Portfolio earns 19 total 90+ point scores, 4 Platinum medals, and 6 Director’s Awards across Texas and California properties
July 13, 2026 (Fredericksburg, TX) — Heath Family Brands announced a standout showing at this year’s Critics Challenge International Wine Competition, highlighted by Jenblossom Cellars’ 2022 Knights Valley Cabernet Franc being named Wine of the Year. The wine earned a 97-point score, the highest of any entry in the 465-wine competition, and was the only wine to reach that mark. It also received Best of Show for Red Wines and was named Best Cabernet Franc of the competition.
“This recognition reflects the work our entire team has put into these wines, from the vineyard to the cellar, across both our Texas and California properties. To be named Wine of the Year out of nearly 500 entries is a tremendous honor for Jenblossom Cellars and for Heath Family Brands as a whole,” said Brian Heath, CEO and founder of Heath Family Brands.
Jenblossom Cellars had additional success in the same competition, with its 2022 Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon scoring 95 points and earning the Best Cabernet Sauvignon title.
The results were part of a broader showing across the full Heath Family Brands portfolio, which includes Grape Creek Vineyards, Invention Vineyards, K Estate, and Heath Sparkling Wines. In total, 19 wines across the portfolio scored 90 points or above, including 11 from Texas AVAs, alongside 4 Platinum medals (94+ points) and 6 Director’s Awards.
Grape Creek Vineyards’ Non-Vintage Port, a Texas AVA wine, scored 94 points and was named Best Port of the competition. Heath Sparkling Wines’ 2022 Adoration was named Best Sparkling Rosé, marking the second time the wine has earned that title in competition this year.
“We had 465 wine entries for this year’s event, with some serious quality wine in the mix,” said Rich Cook, Competition Director for the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. “To rise to the top in this group is no small achievement.”
For more information on Heath Family Brands and its award-winning wines, visit http://www.heathfamilybrands.com.
About Heath Family Brands
Heath Family Brands is a name synonymous with quality, innovation, and excellence. The family-owned company includes Grape Creek Vineyards (the oldest winery on Highway 290), Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars, Heath Vineyards, Invention Vineyards and K Estate Vineyards. With a rich legacy of crafting exceptional wines, boasting 350 90+ point scores, Heath Family Brands continues to lead the way in the Texas wine industry.
