Temecula Valley wineries South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery garnered 19 awards at the 2026 San Diego County Fair Wine Competition, including Best of Show and a Double Gold medal for South Coast Winery’s 20 Year Tawny Port.
Judged April 8 and 9, the annual competition recognizes outstanding commercial wines from San Diego, Imperial and Riverside counties, celebrating craftsmanship and innovation across Southern California’s wine industry. Select medal-winning wines have the opportunity to be showcased and poured for guests during the San Diego County Fair’s popular Wine Experience Bar.
South Coast Winery’s acclaimed 20 Year Tawny Port stood out among this year’s entries for its exceptional depth and complexity. Aged for two decades in old French oak barrels, the mahogany-hued dessert wine offers layers of toasted hazelnut, clove and raisin alongside a velvety, smooth finish characteristic of premium tawny ports.
In addition to the Best of Show honor, South Coast Winery also earned the competition’s Toast of Riverside distinction for its Sparkling Pinot Grigio. Crafted in a Brut “Extra Dry” style, the sparkling wine features bright notes of pear and apple accented by tropical fruit nuances and crisp acidity. The grapes are hand-harvested from estate vineyards in Temecula Valley, where cool Pacific Ocean breezes help preserve freshness and balance in the fruit.
The combined 19 awards received by South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery further reinforce Temecula Valley’s growing reputation as one of California’s premier wine destinations, particularly for estate-grown varietals and méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
“We always appreciate the visibility and recognition this competition brings to the wines of Southern California and the Temecula Valley region,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality. “These honors are a testament to the talent, dedication and creativity of the winemaking teams at both South Coast and Carter Estate Winery.”
A complete list of winners is available through the San Diego County Fair Wine Competition results page.
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About Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Carter Estate Winery and Resort is a distinguished wine country haven nestled on 109 acres in the scenic Temecula Valley. Owned and operated by Carter Hospitality Group, the resort is renowned for its preeminent méthode champenoise sparkling wines, well-appointed accommodations, and exceptional amenities. With 60 private bungalows, a working winery, a private tasting room, and a host of personalized services, Carter Estate Winery and Resort offers a charming escape for wine enthusiasts and discerning travelers. For more information, visit www.carterestatewinery.com.
About South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
The only state winery to claim the title of California Winery of the Year five times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast Winery sets the gold standard for excellence amongst California wineries, earning more than 5,000 awards since its inception in 2003. Situated on 63 lush acres, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers a breathtaking retreat for wine tours, romantic getaways and group events with 132 rooms and villas, a working winery and tasting room, gift shop, full-service spa and restaurant.
South Coast Winery is family-owned and offers a broad portfolio of 45 wine labels, the majority of which are available for sampling in its main tasting room – from robust reds such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir to whites including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. Also available are sparkling wines, dessert wines and other specialty offerings. The winery employs a staff of skilled winemakers, including master winemaker Jon McPherson and winemaker Javier Flores, both with decades of experience in the wine industry. For more information, visit www.southcoastwinery.com.
About Carter Hospitality Group
Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Radisson Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.