Smith, Sierra Starr, Avanguardia, Secret Ravine, and Amador wineries among big winners in State Fair Wine Competition

Foothills wineries won major awards at the prestigious, long-running California State Fair wine competition. Smith Vineyard’s 2013 Primitivo from Nevada County was named “Best in California” and “Best of Class of Region,” and it won a Double Gold medal. Smith also won a Gold for its Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bronze for its Merlot. The “Best of California” honor was a giant victory for the Sierra Vintners’ winemaking region.

Amador Cellars’ Barbera (from the Cooper and Karmere Vineyard in Amador County) won Best in California, also collecting a Double Gold. (Read an article from our current issue about Amador’s iconic Barbera wines). Sobon Estate’s Zinfandel was named “Best In California,” and it won a Double Gold.

Sierra Starr Vineyard and Winery’s 2014 Chardonnay won “Best of Class of Region” and a Gold medal. Its 2013 Petite Sirah also won “Best of Class of Region” and a Gold. It also won three Bronze medals. Sierra Starr has racked up numerous prestigious awards this year.

Avanguardia’s 2013 Corvina won “Best of Class of Region” and a Double Gold medal. It also won a Silver and a Bronze.

Secret Ravine’s 2015 Sauvignon Blanc from Placer County won “Best of Class of Region” and a Gold medal. It also won a Silver and two Bronze medals. Secret Ravine belongs to the Loomis Loop wine trail in Placer County.

Andis Wines in Amador County won a Double Gold medal for its 2014 Semillon, a Gold medal for its 2014 Barbera, a Silver medal for its 2013 Zinfandel, and a Bronze for its 2013 Primitivo.

Cooper Vineyards in Amador County won eight medals, including six Silvers and two Bronze. The Silvers were for 2013 Syrah, 2013 Mourvedre, 2014 Primitivo, 2013 Primitivo, 2014 Rhone White Varietal Blends, and 2012 Barbera. The Bronze were for 2013 Sangiovese and 2014 Grenache.

Nevada City Winery won four medals at the State Fair, Gray Pine won four, Szabo won two and Lucchesi won two.

Montoliva won two Bronze medals. It belongs to the Wine 174 wine trail in Nevada County.  Ciotti Cellars won a Silver and Bronze, and Popie won two Silvers and three Bronze medals. Ciotti and Popie also belong to the Loomis Loop wine trail.

Naggiar Vineyards won 11 medals, including a “Best of Class” and a Double Gold.

The full results are here.

With the help of 175 volunteers, 55 judges had just three days to taste 2,854 wines from more than 750 California wineries. In the end, 115 Double Golds and 230 Golds were awarded to wineries of every size throughout the Golden State.

Dating back to 1854, the California State Fair Wine Competition is America’s oldest and most prestigious wine event. Only wines made with fruit grown in California may be judged in the competition. Wines are evaluated by class, varietal, style and region based upon the source of the grapes.

(Photo: Sierra Starr’s tasting room in historic Grass Valley)

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