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.
# # #
About Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is a luxury retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country in
Johnson City, Texas. Set amidst rolling hills and vineyards, it features 78 luxury villas, two
tasting rooms, an outdoor pavilion hosting live music, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, a heated seasonal outdoor pool and 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is an award-winning winery offering some of the region’s top varietals, and it’s the only winery in the region with an onsite microbrewery serving craft beer. More information is available at www.cartercreek.com, Facebook and Instagram.
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 3,000 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.
