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The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest of its kind in North America, and it has become a prestigious event where wineries from the United States, Canada, and Mexico compete for recognition. With entries from all bonded wineries across these regions, the competition attracts expert judges from major wine regions across the continent. This year, Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate were proud to take home multiple prestigious awards, reaffirming the exceptional quality of our wines.

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition: A Celebration of Excellence

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition isn’t just a contest—it’s a true celebration of North American winemaking. With thousands of wines entered each year, the event draws attention from wine lovers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts alike. What makes this competition stand out is the diversity of expertise that the judges bring to the table. Sourced from prominent wine regions, the panel of professional judges ensures that each wine is assessed with the most refined palates and thorough knowledge.

A Year of Success: Our Award-Winning Wines

We are thrilled to announce that several of our wines stood out in the 2025 competition, earning honors and validating the dedication to quality that defines both Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate and our wine maker Julien Fayard and his Fayard Wines Here’s a breakdown of the awards we received:

NV Cultivar Brut Rosé, Santa Lucia Highlands – Gold Medal

Our NV Cultivar Brut Rosé earned a Gold Medal, reflecting its lively character and sophisticated balance. Made from carefully sourced grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands, this sparkling wine showcases enticing aromas of delicate white peach with hints of apricot and a touch of brioche mingle with meyer lemon, with a crisp finish that’s perfect for any occasion. The Gold Medal recognition highlights its high quality and versatility.

2021 Caspar Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – Double Gold Medal

The 2021 Caspar Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded a Double Gold Medal. Napa Valley is known for its world-class Cabernets, and our wine lives up to the reputation with rich, concentrated flavors of dark fruit, balanced by velvety tannins and a hint of oak. It’s a wine that exemplifies the true craftsmanship of Julien Fayard’s winemaking in one of the world’s premier regions.

2023 Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast – Gold Medal

Our 2023 Cultivar Wine Cabernet Sauvignon from the North Coast also took home a Gold Medal. The North Coast is a broad yet renowned area for producing excellent Cabs, and this wine is no exception. Rich in flavor with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a touch of spice, it demonstrates the quality that the region is known for.

2023 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley – Gold Medal

Rounding out our success was the 2023 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc, which earned a Gold Medal. With crisp citrus notes, hints of grass, and a clean finish, this Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing expression of Napa Valley’s unique terroir. It’s a bright, aromatic wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of Napa Valley whites.

Our Passion to Create Fabulous Wines

These awards are a testament to the passion and dedication of our winemakers, vineyard workers, and team members who work to create wines of most premium quality. At Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate, we believe in crafting wines that express the unique character of our vineyards, and the recognition we received from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition reinforces the pursuit of excellence in everything we do.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these achievements, we’re already looking ahead to the next vintage. We’re excited to continue exploring new expressions of our vineyards and to share our wines with you.

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating these wins at your next gathering or wine-tasting adventure.