Phil and Kim Asmundson liked the unique wines made in Argentina so much, the couple purchased a vineyard there. Then, they realized that the same weather and soil conditions existed closer to home in Willcox, Arizona.
Deep Sky Vineyard and winery, built by the Asmundsons, has produced the winner of the 2026 azcentral Arizona Wine Competition.
The 2021 Deep Sky Vineyard Constellation, a wine made of 100% Syrah grapes, was awarded the Governor’s Cup, as the best wine of the competition.
The wine is a blend of two Syrah clones and was created in a free-run method, meaning the wines were not pressed. Gravity worked to slowly squeeze the juice out of the grapes.
The winemaker for Deep Sky is James Callahan, who also makes wine for his own winery, Rune.
That Deep Sky wine also was awarded the Growers Cup for the Best Red Wine of the competition.
azcentral Arizona Wine Competition saw new winners in 2026
Deep Sky Vineyard, which has a tasting room in Elgin, has won top awards in previous competitions. This marks the winery’s first Governor’s Cup.
Judging took place on Jan. 5 at the Found:RE hotel in downtown Phoenix.
Judges, including sommeliers, chefs, wine professionals and one out-of-state winemaker, tasted offerings blind. They knew what type of wine was being poured, but not who made it.
Growers Cup best white and rose
The Growers Cup for Best White went to the 2024 Callaghan Vineyards Greg’s, made of Petit Manseng grapes that come from the Basque region of Spain.
Kent Callaghan, the owner and winemaker of his namesake winery, said the grape does well in Arizona because it does not rot. Though, he said, its high acidity makes it a difficult grapes to ferment.
With the 2024 pick, Callaghan picked it early, resulting in a dry white wine with a unique flavor that was a hit with judges in the competition.
The Growers Cup for Best Rose went to the 2024 Page Springs Cellars Counoise Rose from the Colibri Vineyard.
The Colibri vineyard is located in a remote spot in southern Arizona, on the New Mexico-facing side of the Chiricahua Mountains.
Here is the full list of winners for the 2026 Arizona Wine Competition
The finalists: These wines, listed in alphabetical order, advanced to the final round of voting for the top wines of the competition.
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Bodega Pierce Graciano 2023.
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Bodega Pierce Tempranillo 2023.
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Callaghan North and South 2022.
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Callaghan Greg’s Petit Manseng 2024.
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Chateau Tumbleweed Willy 2022.
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Da Vines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 337 2022.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Constellation 2021.
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Laramita Cellars Pinot Noir 2023.
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Laramita Cellars Jumping Cholla Red NV.
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Omphalos Winery Mourvedre 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Counoise Rose 2024.
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Rubrix Wines The Hidden Path 2024.
Judges could award wines Bronze, Silver, Gold or Best Of Class. Here are the wines awarded Best Of Class:
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Bodega Pierce Graciano 2023.
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Bodega Pierce Tempranillo 2023.
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Callaghan North and South 2022.
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Callaghan Greg’s Petit Manseng 2024.
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Chateau Tumbleweed Willy 2022.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Tannat 2023.
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Da Vines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 337 2022.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Constellation 2021.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Supernova 2022.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks White 2024.
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Laramita Cellars Pinot Noir 2023.
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Laramita Cellars Jumping Cholla Red NV.
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Omphalos Winery Mourvedre 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Counoise Rose 2024.
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Rubrix Wines Keeling-Schaefer Vineyard Viognier 2024.
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Rubrix Wines The Hidden Path 2024.
Gold:
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Callaghan Cimarron Mourvèdre 2022.
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Callaghan Cimarron Mourvèdre 2023.
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Callaghan Eccentric 2023.
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Chateau Tumbleweed The Bigness 2023.
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Chateau Tumbleweed Carlson Creek Vineyard Chardonnay 2024.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Claret 2023.
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Da Vines Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2022.
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Golden Rule Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2024.
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Omphalos Winery Triplet 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Mourvedre Pick 1 2023.
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Skyhaven Wines Cabernet Franc 2023.
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Southwest Wine Center Sonoran Solstice 2024.
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Sunset Ride Vineyards Harvest Moon 2023.
Silver:
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Arizona Hops & Vines Abby 2021.
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Arizona Hops & Vines Se Soulever 2024.
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Autumn Sage Vineyard & Winery, Aglianico 2021.
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Autumn Sage Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Franc 2021.
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Bodega Pierce Grenache Rosé 2024.
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Bodega Pierce Saeculum Cellars One Stone 2023.
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Bodega Pierce Saeculum Cellars Pinot Noir 2024.
