New Mexico Winery Brings Home Double Gold from East and West Coast Competitions
July 21, 2025 (Albuquerque, NM) — VARA Winery & Distillery, an Albuquerque-based winery and craft distillery, is celebrating a standout performance at two major wine competitions: the New York International Wine Competition and the Sunset International Wine Competition. VARA’s sparkling wines earned multiple top honors from coast to coast, reinforcing the brand’s growing reputation as a leader in American sparkling winemaking.
At the New York International Wine Competition, one of the industry’s most respected events judged exclusively by a trade-only panel including sommeliers, importers, distributors, and beverage directors, VARA was named the Lodi Sparkling Winery of the Year and received high marks across the board for their sparkling wines:
- Silverhead Brut – Double Gold, 96 points
- Silverhead Zero Dosage – Gold, 95 points
- VARAxLG Blanc de Blancs – Silver, 93 points
- New Mexico Sparkling Brut – Silver, 92 points
- Silverhead Brut Rosé – Bronze, 91 points
The momentum continued at the Sunset International Wine Competition, one of the West Coast’s most influential tastings. Judged by an esteemed panel of winemakers, sommeliers, retail buyers, wine educators, and journalists attuned to the region’s palate and lifestyle, VARA’s sparkling portfolio again impressed:
- VARAxLG Blanc de Blancs – Double Gold, 98 points
- Silverhead Brut – Gold, 90 points
- New Mexico Sparkling Brut 2023 – Silver
- Silverhead Zero Dosage – Silver
- Silverhead Brut Rosé – Bronze
“These awards are a testament to our team’s commitment to quality, creativity, and a deep respect for both tradition and innovation in sparkling winemaking,” said Carrie Freeman, CEO and General Manager of VARA Winery & Distillery. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our wines recognized at this level.”
VARA is redefining how Americans enjoy sparkling wine, making it approachable, vibrant and perfect for everyday occasions. Led by Laurent Gruet and Sofian Himeur, a third-generation New Mexico winemaker, VARA draws on Spanish varietals and local pride. VARA’s wines are available in New Mexico and California, with online shipping offered to many states across the U.S.
About VARA Winery & Distillery
At VARA Winery & Distillery, tradition and innovation come together to craft extraordinary wines and spirits. Founded in New Mexico — the birthplace of North American winegrowing in 1629 — VARA honors this rich legacy while leading the future of American sparkling wine. Our passionate team of winemakers and distillers are master blenders, deeply committed to quality, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of craft. From acclaimed Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines to award-winning spirits, every bottle we create celebrates our heritage and our commitment to creativity, community, and excellence. Discover more at varawines.com.
