SOUTH COAST WINERY AND CARTER ESTATE WINERY SHINE AGAIN AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION, CONTINUING LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Both Wineries Garnered a Total of 17 Medals with Two Best of Class, Gold
TEMECULA, Calif. — South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery, owned by the Carter family, are proud to announce their remarkable success at the 89th anniversary judging of the Los Angeles International Wine Competition (LAIWC), held in Los Angeles on March 20 and 21. Out of a distinguished lineup, the wineries garnered 17 medals. Among these accolades, the crowning achievements are the Best of Class, Gold awards for South Coast’s Gewürztraminer, Temecula Valley 2022, and Pinot Grigio, South Coast 2023.
“Out of our 17 medal wins for both South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery, we’re thrilled to have secured two top honors: Best of Class, Gold for our South Coast Gewürztraminer, Temecula Valley 2022, and our Pinot Grigio, South Coast 2023,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality. “We extend our gratitude to the competition sponsors, esteemed judges, patrons anticipating our wines at the LA County Fair and our dedicated team, led by master winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores, for their passion and expertise in showcasing our unique terroir.”
The prestigious Best of Class, Gold distinction is reserved for wines exemplifying unparalleled character and style within their category. South Coast’s Gewürztraminer, Temecula Valley 2022, hailed for its delicately sweet profile balanced by vibrant acidity, boasts enticing floral aromas of honeysuckle and roses, complemented by tropical notes of lychee on the palate, as described by winemaker Jon McPherson. Similarly esteemed is the 2023 vintage of pinot grigio, originating from the revered Temecula Springs Estate vineyard. McPherson explained this perennial favorite, marking its 14th harvest, captivates with its refreshing acidity and lively fruit aromas. Despite the challenges posed by its light red to dark pink skins, pinot grigio unfolds with bright citrus notes and subtle hints of apple, pear and banana. Its lush, intense palate delights with a harmonious medley of flavors, culminating in a lingering finish.
The other distinguished medal winners from this year’s LAIWC from South Coast Winery, Gold Winners: Sparkling Pinot Grigio, Temecula Valley; Sangiovese, Wild Horse Peak, South Coast 2019; and Syrah, Wild Horse Peak, South Coast 2019. Silver Medal winners are Sangiovese, South Coast 2020; Merlot, South Coast 2019; Cabernet Sauvignon, South Coast 2019; Merlot Rosé, South Coast 2023; Grenache Rosé, Temecula Valley 2023; and Brut, Temecula Valley. Bronze awards were given to Chardonnay, Sans Chene, Temecula Valley 2022; Chardonnay, Reference, South Coast 2022; and Sauvignon Blanc, Musque Clone, Temecula Valley 2023. Carter Estate won Silver recognition for: Blanc de Blanc, South Coast 2017 and Blanc de Noir, South Coast 2016, and a Bronze medal for Brut, South Coast 2016.
In May, nearly 100,000 visitors from all over the globe will have the opportunity to sample winning wines from this competition at the annual famous LA County Fair, and on June 22, Fairplex presents Cheers at the Farm, a special public event celebrating the LAIWC winners.
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About South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
The only state winery to claim the title of California Winery of the Year five times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast Winery sets the gold standard for excellence amongst California wineries, earning more than 3,000 awards since its inception in 2003. Situated on 63 lush acres, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers a breathtaking retreat for wine tours, romantic getaways and group events with 132 rooms and villas, a working winery and tasting room, gift shop, full-service spa and restaurant.
South Coast Winery is family-owned and offers a broad portfolio of 45 wine labels, the majority of which are available for sampling in its main tasting room — from robust reds such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir to whites including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. Also available are sparkling wines, dessert wines and other specialty offerings. The winery employs a staff of skilled winemakers, including master winemaker Jon McPherson and winemaker Javier Flores, both with decades of experience in the wine industry. For more information, visit www.southcoastwinery.com.
About Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Carter Estate Winery and Resort is a distinguished wine country haven nestled on 109 acres in the scenic Temecula Valley. Owned and operated by Carter Hospitality Group, the resort is renowned for its preeminent méthode champenoise sparkling wines, well-appointed accommodations, and exceptional amenities. With 60 private bungalows, a working winery, a private tasting room, and a host of personalized services, Carter Estate Winery and Resort offers a charming escape for wine enthusiasts and discerning travelers. For more information, visit www.carterestatewinery.com.
About Carter Hospitality Group
Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.
