Gold Medal Sauvignon Blanc | 91-Point Award-Winning Wine from Sonoma County | Candia Cellars
A Benchmark Achievement for the 2025 Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc
Candia Cellars proudly celebrates a major milestone: its 2025 Barrel-Fermented Sauvignon Blanc, awarded a Gold Medal with 91 points at the prestigious Orange County Commercial Wine Competition 2026, reflecting our dedication to quality.
This recognition places Candia Cellars among the top-performing wineries, showcasing excellence in craftsmanship and global competitiveness. For a boutique winery producing handcrafted wines in small quantities, this recognition is incredibly meaningful. It confirms what our customers have already been telling us: this Sauvignon Blanc is something special.
About the Orange County Commercial Wine Competition
The Orange County Commercial Wine Competition, held annually in Orange County, California, is one of the most respected wine competitions in the United States. It is part of the broader Orange County Fair & Event Center’s wine program.
Key Highlights of the Competition:
Location: Orange County, California, USA
Established Platform: A long-standing event celebrating commercial wineries
Judging Method: Blind tasting by expert panels
Judges Include: Certified sommeliers, winemakers, wine buyers, and industry professionals
Global Participation: Wines submitted from across the U.S. and international markets
The competition is known for its strict judging criteria, ensuring that awards truly reflect quality and excellence. For you, it offers confidence that you're choosing a wine recognized by some of the industry's most respected palates.
This 91-point score signifies outstanding quality, placing Candia Cellars' Sauvignon Blanc among the top wines recognized internationally, which assures you of its exceptional standard.
Winning a Gold Medal with 91 points is a significant accomplishment in the wine industry.
Scoring Insight:
90–95 Points: Gold Medal (Outstanding Quality)
85–89 Points: Silver Medal
80–84 Points: Bronze Medal
A 91-point score indicates that the wine demonstrates:
Exceptional balance and structure
Refined aroma and flavor complexity
High technical precision in winemaking
Strong appeal to both experts and consumers
In simple terms, this places Candia Cellars’wine in the top tier of internationally judged wines.
The Award-Winning Wine
2025 Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc - 159 cases produced
Region: Chalk Hill, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 14.1% ABV
Our 2025 vintage was crafted from premium fruit grown in the renowned Chalk Hill AVA of Sonoma County and spent seven months aging in neutral French oak barrels with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring). The result is a wine that offers freshness and vibrancy while adding texture, elegance, and remarkable depth.
Instead of the sharp, grassy style many expect from Sauvignon Blanc, you'll discover a balanced wine with bright citrus and stone-fruit layers, subtle minerality, and a long, silky finish, designed to delight your palate.
Whether you're enjoying seafood, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, or simply sharing a bottle with friends, this Sauvignon Blanc is made to elevate every occasion.
Why This Win Matters
This award is more than just a medal, it represents:
Recognition from a highly respected U.S. wine competition
Validation of Candia Cellars’ winemaking expertise
Increased trust among wine enthusiasts, distributors, and retailers
A strong position in the premium wine market
A Proud Moment for Candia Cellars
Earning a Gold Medal with 91 points at the 2026 Orange County Commercial Wine Competition reinforces Candia Cellars’ commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality.
This achievement marks a defining moment in the brand’s journey and sets the stage for continued excellence in future vintages.
Experience Award-Winning Sauvignon Blanc
If you're looking for a Sauvignon Blanc that combines freshness, texture, and elegance, we'd love to share this wine with you.
Our limited quantities make this an exclusive opportunity to experience a truly special Sauvignon Blanc, crafted for discerning wine lovers like you.
Order your bottle today-our inaugural Sauvignon Blanc, recognized with a Gold Medal and 91 points, is available in limited quantities. Don't miss your chance to enjoy this award-winning wine.
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