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Cactus Cru Love Heals 2024.
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Callaghan Claire’s 2019.
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Callaghan Sagrantino 2024.
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Chateau Tumbleweed Dos Amigos Vineyard Graciano 2022.
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Copper Horse Vineyard Tempranillo 2022.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Carlson Creek Vineyard 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Yavapai College Vineyard 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Willcox 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Chardonnay Carlson Creek Vineyard 2024.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Chardonnay Pillsbury Vineyard 2024.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard El Camino Tinto 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Graciano 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Malvasia Bianca 2024.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Petit Verdot 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Riesling 2024.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Sangiovese 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Syrah Willcox 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Tempranillo 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Trebbiano 2024.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Viognier 2024.
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Da Vines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 8 2022.
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Da Vines Vineyard Graciano 2022.
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Da Vines Vineyard Le Melange 2022.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Big Bang 2022.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Gravity 2022.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Photon 2022.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Quasar 2023.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Stellar 2023.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks Aguileon 2022.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks El Norte 2020.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks Principrana 4º NV.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks Quintosol 2021.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks Tigresa 3º NV.
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Golden Rule Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2024.
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Golden Rule Vineyards Petite Sirah 2024.
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Golden Rule Vineyards Syrah 2024.
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Laramita Cellars Dos Compadres 2023.
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Laramita Cellars Reserve Syrah 2023.
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Los Milics Vineyards Jill’s 2022.
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Los Milics Vineyards Jules’ 2024.
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Los Milics Vineyards Renato’s 2022.
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Los Milics Vineyards Stephanie’s 2022.
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Merkin Vineyards Shinola Red 2023.
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Merkin Vineyards Tarzan 2023.
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Merkin Vineyards The Diddler 2024.
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Omphalos Winery Encore 2023.
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Omphalos Winery Roussanne 2024.
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Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Roussanne 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Dark Star 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Dos Padres Syrah Clone 470 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Dos Padres Vineyard Graciano 2024.
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Page Springs Cellars Dos Padres Vineyard Vermentino 2024.
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Page Springs Cellars Painted Lady Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2024.
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Page Springs Cellars Vin de Filles 2024.
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Rubrix Wines Ocotillo 2024.
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Rubrix Wines Ode to Sam Pillsbury Vineyard Chardonnay 2024.
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Rubrix Wines Rivers 2023.
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Rune Cabernet Sauvignon 2023.
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Rune Mourvèdre Colibri Vineyard 2023.
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Skyhaven Wines Sangiovese 2023.
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Skyhaven Wines Syrah 2023.
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Southwest Wine Center Desert Harmony Blend 2023.
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Southwest Wine Center Monsoon 2024.
Bronze:
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1764 Vineyards The Vixon 2021.
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Autumn Sage Vineyard & Winery Aglianico 2023.
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Autumn Sage Vineyard & Winery Aglianico Dessert Wine 2020.
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Autumn Sage Vineyard & Winery Albarino 2023.
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Autumn Sage Vineyard & Winery Sagrantino 2021.
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Bodega Pierce Cabernet Franc 2022.
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Bodega Pierce Saeculum Cellars Muscat of Alexandria 2022.
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Cactus Cru Dance France 2024.
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Cactus Cru King of Diamonds 2023.
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Caduceus Cellars Sensei 2022.
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Callaghan Aglianico 2022.
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Callaghan Barrett’s 2024.
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Callaghan The Settlement 2023.
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Chateau Tumbleweed Rhumb Line Vineyard Grenache 2023.
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Chateau Tumbleweed Rose 2023.
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Copper Horse Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2022.
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Copper Horse Vineyard Rose 2024.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Aglianico 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Malbec Deep Sky Vineyard 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Petite Sirah 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Picpoul Blanc 2024.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Sangiovese 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Super Rosso 2023.
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Cove Mesa Vineyard Vermentino 2024.
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Da Vines Vineyard Jolie Cerise 2023.
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Da Vines Vineyard Malbec 2022.
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Da Vines Vineyard Reverie.
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Da Vines Vineyard Tempranillo 2022.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Aurora 2024.
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Deep Sky Vineyard Black Hole 2021.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks El Campo 2019.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks Estrellano 2024.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks Malvasia 2024.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks Meskeoli 2024.
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Dos Cabezas WineWorks Pink 2024.
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Golden Rule Vineyards Aglianico 2024.
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Golden Rule Vineyards BlackListed 2024.
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Golden Rule Vineyards Eureka 2024.
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Golden Rule Vineyards Lucky Prospector 2024.
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Laramita Cellars Syrah 2023.
