The North Carolina Wine & Grape Council marked the 20th anniversary of the North Carolina Wine Competition by awarding more than 275 medals to wines, ciders, and meads produced across the state. The event featured over 300 entries from more than 39 producers.
“North Carolina continues to produce award-winning wines, ciders and mead products as evidenced by this recent competition,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This year’s event brought together top judges, winemakers and experts from across the country to evaluate more than 300 wines from over 39 North Carolina producers.”
The competition included a variety of wine styles, such as European varietals, Muscadine, and hybrid blends.
Top honors were given in several categories. Hinnant Family Vineyards of Pine Level won Best in Show ‘Muscadine’ for its 2024 Dangerous Waters White. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards of Hendersonville received Best in Show ‘Vinifera/Hybrid’ for its 2024 Albarino. Noble Cider of Asheville was awarded Best in Show ‘Cider/Mead/Dessert’ for Spice Merchant.
Other category winners included Stardust Cellar of North Wilkesboro for Best Mead with Country Peach; Shadow Springs Vineyard of Hamptonville for Best Single Varietal Red Vinifera with its 2021 Petit Verdot; Point Lookout Vineyards of Hendersonville for Best Red Blend Vinifera with its 2021 Cliffield; and Windsor Run Cellars of Hamptonville for Best Dessert/Fortified with its 2015 Midnight Run Grand Reserve.
Jolo Winery & Vineyards took home Best Hybrid Red for its 2023 Pilot Fog, while Shadow Springs Vineyard also won Best Hybrid White with its 2024 Seyval Blanc. Rock of Ages Winery & Vineyard earned recognition for Best Fruit Wine with NV Sangria, and Noble Cider was recognized again for Best Cider.
Sheryl McDavid, an American Wine Society Certified Judge who has contributed to the competition since 2005, was honored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Commissioner Steve Troxler with a Certificate of Appreciation marking her two decades as a judge.
“North Carolina’s wine industry continues to thrive because of the talent, dedication, and community behind it. It’s an honor to recognize those who have shaped this journey — from vineyard to glass,” said Nicole Chesney, executive director of the N.C. Wine & Grape Council.
For additional details on all winners or information about North Carolina’s wine industry—which includes more than 200 wineries and vineyards statewide—visit www.ncwine.org.
