endless range of flavor profiles. LA Competition judges praised Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, which won the 2026 spirits competition, for its “delicious oak” and “lovely hints of Asian 5 spice,” ultimately calling it “very well-made.”
The Los Angeles Times, which is media sponsor of the competition, will publish its own notification of the event and results in a future edition. Additionally, winning producers will be featured in a robust LA Times online and social promotional campaign targeting its expansive audience of wine, spirits and food enthusiasts. Estimated reach is more than 700,000 impressions.
“Partnering with a media company that reaches such a large and enthusiastic wine and food audience brings another level of recognition for our winners,” says Del Fiorentino. “The ability to connect to the Southern California retail and restaurant markets has great potential for these producers.”
Low at Papapietro Perry agrees. “The [Los Angeles] competition’s broad consumer reach, along with its recognized expertise, impartiality and transparency, are of considerable importance to us. Furthermore, the comprehensive marketing opportunities afforded to winning wines provide meaningful support in enhancing their visibility and prestige.”
Next year’s competition will take place in early March 2027.
Below is a list of Best of Show winners. For a full list of Best of Class and medal winners, click here: wine; spirits.
LA International Wine Competition Winners
Best of the Best, Best Red Wine
Papapietro Perry 2023 Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir (99 pts., GG, BOC)
Judges: “Luscious”; “ wild cherry and strawberry”
Best White Wine
Spring Hill Vineyard 2025 Itasca (98, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Guava”; “green apple”; “quince paste”; “nice balance”; “rich and bright”
Best Sparkling Wine
Nostra Vita Family Winery 2025 Limited Release Serendipity (96, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Cardamon”; “vanilla and cherries”; “balanced ”
Best Rosé Wine
Pennyroyal Farm 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir (98, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Ripe, juicy notes”; “beautiful allure”
Best Dessert Wine
The Vineyards at Pine Lake 2024 Moscato (98, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Floral”; “citrus and honeysuckle”
Best Cider
2 Towns Ciderhouse Guava Get Down NV (92, G BOC)
Judges: “Bright”; “pineapple and guava”
Best of the Best, Best Whiskey, Best Small Batch Bourbon <10 yrs.
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon (98, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Delicious oak”; “lovely hints of Asian 5 spice”; “very well made”
Best Straight Bourbon
Four Roses Bourbon (94, G, BOC)
Judges: “Clean, delicious”; “peach, pear”; “well-balanced and easily approachable.”
Best Special Barrel Whiskey
Durant & Booth Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (99, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Elegant, well-executed”; “a clean sipper”; “toasty oak with nutmeg and cinnamon”
Best Single Barrel Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Toasted Single Barrel- 3970 (94, G, BOC)
Judges: “Delicious!” “hint of brown sugar”; “soft, light, airy and approachable”
Best Tennessee Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey (97, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Great balance and integration”; “honey, lovely toasty oak”;”easy sipper”; “traditional”
Best Whiskey (Flavored)
Ogden’s Own Distillery Porter’s Fire Cinnamon Whiskey (91, G, BOC)
Judges: “Well-executed”; “good mouthfeel”; “tastes like cinnamon”
Best Brandy
Calistoga Star Barrel Aged Fine Brandy (92, G, BOC)
Judges: “Balanced, integrated”; “hint of apricot”; “great sipper”
Best Tequila, Best Tequila Blanco
Tequila El Mexicano Blanco (97, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Absolutely delicious”; “traditional”; “well-executed”
Best Tequila Reposado
Tequila El Mexicano Reposado (93, G, BOC)
Judges: “Very broad palate”; “hint of vanilla”; “whisper of smoke”; “good balance, great finish”
Best Rum
BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho (98, GG, BOC)
Judges “Sipping rum”; “hints of caramel, butterscotch”; “kissed with a hint of smoke”
Best Rum (Spiced)
ZUBI Spiced Rum (96, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Coconut”; “some caramelization”; “well-balanced and lovely”
Best Rum (Flavored)
BACARDÍ Mango Chile (93, G, BOC)
Judges: “Great execution of flavor”; “well made”; “good mixer”
Best Vodka
Ogden’s Own Distillery Five Wines Vodka (96, GG, BOC)
Judges: “ Incredible balance”; “touch of sweetness”; “fresh and clean”; “nice weight”
Best Vodka (Flavored)
Ogden’s Own Distillery Five Wives Heavenly Vodka (92, G, BOC)
Judges: “Very vanilla-forward”; “easy and light”; “great vodka to blend with cocktails”
Best Ready to Drink (RTD)
Rancho La Gloria Espresso Martini (96, GG, BOC)
Judges: “Fresh coffee beans”; “nice integration of chocolate”; “well-balanced”