As California led the United States to its best performance at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) in 2026, the state achieved numerous milestones, including one winery earning the Best in Show award for the third consecutive year.
According to James Tidwell MS, Regional Chair for the USA and Central America at DWWA, this year’s judging illustrated the high quality of US wines, granting them a well-deserved place in the global wine pantheon. California wineries secured a record total of 162 medals across various categories, including Best in Show, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Bree Stock MW, a DWWA Panel Judge, noted that while the benchmark varieties continued to dominate the top rankings, there was also notable success for new and unconventional varietals. California’s Assyrtiko and Moschofilero wines, showcasing freshness and aromatic complexity, highlighted the evolving conversation around US wine quality beyond the traditional classics. Varietals from Italy, southwest France, and Spain, such as Albariño and Tannat, also garnered medals.
Best in Show: Clos du Val’s Repeat
Clos du Val, a Napa Valley winery established in the 1970s, received the Best in Show award for the third consecutive year with its Yettalil blend, which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot from the Stags Leap District. The wine was lauded for its quality and aging potential.
Clos du Val also achieved a Platinum medal for its 2024 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, recognized for its varietal expression and aromatic precision. California led the nation in Platinum medals this year, winning three at 97 points each.
Emerging Talents and Noteworthy Wins
AvinoDos, a newcomer from Napa, received a Platinum award for its 2022 Blanc De Blanc Extra Brut, making it only the second US sparkling wine to earn such an honor at DWWA. Meanwhile, Brashley, a recent addition from Mendocino County, impressed judges with its Hacienda Sequoia Pinot Noir, termed a sophisticated representation of the region’s potential.
California’s efforts also resulted in 13 Gold medals, two of which scored 96 points. Notables include Marimar Estate’s 2024 California Chardonnay and Nichelini’s 2023 Petite Sirah. Additionally, Angels & Cowboys’ Sonoma County rosé won a Top Value Gold medal for its standout quality at an accessible price.
A Growing Landscape of US Wines
The growth of US wines was evident in Texas, which celebrated its first Gold medals with Portuguese and Spanish varietals. Virginia also added more Gold wins, affirming its reputation for quality wines, especially Cabernet Franc and Viognier.
Overall, the DWWA recognized a significant increase in US medals, with 466 awarded across categories, almost doubling the previous year’s total. This comprehensive achievement showcases the diversity and quality of wines produced in the United States, particularly from California, Oregon, and Washington.
For a full list of the 2026 winners, you can visit Decanter’s awards page.