April 29, 2026 (London, UK) — Le Vigne Winery, a second generation, family-owned estate in Paso Robles California, claimed four Gold Medals at the 2026 International London Wine Competition, winning Wine of the Year U.S.A. for their Acquarello Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve wine and were named The London Wine Competition Winery of the Year U.S.A.. The win marks a strong endorsement from one of the industry’s most commercially-minded judging panels, which evaluates wines not just on taste, but on value and shelf appeal, factors that drive purchase decisions.
About the Competition
Now in its ninth year, the International London Wine Competition judges each entry across three weighted criteria — Quality, Value, and Packaging — producing a score that reflects how a wine performs in the real world, not just in a tasting room. Entries are first blind-tasted by a panel of active trade professionals, including wine buyers, 4 Master Sommeliers, and 6 Masters of Wine, before price and packaging are factored in.
Medals are awarded based on a weighted composite score derived from the competition’s three core judging criteria—Quality, Value, and Packaging. To reflect the importance of how the wine tastes and performs in the glass, Quality is given double weight in the final score calculation. This approach ensures that while all three criteria are important, the drinking experience remains the most critical factor, while still accounting for price positioning and shelf appeal. “Winning a medal here means your wine performs across taste, value, and shelf appeal, making it a strong contender in both domestic and international markets,” said Sid Patel, CEO of the London Wine Competition.
In Their Own Words
“The authority of a London Wine Competition award comes from the quality of the judges, the rigor of the process, and the fact that it reflects what consumers and buyers actually want. We’re thrilled that Le Vigne performed so well,” said Phillip Anderson, General Manager of Le Vigne Winery.
About Le Vigne Winery
The first estate grapes were planted in 1982 when there were only a handful of wineries in Paso Robles. The winery was built in 1995 & has gained an international reputation for quality Bordeaux, Rhone, & Italian varietals. Sustainable practices in the vineyard provide high quality grapes to make the best possible wine. For more information visit https://www.levignewinery.com/ or contact Phillip Anderson at p.anderson@levignewinery.com.
About the London Wine Competition
The London Wine Competition evaluates wine on quality, value, and packaging — reflecting the criteria that matter most to today’s trade buyers and consumers. Organized by Beverage Trade Network, the competition brings together leading industry professionals to identify wine with genuine commercial potential. For more information, visit www.londonwinecompetition.com.
