TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Valley Wine Country's South Coast Winery earned top honors at the 2026 Sunset International Wine Competition, receiving one Double Gold medal and four Gold medals, the winery announced Wednesday, attributing the results to Master Winemaker Jon McPherson and winemakers Javier Flores and Emily Bloom.
Owned and managed by family-operated Carter Hospitality, South Coast is celebrating 25 years of excellence in 2026. "Since its founding in 2001, the family-owned winery has earned more than 5,000 awards and set the gold standard among California wineries," a winery spokesperson says.
At the Sunset International Wine Competition, South Coast Winery's 2025 Verdelho received a Double Gold medal with a score of 96 points.
According to the winery's tasting notes, Pacific Ocean breezes and soils composed of loam, sandy loam and decomposed granite create ideal conditions for producing crisp white wines. Judges praised the Verdelho for its clean minerality, refreshing acidity and balanced body.
The Temecula Valley winery also received Gold medals for its 2024 Big Red Sunshine Primitivo, noted for its ripe red raspberry flavors; 2025 Pinot Grigio Sparkling, featuring notes of cotton candy, mango and pear; 2025 Sparkling Gewürztraminer, offering aromas and flavors of orange blossom, stone fruit and violet; and NV Spumante Diamante, a sweet sparkling wine with apricot notes.
In total, South Coast Winery earned nine medals at this year's competition, with every wine submitted receiving an award. Entries were evaluated by a panel of judges selected by the Sunset International Wine Competition for their experience, integrity and expertise.
Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, spoke on the awards.
"We are pleased with South Coast's exceptional results and thank Editor-in-Chief Hugh Garvey and the Sunset magazine team for establishing the competition as a respected showcase for the wine industry," said Carter. "Congratulations to our winery team, led by Master Winemaker Jon McPherson and winemakers Javier Flores and Emily Bloom. Their dedication and craftsmanship make these honors especially meaningful as we celebrate South Coast Winery’s 25th anniversary."
Winning producers will be featured in the October edition of the Sunset Wine Special digital issue.
Head to South Coast Winery Resort & Spa to taste the wine, enjoy the food, the spa, and spend an afternoon, or the night, at this premier Temecula Valley Wine Country resort.
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