Carter Creek’s Sparkling Tempranillo Rosé Named Grand Champion; Sparkling Peach Earns Fruit Wine Champion
February 24, 2026 (Yorba Linda, CA) — Carter Creek Winery in Johnson City, TX and South Coast Winery in Temecula, CA, earned a combined 10 awards at the 2026 Texas International Wine Competition, with results announced February 16.
Carter Creek Winery captured one of the competition’s top honors, earning both Platinum and Grand Champion distinctions for its Texas High Plains NV Sparkling Tempranillo Rosé. Judges praised the wine for its vibrant summer berry notes, delicate floral aromatics and persistent effervescence.
The winery also secured Platinum and Fruit Wine Champion honors for its Texas High Plains NV Sparkling Peach, recognized for its ripe peach character and pastry-like notes reminiscent of peach cobbler.
In addition, Carter Creek earned:
- Silver – 2023 Chenin Blanc
South Coast Winery posted seven awards across multiple categories, including two Platinum medals:
- Platinum – 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
- Platinum – 2019 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
- Gold – 2019 Wild Horse Peak Il Temporale
- Silver – 2021 Wild Horse Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
- Silver – 2024 Reference Chardonnay
- Silver – 2017 TNT
- Bronze – 2021 Wild Horse Peak Meritage
The annual competition draws domestic and international producers and is designed to spotlight winemaking excellence while elevating awareness of Texas as a growing force in viticulture.
“We are grateful for the continued efforts and international reach of the Texas International Wine Competition and its dedication to advancing the art and science of winemaking,” said Jeff Carter, president of family-owned Carter Hospitality. “We’re especially proud of our winemakers, Jon McPherson, Javier Flores and Emily Bloom for their commitment to quality and innovation.”
The wins underscore the Carter family’s continued investment in both Texas and California wine regions, from the Texas High Plains to Temecula Valley.
About Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is a luxury retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country in Johnson City, Texas. Set amidst rolling hills and vineyards, it features 78 luxury villas, two tasting rooms, an outdoor pavilion hosting live music, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, a heated seasonal outdoor pool and 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is an award-winning winery offering some of the region’s top varietals, and it’s the only winery in the region with an onsite microbrewery serving craft beer. More information is available at www.cartercreek.com, Facebook and Instagram.
About South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
The only state winery to claim the title of California Winery of the Year five times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast Winery is celebrating 25 years of winemaking excellence in 2026. Since its founding in 2003, the winery has set the gold standard among California producers, earning more than 5,000 awards. Situated on 63 lush acres, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers a retreat for wine tours, romantic getaways and group events, featuring 132 rooms and villas, a working winery and tasting room, gift shop, full-service spa and restaurant. Family-owned, the winery produces a portfolio of over 40 labels, most available for tasting in its main tasting room – from robust reds such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Sirah, Merlot and Pinot Noir to whites including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. Sparkling wines, dessert wines and specialty offerings round out the collection. The winery’s team includes master winemaker Jon McPherson and winemakers Javier Flores and Emily Bloom. For more information, visit www.southcoastwinery.com
About Carter Hospitality Group
Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Radisson Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.