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Los Milics Vineyards Betty’s 2022.
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Los Milics Vineyards Carolyn’s 2022.
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Los Milics Vineyards Hannah’s 2024.
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Los Milics Vineyards Lorenzo’s 2022.
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Los Milics Vineyards Mo’s 2022.
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Los Milics Vineyards Oliver’s 2022.
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Najar Cellars Graciano 2020.
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Omphalos Winery Syrah 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Syrah Clone 474 2024.
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Page Springs Cellars Dos Padres Vineyard Barbera 2024.
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Page Springs Cellars Dos Padres Vineyard Malvasia Bianca 2024.
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Page Springs Cellars Dos Rotie 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Home Vineyard Traminette del Hielo 2023.
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Page Springs Cellars Super Arizona 2024.
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Rubrix Wines Colibri Vineyard Mourvedre 2023.
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Rubrix Wines Osprey 2024.
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Rune Classic Syrah – Pillsbury Vineyard 2023.
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Skyhaven Wines Artificer 2023.
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Skyhaven Wines Grenache 2023.
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Sollenberger Vineyards and Winery Gila Blend 2024.
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Southwest Wine Center Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
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Southwest Wine Center Summit 2023.
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Strive Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2021.
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Strive Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2024.
Judges’ favorites at the 2026 Arizona Wine Competition
The judges in the 2026 azcentral Arizona Wine Competition had their own personal favorites.
Ali Amundson, sommelier, The Mick Brasserie, certified master sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers; Wine & Spirit Education Trust, level 2 loved the 2024 Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Syrah Clone 474.
Richard Betts,brand ambassador, Boyer Family Winery enjoyed the 2022 Callaghan North and South.
Megan Cruz, advanced sommelier, Wrigley Mansion; certified associate sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers thought the 2023 Sunset Ride Vineyards Harvest Moon was the best.
Tracy Dempsey, owner, Tracy Dempsey Originals and ODV Wines; Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 picked the 2024 Callaghan Greg’s Petit Manseng.
Chris Eberle, winemaker, Eberle Winery; BS, agribusiness; minor viticulture, Cal Poly University; enology certificate, Washington State University loved the 2024 Callaghan Greg’s Petit Manseng.
Blaise Faber, owner, Valentine restaurant enjoyed the 2023 Omphalos Winery Triplet.
Chris French, co-owner, Far Away Wines & Provisions picked the 2023 Omphalos Winery Mourvedre.
Jonah Gifford, sommelier, Fat Ox; Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers loved the 2022 Chateau Tumbleweed Willy.
Christopher Gross, chef/director, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion selected the 2022 Callaghan Cimarron Mourvèdre.
Dan Hernandez, co-owner, Turquoise Wine Bar, certified wine educator, Society of Wine Educators; certified sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers went for the 2023 Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Roussanne and 2023 Rune Grenache – Colibri Vineyard.
Valeree Halsey Ibarra , wine consultant, certified sommelier, International Sommelier Guild loved the 2023 Omphalos Winery Triplet.
Michelle Jacob, director of operations, Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events; certified specialist of wine, Society of Wine Educators picked the 2023 Cove Mesa Vineyard Graciano.
Christopher Jeffers, portfolio manager, Natural Wine Co chose the 2023 Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Roussanne.
Andrew McCreery, owner, d’Vine Gourmet & Boutique on Boston; certified sommelier, certified specialist of wine went for the 2024 Page Springs Cellars Dos Padres Vineyard Graciano.
Corianne Nelson, owner, Unflitered Wine Phoenix loved the 2023 Omphalos Winery Mourvedre.
Shannan Perciballi, publisher and editor, Edible Phoenix; Wine & Spirit Education Trust level 4, certified specialist of wine selected the 2023 Bodega Pierce Graciano.
Damian Reusch, Mise – Wine Collection Management + Consultant loved the 2024 Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Counoise Rose.
Sara Robbins sommelier, The Global Ambassador Hotel picked the 2024 Saeculum Cellars Pinot Noir.
Jennifer Sinconis, co-owner, Turquoise Wine Bar; certified wine educator, certified sommelier preferred the 2024 Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard Counoise Rose.
Dale Sparks, LiquidDated consulting loved the 2023 Skyhaven Wines Cabernet Franc.
Zoya Vora-Shah, owner, The Wine Collective picked the 2024 Rune Picpoul Blanc.
Amaranth Faith Weiss, sommelier, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort selected the 2023 Southwest Wine Center Desert Harmony Blend.
This Arizona region was named among top 5 wine destinations in US
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Wine Competition names best bottle in the state
