July 7, 2026 (Atascadero, CA) — Marin’s Vineyard is proud to announce that its 2024 Sparkling Viognier has been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2026 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the largest California-only wine competition, and by popular vote was named Best Sparkling Wine in the 2026 Best of the Central Coast Awards.
The award-winning wine is crafted in the pétillant naturel, or “pét-nat,” style, an ancient sparkling winemaking method that captures carbonation naturally during primary fermentation. Winemaker Marin Wolgamott takes the process a step further, creating a unique hybrid approach that combines traditional pét-nat techniques with disgorgement for a cleaner, more polished wine.
“We bottle the wine while it’s still fermenting and there is still a little sugar remaining,” explains Wolgamott. “The fermentation finishes inside the bottle, creating natural carbonation. The bottles are then stored upside down for several months, allowing the yeast to settle into the neck.”
After approximately six months, each bottle is disgorged by hand. During this labor-intensive process, the bottle is opened and the settled yeast is expelled by natural carbonation. The bottle is then topped with the same wine and finished with a crown cap and label.
“It’s definitely a labor of love,” says Wolgamott. “Every bottle receives individual attention, but that’s part of what makes this wine so special.”
The Sparkling Viognier is produced from fruit grown in the San Antonio Valley AVA, sourced from a vineyard originally planted by Wolgamott’s family. Though the vineyard is now under new ownership, Marin continues to work with the site, ensuring the wine remains rooted in the same fruit source that has defined the winery’s Viognier program for years. As the only white grape variety planted by the family, Viognier has become a signature of Marin’s Vineyard.
Known for its expressive aromatics, Viognier is more commonly produced as a still wine. For the sparkling version, the grapes are harvested earlier than normal to preserve bright acidity and lower sugar levels—ideal characteristics for sparkling wine production.
“Sparkling Viognier is something you rarely see,” says Wolgamott. “Viognier is naturally aromatic and expressive, and turning it into a sparkling wine creates something fun, refreshing, and completely unexpected. It’s one of my favorite wines to make because it showcases both my creativity and love for Viognier.” The artistic approach extends beyond the cellar. Wolgamott personally paints the watercolor artwork featured on Marin’s Vineyard wine labels, including the luna moth depicted on the Sparkling Viognier.
Marin was 7 years old when her parents Brenda and Duane planted the 5-acre vineyard, naming it after her. She has gone on to make a career in winemaking and has taken ownership of the family brand, transforming it into her personal style.
Guests can taste the award-winning Sparkling Viognier at Marin’s Vineyard Wine Tasting Room, located at 5983 Entrada Avenue in downtown Atascadero. The tasting room offers a welcoming space to explore handcrafted wines, enjoy wines by the glass, and discover unique small-lot releases. A signature event hosted at Marin’s Vineyard is the monthly Silent Book Club – where you bring your own book and can enjoy reading together with friends and a glass of wine.
On Saturday August 22nd, Marin’s Vineyard will celebrate its second anniversary in downtown Atascadero, commemorating two years of sharing San Antonio Valley AVA wines and building community through wine, books, events, and conversation. The 2025 Vintage of the Sparkling Viognier will be released that weekend.
For tasting room hours, upcoming events, and additional information, visit http://www.marinsvineyard.com or stop by the tasting room in downtown Atascadero.
