For a number of years, I have been on the fence about wine competitions. On the one hand, they are operated as for profit businesses and enrich the owners. Fees to enter these competitions typically range from $75-150 for each wine, not including at least 6 bottles of each wine and shipping costs. On the other hand, if I truly believe my wine is as good as the feedback that I receive from clients and people who attend trade and consumer tastings, then I would have the confidence to enter my wine in a competition with an esteemed panel of wine "experts." So, for the first time, I entered two of my wines in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The 2016 Il Capoccia Red Blend received a Silver Medal. And, I'm pleased to announce kudos for 2016 Martellotto "La Bomba" Cabernet Sauvignon Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara; it was awarded a Double Gold Medal. Let me explain why this is a big deal in our small world. This was the only Cabernet from Santa Barbara to receive recognition, besting wines from better known AVAs including Napa and Sonoma. The SF competition is the largest competition of American wines in the world with 7000 entries and names the best American wines of 2018. The Double Gold designation is awarded to wines that receive a unanimous rating by all panel members that consists of a diverse group of 67 judges in media, restaurants, hospitality, and the wine industry. If you haven't tried my newest releases, I hope you'll place an order soon.

Adults only (21+)