Spicy Vines Wins Big at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Spicy Vines Takes Top Honors at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

We’re beyond thrilled to share some exciting news: Spicy Vines has just brought home two major accolades from the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — the largest competition of American wines in the world.

With thousands of wines submitted from across the country, this prestigious event is a benchmark for excellence in winemaking. Every January, a panel of expert judges — including wine journalists, educators, sommeliers, and industry leaders — blind taste wines across numerous categories, awarding only the most exceptional with Gold, Double Gold, and Best of Class distinctions.

This year, Spicy Vines proudly received:

BEST OF CLASS – 2021 Dragon’s Kiss Syrah (Sierra Foothills)
DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – 2021 Collin’s Reserve Merlot (Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak)

About the Winners:

– Dragon’s Kiss Syrah is a bold, brooding beauty that lives up to its name — delivering rich dark fruit, spice, and a sultry finish. Taking home Best of Class means it was ranked the top Syrah in its category, unanimously selected by all judges.

– Collin’s Reserve Merlot continues to impress vintage after vintage, and this 2021 release is no exception. With its structure, depth, and elegance, the Double Gold is a reflection of its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

We’re honored to be recognized among some of the best in the business — and even more excited to share these award-winning wines with you. Whether you’re a longtime Spicy Vines fan or new to our story, now’s the perfect time to grab a bottle and taste what all the buzz is about.

A Tradition of Excellence

This year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition was another proud moment for Spicy Vines, but it’s part of a tradition we’ve been quietly building for years. Our wines have earned recognition before, and 2024 was no exception—bringing home a GOLD Medal for our 2022 Violet Rosé, DOUBLE GOLD for our 2016 New World Cabernet Sauvignon, and GOLD for our 2016 Old World Cabernet Sauvignon.