The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) is a wine contest organized and sponsored by the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, as its name suggests. More than 5000 entries are sent annually to the competition, putting wines from more than 23 U.S. states together. This makes the SFCWC one of the largest collection points anywhere in the world for American wines.
Thousands of amateur wine aficionados flock to the public tasting held in conjunction with the festival, whilst the professional wine judges are swirling and spitting. Each year in California, the San Francisco Chronicle case is only one of several wine contests.It is held in February, so the San Diego International Wine Competition and the Critics Wine Challenge, which are in April and May respectively, do not conflict with their main counterparts.
Depending on their variety or style, the wines entered into the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition are divided into categories and then further subdivided by retail price point. For example, Bordeaux blends are divided into five price categories: less than $20, $20-$29, $30-$39, $40-$49 and more than $50. The most intensely debated categories include common varietal wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. California’s own wineries produce almost all award and trophy winners, while entries from as far away as New Mexico and Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula have been judged to be category winners in recent years.
To learn more about the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, visit winejudging.com.
1. Villa San-Juliette Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles, USA
A citrusy yet fruity aroma. Pine on the front with guava on the back, and a very zesty finish with spice. High acidity and medium bodied. Not bad at all.
Year: 2014
Awarded medal: Gold
Price: 3$
2. Oak Leaf Vineyard White Zinfandel, California, USA
Refrescante rosado, color salmón metálico, aromas agradables de cerezas, melón and cítricos dulces, muy frutal de medio cuerpo, con un fondo y final de sabor agradable de manzana verde y miel. Yo diría que es bueno dado su precio tan barato.
Year: 2011
Awarded medal: Gold
Price: 3$
3. Peter Vella Vineyards Delicious Blush, California, USA
Peter Vella Delicious Blush has a lighter body with enticing flavors of fresh, red berry fruit layered with sweet caramel and vanilla aromas. The clean, crisp finish makes this wine a real winner on warm days. Best served chilled and goes with just about everything. Even after opening, our wines stay fresh for up to two months when stored in your refrigerator. The last glass will taste as great as the first.
Award year: 2013
Awarded medal: Gold
Price: 3$
4. Oak Leaf Vineyard Shiraz, California, USA
This Red wine opens with a nose of Plum and Vanilla. It is dry with soft tannins and Vanilla spice. Flavors of Plum, Blackberry, Blueberry and Vanilla.
Award year: 2010
Awarded medal: Gold
Price: 3$
5. Livingston Cellars California Reserve Merlot, California, USA
Cheap and good magnum bottle of NoCal wine. Average on body, tannins and bouquet. Smoothy and grapy at mouth. So far so good, we liked it.
Award year: 2010
Awarded medal: Gold
Price: 3$
6. Oak Leaf Vineyard White Zinfandel, California, USA
Refreshing rosé, metallic salmon color, nice aromas of cherries, melon and sweet citrus, very fruity medium-bodied, with a nice background and finish of green apple and honey flavor. I would say it is good given its very cheap price.
Award year: 2009
Awarded medal: Gold
Price: 3$
7. Hornsby’s Hard Crisp Apple Cider, California, USA
Hornsby’s Amber Hard Crisp Cider is a medium bodied cider, with a golden amber hue and notes of green apple on the noes. The taste has ripe fruit notes throughout with a full apple flavor. The finish is balanced and smooth with a tart dryness.
Award year: 2008
Awarded medal: Gold Best Of Class
Price: 3$
8. Gallo Family Vineyards Sweet Apple, California, USA
California- Sweet Apple is deliciously sweet and slightly fizzy. Fruity and light-bodied with the taste of fresh green apples and hints of vanilla. It is the perfect complement to your favorite meal, at parties, or as a sweet treat enjoyed on its own.
Award year: 2018
Awarded medal: Gold
Price: 4$
9. Liberty Creek Chardonnay, California, USA
Modesto, California- Made n a lighter style with an emphasis on crisp flavors of fresh citrus and inviting apple aromas. Well-balanced and easy to-enjoy, its finish is remarkably smooth and clean.
Award year: 2018
Awarded medal: Gold
Price: 4$
10. Gallo Family Vineyards Sweet Pineapple, California, USA
Pineapple Paradise! Sweet Pineapple is deliciously sweet and slightly fizzy. Fruity and light-bodied with tropical fruit flavors and hints of honeysuckle and honey. Sweet Pineapple is the perfect complement to your favorite meal, at parties, or as a sweet treat enjoyed on its own.