14 4 RAISE A GLASS TO EXCELLENCE ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL VINE 2 WINE INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION Brady Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, 2022 Receives Top Honor at the Inaugural FWSSR Vine 2 Wine™ International Wine Competition 14 The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Vine 2 Wine™ International Wine Competition, where wines from Texas and around the world were judged by an esteemed panel of wine experts. The competition, held at Will Rogers Memorial Center Oct. 19-21, fielded a dazzling array of exceptional wines and expands the FWSSR’s scope of agricultural and culinary competitions. “This year’s winners truly represent outstanding wines,” said Stock Show President, Brad Barnes. “Our esteemed panel of judges comprised of credentialed wine professionals evaluated wines from a wide range of regions and varietals. The level of quality we saw in our first year is a testament to the recognition of wine makers in the growing Fort Worth wine culture.” The Vine 2 Wine International Wine Competition is a significant addition to FWSSR’s long history of celebrating agriculture and the Western way of life. The competition is part of the Vine 2 Wine program, which has featured some of the FWSSR’s’ most highly anticipated events during the last seven years. In its inaugural year, 10 countries were represented in the nearly 700 entries, with the United States topping the field with the most entries, followed by New Zealand and Chile. For a full list of all winners, please visit www.fwssr. com/vine2winecompetition. A selection of class Champion medal-winning wines will take center stage at the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo – January 17 through February 8: the Bubbles & Bites event on January 25; and the Stock Show’s Wine Wednesdays. The competition winners will also be featured in various Vine 2 Wine activities during other FWSSR events held throughout the year, allowing the public to experience these award-winning wines firsthand. Champion wines will be made available for purchase following the 2025 Show. Top honors were awarded to the following standout wines and wineries, recognized for their quality and craftsmanship through a rigorous, double-blind tasting process: PREMIUM AWARDS • Grand Champion: Brady Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, 2022 • Reserve Grand Champion: Hilmy Cellars Marsanne, Texas High Plains, 2022 • Best Texas Wine: Becker Reserve Viognier, Texas High Plains, 2022 • Top All-Around Winery: Becker Vineyards • Texas Winery of the Year: Hilmy Cellars • Top Wine Company: E&J Gallo Winery BEST OF TEXAS AWARDS • Best of Texas High Plains: McPherson Cellars “La Herencia” Tempranillo, Texas High Plains, 2022 • Best of Texas Hill Country: Sandy Road Mourvèdre, Texas Hill Country, 2022 • Best of Texoma: Edge of the Lake Texas Hog Wash Rosé, Texoma, 2023 • Best of North Texas Region: Cresson Bluff Winery Tempranillo, Texas, 2019 BEST IN CLASS AWARDS • Best in Class Sparkling: Champagne Palmer Blanc de Blancs Champagne AOC, NV • Best in Class Red: Yellowstone 1883 Reserve “The Bison” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2019 • Best in Class White: Chateau Buena Vista Chardonnay, Carneros, 2022 • Best in Class Sweet Wine: Texas Wine Collective Sweet Muscat, Texas High Plains, 2022 • Best Value Wine: Sand Point Sauvignon Blanc, California, 2023
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