July 2, 2025 (Pennsylvania) — This year marks a triumphant return to the global stage for Benigna’s Creek, which became the first Pennsylvania winery ever to medal at the DWWA in 2023 with its Traminette. Over the past two years, the winemaking team has focused intensely on refining its craft—and the results speak for themselves. In 2025, the Traminette was one of only 14 wines from the United States to receive a coveted Gold Medal (95 points), an extraordinary honor in an international competition of this caliber. In addition to this achievement, Benigna’s Creek Tears wine garnered a Silver Medal with 90 points.
The DWWA judges praised Benigna’s Creek’s Traminette for:
“Demonstrating great typicity with plush yellow pear and rolling herbaceous, sweet floral notes which cascade across the nose and palate. Rounded, exuberant and lengthy.”
The Tears Wine, a first-time entry in the competition, made an immediate impact with its distinctive profile, described by judges as:
“Pretty nose of orange cordial and potpourri, palate of subtle apricot, pine resin, fruit salad and a fresh acidity.”
Now in its 22nd edition, the Decanter World Wine Awards is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. This year’s DWWA evaluated a remarkable 16,972 wines from 57 countries, assessed by 248 top international experts, including 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine—the most in the competition’s history, according to Decanter.
This accomplishment is the result of a powerful father-son duo at Benigna’s Creek with 25-year-old Jake Masser, an emerging figure in French-American hybrid winemaking, working in close collaboration with his father, Mike Masser, whose more than 25 years of viticultural expertise have been foundational to the winery’s enduring excellence.
“To God be all Glory. These medals are a reflection of the Lord’s grace, years of hard work, patience, and our unwavering belief in the potential of Pennsylvania wines,” said Mike Masser, President of Benigna’s Creek. “We’re proud to be representing our region on the global stage and to show that world-class wines can come from unexpected places.”
About Benigna’s Creek Vineyard & Winery
Founded in 1999, Benigna’s Creek Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. With a focus on sustainable farming practices and meticulous winemaking techniques, Benigna’s Creek produces a range of exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of Pennsylvania.
About Decanter World Wine Awards
Decanter is the world’s leading wine media brand with a total monthly reach in excess of 2 million via its print, digital, and social channels. It has a unique place in the global wine market, offering authoritative tastings and highly knowledgeable expert contributors through its high-quality monthly print magazine and online content.
Decanter was launched in 1975, making it one of the publishing world’s enduring success stories.
