This is an official press release brought to you by Traverse Wine Coast and MyNorth News Service.
The San Francisco competition judged over 5,800 wines from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Two local wines competed in the Sweepstakes Round, where judges narrowed down the wines to 58 of what was considered the “Best of the Best” in five categories.
With 82 awards and 14 wineries taking away medals, Traverse Wine Coast wineries more than doubled their awards from last year and nearly tripled the wineries that were recognized for their quality. In 2021 five local wineries were excited to claim 35 awards.
“We are witnessing the impact of our unique microclimate,” said Traverse Wine Coast President Sherri Campbell Fenton. “The wines of this region not only can, but do compare extremely well with wines from around the country and around the world.”
The wines of Leelanau Cellars carried 19 awards under the labels of Country Crush, Farm Fresh and Leelanau Cellars. The 2020 Chateau Chantal Amour Rose’ was a finalist in the Sweepstakes Round for the top Rose’ in the competition. While the 2020 Aurora Cellars Gruner Veltliner was in the Sweepstakes Round for the top white wine.
“For many years the wineries have been tremendously popular for both visitors and locals in the region,” said Traverse City Tourism President, Trevor Tkach (Tah-koch). “In the past, the draw was the fun experience at the winery. Today the draw is not only the experience, but also being able to enjoy some of the best wines in the country.”
Now in its 22nd year, The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is one of the world’s most highly publicized and well-respected wine competitions. It’s designed to showcase both large-scale and boutique wines.
Related Read: Searching for more on wine Up North? View our Northern Michigan Wine & Wineries page.
Traverse Wine Coast Winners
Winery | # of winners | Awards
- 45 North Vineyard & Winery | 8 winners | 4 silver, 4 bronze
- Arcturos – Black Star Farms | 4 winners | 2 silver, 2 bronze
- Aurora Cellars | 7 winners | 1 best in class, 1 gold, 5 silver
- Bel Lago | 7 winners | 3 silver, 4 bronze
- Blustone Vineyards | 4 winners | 1 double gold, 1 gold, 2 silver
- Boathouse Vineyards | 8 winners | 6 silver, 2 bronze
- Chateau Chantal | 6 winners | 1 best in class, 1 gold, 4 silver
- Ciccone Vineyard & Winery | 6 winners | 1 best in class, 4 silver, 1 bronze
- Country Crush – Leelanau Cellars | 2 winners | 1 gold, 1 silver
- Farm Fresh – Leelanau Cellars | 11 winners | 1 best in class, 5 gold, 5 silver
- French Valley Vineyard | 5 winners | 2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze
- Good Harbor Vineyards | 6 winners | 3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
- Leelanau Cellars | 6 winners | 5 silver, 1 bronze
- MAWBY Vineyards | 2 winners | 2 silver
Photo by Rachel Soulliere
About Traverse Wine Coast
Located on the 45th parallel of northern Michigan, the Traverse Wine Coast boasts two unique peninsulas that create optimal conditions for winemaking. The microclimates of the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas have an environment that grapes love and so do people. Traverse Wine Coast is a collaborative agreement with more than 40 wineries dedicated to the promotion of the wine industry in the region.
