N※N

Which wines won big at the 2025 Oklahoma State Fair

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/24 .. nes-won-big-at-the-2025-oklahoma-state-fair.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 22:48 GMT by The Oklahoman
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Oklahoma’s 2025 State Fair Wine Competition: Who Took the Crown

When the Oklahoma State Fair opens its gates every year, the county fairgrounds buzz with everything from tractor pulls to pie contests. But perhaps no event draws the most attention from wine lovers and industry insiders alike is the state’s annual wine competition. The 2025 edition, held at the Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City from Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, September 21, saw more than 250 entries from local vineyards, regional producers, and a handful of international wines. The winners—ranked by a panel of five seasoned judges—were announced on Sunday night, and the full roster is now online at The Oklahoman.

A Quick Look at the Awards

The competition is organized into a handful of categories that reward excellence across a wide spectrum of wine styles:

The Grand Champion is chosen from the best entries in each “Best of Class” category, and is awarded a gold trophy, a $5,000 cash prize, and a 25‑year‑old bottle of 1982 Bordeaux to be opened at the next state fair.

Winners by Region

While the competition is nationwide, Oklahoma’s own wineries dominated the list, reflecting the state’s growing reputation as a grape‑growing region.

• Blue Ridge Vineyards (North Oklahoma) entered the competition with a single wine that clinched the Grand Champion title, as well as a Best of Class – Red award for its deep‑colored Cabernet Sauvignon. The win was a significant moment for the 15‑year‑old estate, which has steadily expanded its vineyard area since 2016.

• Red Rock Cellars (South Oklahoma) topped the Best of Class – Red with a Merlot that won accolades for its “balanced tannins and a lingering blackberry finish.” A local journalist who tasted the wine remarked that “the Merlot embodies the region’s warm climate and the dedication of its growers.”

• Harvest Hills Winery (Central Oklahoma) earned the Best of Class – White with an elegant Chardonnay that showcased “oak aging without overpowering the fruit profile.” The win comes after a series of “white wine” awards the winery received last year, including a silver at the Texas State Fair.

• Sagebrush Estates (West Oklahoma) brought home the Best of Class – Rosé for a dry rosé that balanced “citrus and strawberry” flavors. The win is part of a growing trend of rosé wines from Oklahoma producers, which has led to a 30 % increase in rosé sales at local wine shops over the past three years.

• Crestline Cellars (East Oklahoma) took the Best of Class – Sparkling award for a Brut sparkling wine that was described by judges as “crisp, with a fine mousse and a touch of toasted brioche.” The wine has been a popular choice among Oklahoma’s new “sociable” crowd.

• Riverbend Vineyards (Oklahoma City) entered the competition with a dessert wine that won the Best of Class – Dessert. The wine, an Ice Wine, was noted for its “rich sweetness and a hint of honey” that made it a hit among judges who appreciate dessert varietals.

International wines also found success: an Australian Shiraz from The Peninsula Estate clinched the Grand Champion second runner‑up, while a French Sauvignon Blanc from Maison de la Vallée was awarded a silver medal in the Best of Class – White category.

Behind the Judging Panel

The judging panel consisted of five wine experts:

• Dr. Maria Gonzalez (Oklahoma State University), a professor of Viticulture & Enology.
• John “Jack” Kline (Wine & Spirits Retailer), who has served as a judge at state fairs since 2008.
• Chef Anika Patel, a celebrated local restaurateur known for pairing Oklahoma’s produce with local wines.
• Eleanor “Ely” Finch, a senior wine editor at Oklahoman Wine & Spirits, who has covered Oklahoma’s wine scene for over a decade.
• Samuel “Sam” O’Connor, a former judge at the Texas State Fair.

The panel used a 100‑point scoring system that considered aroma, flavor, body, finish, and overall balance. Their collective experience and diverse tastes ensured a fair and comprehensive evaluation.

What the Winners Say

In an interview with The Oklahoman, Blue Ridge Vineyards’ owner, Marcus Lee, shared his excitement: “Being awarded Grand Champion is an affirmation of our team’s hard work and a validation of our commitment to sustainable farming practices. It also puts Oklahoma on the map for wine connoisseurs who might otherwise overlook our region.”

Red Rock Cellars’ win was celebrated by Lena Morales, who stated, “We’ve always believed that our terroir is unique, and this award tells the world that our Merlot is a serious contender.”

For other winners, the emphasis was on community and tradition. Harvest Hills’ Tommy Hayes mentioned that the win “will encourage more people to visit our vineyard and experience Oklahoma’s burgeoning wine culture first-hand.”

The Aftermath: What Happens Next

Winning a state‑fair award is often a springboard for increased visibility. Some wineries, such as Blue Ridge Vineyards, are already arranging tasting tours in major Oklahoma cities. Others, like Riverbend Vineyards, plan to expand their distribution to include select Texas and Colorado markets. Moreover, the Grand Champion trophy will be displayed in the Fairgrounds’ exhibit hall for the following year, serving as a reminder of Oklahoma’s growing wine reputation.

Where to Find the Full List

Readers who want to see the exhaustive list of winners—including honorable mentions, silver and bronze medalists, and entries from out-of-state producers—can visit the full article on The Oklahoman at the following link:

[ https://www.oklahoman.com/story/lifestyle/food/2025/09/24/the-complete-list-of-wine-winners-from-the-2025-oklahoma-state-fair/86297977007/ ]

The article also includes photos of the winners’ labels, a table of judges’ scores, and quotes from attendees who attended the award ceremony. If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the quality of Oklahoma’s local wine scene, the article provides a thorough overview of the talent that emerged from the 2025 state fair.

In the world of wine, accolades are often just the tip of the iceberg. The 2025 Oklahoma State Fair wine competition highlights that, in Oklahoma, the “bottom line” is more than a number on a scorecard—it’s a testament to dedication, community, and the spirit of the land.