Champion wines have been named from the thousands competing in the 2018 Rodeo Uncorked!® International Wine Competition, held Nov. 11 – 12, 2017, at NRG Center — just in time for the holidays.
The 2018 International Wine Competition judging included a record 3,188 entries from 18 different countries, including Argentina, Austria, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, Portugal and South Africa. The 2018 featured region, Northern Spain — specifically the wine growing regions of Rioja, Navarra, Priorat, Ribera de Duero, Rueda, Rias Baixas, Valdeorras and Cava — received 212 entries. Texas wineries represented 420 entries.
The 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition champions are:
- Grand Champion Best of Show – J. Lohr Vineyards Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2014
- Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show – Ram’s Gate Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros, 2013
- Top Texas Wine – Llano Estacado Viviano Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese, Texas, 2015
- Top Sparkling Wine – Beau Joie Brut Rosé, Champagne AOC, NV
- Top White Wine – Dr. Loosen Riesling Spätlese, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Mosel, 2015
- Top Red Wine – Ram’s Gate Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, 2013
- Top Region Wine – Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa, 2009
- Top Sweet Wine – Inniskillin Vidal Icewine, Niagara Penninsula VQA, 2015
- Top Value Wine – McManis Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, California, 2016
- Top All-Around Winery – J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
- Top Region Wine Company – Europvin USA
- Top Wine Company – Constellation Brands, Inc.
- Top Texas Winery – Bending Branch Winery
Champion wines will be paired with dishes from top chefs at the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, and sold at the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction and Dinner Sunday, Feb. 25.
Visitors to the 2018 Show can enjoy a selection of award-winning wines by the glass or bottle in the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Garden, located in Carruth Plaza at NRG Park. For more information on Rodeo Uncorked! events, visit rodeohouston.com/wine.