October 29, 2026 (Fort Worth, TX) — Ella Langley made “Choosin’ Texas” a hit. Now the judges at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s 2027 Vine 2 Wine™ International Wine Competition have given the phrase a whole new meaning: in a field spanning 11 countries, Texas wines claimed the Grand Champion honor and more than half of the competition’s Platinum and Gold medals.
The October 17–19 competition drew more than 600 entries from numerous brands and wine companies. Professional double-blind judging evaluated the international wines, awarding only 54 Platinum and 104 Gold medals. Texas-origin wines earned 28 of those Platinum medals and 57 Gold medals.
Texas wasn’t just competing. Texas was winning.
And the Top Honors Go To…
- Grand Champion: Llano Estacado Grüner Veltliner, Texas High Plains
- Reserve Grand Champion: 2019 Declaration Cellars “Eagle Talon” Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
- Top Texas Wine: 2024 Messina Hof Winery Mourvèdre, Texas High Plains
- Top Winery: Llano Estacado, Lubbock, Texas
- Top Wine Company: Fairwinds Estate Winery, Calistoga, California
Best in Class Honors
- Sparkling Wine: Charles Lafitte Cuvée Spéciale, Champagne AOC
- Red Wine: 2023 Mollydooker Wines “The Boxer” Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia
- White Wine: 2024 Becker Vineyards Roussanne Reserve, Texas High Plains
- Sweet Wine: Llano Estacado Mad Ira’s, Texas High Plains
- Best Value Wine: Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling, Columbia Valley AVA
Texas Regional Recognition
- Top Texas Hill Country AVA: 2022 Signor Vineyards Estate Mourvèdre, Texas Hill Country
- Top Texas High Plains AVA: 2024 Messina Hof Winery GSM, Texas High Plains
- Top North Texas Region: 2024 Edge of the Lake Vineyard Tres Viñedos Tempranillo, Texas
A World of Wine, Judged in Fort Worth
From Texas High Plains vineyards and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to Champagne and McLaren Vale Shiraz, the award winners reflect an international field encompassing classic varieties, regional specialties and emerging wine styles. Twelve professional judging panels assessed wines through a rigorous blind-tasting process. Judges included experienced wine professionals, educators, sommeliers and winemakers.
The wines also demonstrated the breadth of today’s market. Retail prices recorded for judged entries ranged from under $10 to $350, while the Best Value Wine distinction highlighted quality at an accessible price point. Beyond traditional red, white and rosé wines, the competition included sparkling, sweet, fortified, fruit-based and mead categories.
“We brought the world to Fort Worth, and Texas rose to the occasion,” said FWSSR President and General Manager, Matt Carter. “That’s what makes this competition so exciting. These wines earned their recognition alongside outstanding producers from some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.”
From the Judging Table to the Stock Show
The winning wines will help connect wine enthusiasts with the growers and producers behind the labels as Vine 2 Wine activities return during the 2027 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, January 15–February 6. Scheduled events include Sip & Shop wine tastings on January 20 and 27; educational Wine Camps on January 27 and February 3; and Culinary Corral wine-and-food pairings on January 31. Event details are available at fwssr.com.
About Vine 2 Wine and the FWSSR
Presented by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, the Vine 2 Wine™ International Wine Competition supports the Show’s agricultural and educational mission by celebrating grape growing and winemaking in Texas, across the United States and around the world. Wines are evaluated by experienced professionals through blind judging, with top honors recognizing excellence across a wide variety of styles and price points. Founded in 1896, the FWSSR brings livestock, rodeo, agriculture, education and Western heritage together in Fort Worth. For more information, visit fwssr.com.
Make plans today to enjoy rodeo, music, livestock and horse shows, petting zoos and pony rides, carnival-midway and shopping from Jan. 15 through Feb. 6 at Will Rogers Memorial Center and Dickies Arena. Go to FWSSR.COM for more information.
