The prestigious competition awarded Texas wineries four gold medals
June 25, 2026 (Johnson City, TX) — Texas Hill Country Wineries (THCW), the trade association representing 69 member wineries in the Texas Hill Country, is proud to announce that Texas has won its first ever Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) gold medals. Award-winning wines included four bottles from Texas Hill Country Wineries members: Ab Astris, Souzao 2022; Turtle Creek, Tannat 2023; Adega Vinho, Estate Tempranillo 2021, and Spicewood Vineyards, Las Montañas 2022.
“We are thrilled to see Texas wines earn these prestigious medals,” says January Wiese, Executive Director of Texas Hill Country Wineries. “These medals reflect the care and dedication that went into every bottle. We’re incredibly proud of our member wineries and excited to watch the continued growth and success of Texas wines on a worldwide stage.”
For twenty-three years, DWWA has been recognized as one of the top wine competitions in the world and is widely regarded as the global benchmark for wine quality. Medals awarded at DWWA range from the top-tier 50 Best in Show, then Platinum and Gold (all scoring 95+ points) followed by Silver and Bronze. This year nearly 17,000 wines were tasted from 58 countries. Texas was awarded 4 Gold Medals, 58 Silver Medals, and 60 Bronze Medals.
This year marked the largest showing of Texas wines in Decanter history. Of the 122 submitted, 62 scored 90 points or higher, ranking Texas second among American wine regions for 90+ point scores.
“Texas exceeded expectations,” Tidwell MS states. “The most impressive new development was with Texas, which had a strong presence with entries. These entries were of consistently high quality, several of them reaching Gold medal status but dozens of others receiving silver and bronze medals. The Iberian, Italian, and Mediterranean varieties were particularly successful.”
Texans can toast to the good news with THCW’s Summer Season Pass available now through August 31. For more information about Texas Hill Country Wineries, visit TexasHillCountryWineries.org.
About Texas Hill Country Wineries
The Texas Hill Country Wineries is a non-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes Texas Wines. The THCW contributes to the quality of life in and around the Texas Hill Country through its nationally recognized wine trails and events. Representing over 60 unique and independent wineries, THCW is committed to promoting industry advancement and consumer awareness through event and agricultural programs.
