LOS ANGELES, CA (April 11, 2025) — Judging for the 2025 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, presented by Fairplex, concluded on April 3 in Los Angeles, marking a powerful new chapter in its 90-year legacy, showcasing exceptional winemaking talent from more than 20 countries. From exciting firsts to time-honored favorites, the results reflect a wine world that is as diverse as it is dynamic.
🏆 Best of Show: A Global Standard of Excellence
The Don Galleano Award – Best Wine of Competition was awarded to 2019 Pillitteri Estates Winery “Family Reserve” Icewine Riesling, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, earning a stunning 98 points (www.pillitteri.com).
Chosen through blind voting during the competition’s return to sweepstakes-style judging, this Canadian Icewine rose to the top of the top—a standout among standout wines.
“This year’s Best of Show represents everything the Los Angeles International Wine Competition stands for—balance, beauty, and brilliance in the glass,” said Spreti Valente, Chairwoman of the competition. “It’s a world-class wine that exceeded on its own merits, and we’re proud to recognize excellence wherever it comes from.”
The Don Galleano Award, named in honor of California winemaking legend Don Galleano, honors not only the best wine of the year but the integrity, legacy, and commitment that define the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and what Mr. Galleano was in the industry.
Our additional outstanding winners were:
Best Sparkling Wine, Best of Class, Gold Medal – Toques et Clochers, Crémant de Limoux DOC FRANCE – www.sieurDArques.com
Best White Wine:Best of Class, Gold Medal – 2023 Carter Creek Winery – Chenin Blanc – Texas High Plains, TEXAS – www.shop.CarterCreek.com
Best Rose Wine, Best of Class, Gold Medal – 2024 Carol Shelton – Rendezvous Rosé, Mendocino County, California – USA – www.CarolShelton.com
Best Red Wine, Best of Class, Gold medal – 2017 Bodegas La Marquesa “Valserrano” –Gran Reserva, Rioja – Rioja DOCa SPAIN – www.Valserrano.com
Best Organic Wine – Best of Class, Gold Medal – 2024 De La Bosse – Sauvignon Blanc, Pays d’OC IGP, FRANCE – www.maisonray mond.vin
Best Sake – Best of Class, Gold Medal – Katoukichibee Shouten – Born – Junmai Daiginjo – Gokuhizo, JAPAN – www.born.co.jp
Best Bordeaux Wine – Best of Class, Gold medal – 2022 Chateau Lamothe-Vincent Le Grand Rossignol Bordeaux Superieur AOC, Bordeaux FRANCE – www.lamothe-vincent.com
Best Limited Production Wine – Best of Class, Gold Medal – 2016 Pennyroyal Farm – “Almittey” Blanc de Noirs, Anderson Valley, California USA –www.PennyroyalFarm.com
Best Fruit & Miscellaneous Wine – Best of Class, Gold Medal – Spritz del Conte – Negroni, ITALY – www.SpritzDelConte.com
Best Fortified Wine – Best of Class, Gold Medal – Rancho de Philo – Triple Cream Sherry, Cucamonga Valley, California USA – www.ranchodephilo.com
🌍 International Highlights
- Armenia joined the competition for the very first time—and medaled impressively. Their debut added a new voice to the global table, reminding us that ancient wine cultures are finding fresh expression in today’s market.
- Mexico made one of the most enthusiastic showings of the year, with strong performances from producers in Baja California, Guanajuato, and Coahuila. A dedicated Mexican Wine Class will be on the schedule at the 2025 LA County Fair.
- France, Spain, and Canada once again proved their staying power, earning high scores across categories. From bold reds to refreshing sparklers, these regions showed both classic excellence and modern innovation.
🔍 Notable Trends
- This year’s judging awarded over 850 medals, including 294 golds, 125 bronzes, and 440 silvers— proof of the extraordinary quality brought to the table by producers around the world.
- Temecula delivered its strongest showing to date—particularly in rosé, sparkling, and Rhône varietals.
- Paso Robles, Lodi, and Texas High Plains continued to demonstrate reliability and range.
- A rise in organic entries and lesser-known varietals signaled a shift in consumer and producer curiosity alike.
All the evaluations were done in a blind tasting format and were conducted by an international panel of seasoned judges, bringing together some of the most respected voices in the wine world— buyers, sommeliers, winemakers, and Masters of Wine—all committed to integrity and precision. As the longest-running wine competition in Los Angeles—and one of the most respected in the country—we remain committed to honoring excellence with integrity, elegance, and 90 years of earned credibility.
More Than the Bottle: Celebrating Label Design
All wines entered into the competition are automatically considered for the Los Angeles International Label Design Competition, judged separately by top-tier graphic artists representing the best of LA’s design community. This judging focuses on branding, visual impact, and storytelling—not what’s in the bottle.
That said, when a wine earns gold for both its contents and its packaging? That’s a double win. It’s another way The Los Angeles International Wine Competition supports wineries by celebrating the total impact of their craft—from inside the bottle to how it’s presented on the shelf.
🍷 What’s Next
Wine Education Classes: Award-winning wines will be featured throughout the 2025 LA County Fair, running May 2–26, as part of an engaging lineup of wine education experiences. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a devoted oenophile, the Fair’s tasting classes are an opportunity to explore winners from around the world. The schedule will be published soon!
Cheers Wine, Spirits & Beer Festival,: Wineries that earned gold medals will be invited to pour at Cheers, our signature tasting celebration on June 21 at Fairplex. This high-energy evening will bring together top wineries, food pairings, and wine lovers from across Southern California.
🎟 Tickets will be available soon (May) at https://fairplex.com/cheers/
Follow us on Instagram for full medal reveals, event updates, and behind-the-scenes access: @laintlcomps
Here’s to 90 years of wine excellence—and to the producers, regions, and stories shaping what’s next in the world of wine.
