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CARTER CREEK, SOUTH COAST WINERIES WIN FOUR MEDALS AT 2025 SUNSET INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

IRVINE, Calif. – Carter Creek Winery and South Coast Winery, both owned by family-operated Carter Hospitality, earned distinction among the best in the West, bringing home four medals – including a coveted Best of Class – at the prestigious 2025 Sunset International Wine Competition. The wins spotlight standout vintages from Texas Hill Country and Southern California’s Temecula Valley, underscoring the wineries’ dedication to crafting exceptional, award-winning wines.

Carter Creek Winery earned Best of Class and Double Gold for its 2023 Roussanne, Texas High Plains, noted for its lemony aroma with hints of green pear, graham cracker and jasmine green tea, along with a silky, varietally true finish. The wine received 98 points. The winery also received a Gold medal for its 2023 Chenin Blanc, Texas High Plains, recognized for its lime notes and grippy, refreshing finish, earning 90 points.

South Coast Winery received a Gold medal for its 2017 Wild Horse Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, praised for its depth and complexity with blackberry, dry tannins and extraordinary varietal character. The wine earned 92 points.

The 2025 Sunset International Wine Competition was judged from June 10 to 12 by a panel of 32 industry experts, including winemakers, sommeliers, wine journalists, wine directors, consultants and large-volume wine buyers. The annual competition is known for highlighting wines that embody the modern American West.

“Once again, we are honored to be highly praised for our award-winning wines from Carter Creek and South Coast wineries,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality. “Our deepest gratitude goes to our winemaking teams in Texas Hill Country and Temecula, led by master winemaker Jon McPherson, and to Sunset for its dedication to celebrating exceptional wines.”

Winning producers will be featured in the October release of a Sunset Wine Special digital edition and on an accompanying microsite. The content will be promoted across Sunset.com, newsletters and social channels, remaining available for 12 months or until the 2026 winners are announced.