North Carolina’s wine industry continues to prove it belongs on the national stage, and this year’s North Carolina Fine Wines Showcase delivered another impressive display of excellence. The 2026 competition highlighted outstanding wines from across the state, with Western North Carolina vineyards and wineries earning a remarkable number of top honors.
From the foothills to the mountain vineyards that define our region’s wine country, WNC producers demonstrated the quality, craftsmanship, and innovation that continue to elevate North Carolina wine.
Western North Carolina’s Award-Winning Moment
Several Western North Carolina wineries secured coveted spots in the prestigious NC Fine Wines Case, a collection that represents some of the state’s finest wines.
Among the standout winners:
- Point Lookout Vineyards earned two honors, with Sweet Carolina Girl 2023 and Petit Verdot 2023 both selected for the NC Fine Wines Case.
- Grandfather Vineyard & Winery celebrated two winning entries with Riesling 2025 and Hair of the Dog 2024.
- Parker-Binns Vineyard was recognized for its Petit Verdot Reserve 2023.
- Stone Ashe Vineyard earned a place in the showcase with its Coppedge Hill Red Blend 2022.
These awards reinforce Western North Carolina’s growing reputation as one of the Southeast’s premier wine destinations.
2026 North Carolina Fine Wines Showcase Winners
Best in Category Winners
Best in Show & Best Rosé
- Sanctuary Vineyards — Wildflowers 2025
Best Red
- Round Peak Vineyards — Elevation 1310 2023
Best White
- Dobbins Creek Vineyards — Chardonnay 2023
Best Dessert Wine
- Windsor Run Cellars — Midnight Run Grand Reserve 2016
Best Hybrid
- Rayson Winery & Vineyards — Vidal Blanc 2024
Best Sparkling (Tie)
- Surry Cellars — Specialty Lot 155 2021
- Golden Road Vineyards — Sailor’s Delight
The 2026 NC Fine Wines Case
The NC Fine Wines Case recognizes wines judged among the best produced in North Carolina.
Selections include:
- Sotrio Vineyards & Winery — Sagrantino 2023
- Round Peak Vineyards — 2:1 (Petit Verdot : Tannat) 2022
- Raffaldini Vineyards — Sangiovese Classico 2023
- Point Lookout Vineyards — Sweet Carolina Girl 2023
- Grandfather Vineyard & Winery — Riesling 2025
NC Fine Wines Case Tie Selections
- Parker-Binns Vineyard — Petit Verdot Reserve 2023
- Sotrio Vineyards & Winery — Teroldego 2022
- Raffaldini Vineyards — Il Falco
- Stony Knoll Vineyards — Viognier 2025
- Point Lookout Vineyards — Petit Verdot 2023
- Grandfather Vineyard & Winery — Hair of the Dog 2024
- Stone Ashe Vineyard — Coppedge Hill Red Blend 2022
Why These Awards Matter
The North Carolina Fine Wines Showcase is more than a competition—it’s a reflection of the state’s rapidly maturing wine industry. For Western North Carolina, these accolades underscore the region’s unique growing conditions, passionate winemakers, and commitment to producing wines that can compete with the best in the Southeast and beyond.
Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or looking for your next mountain getaway, these award-winning wineries offer compelling reasons to explore the vineyards, tasting rooms, and scenic wine trails that make Western North Carolina a destination worth savoring.
Congratulations to All the Winners
To Asheville extends congratulations to every winery recognized in the 2026 North Carolina Fine Wines Showcase. A special salute goes to the Western North Carolina wineries whose achievements continue to put our mountain region on the map as a premier wine destination.
Cheers to another outstanding year for North Carolina wine.
