North Coast Wine Challenge

Every year The Press Democrat offers wine lovers the opportunity to taste the best wines from the North Coast American Viticulture Areas (AVA).

The winning wines from Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, and Solano counties are judged and selected by the top industry professionals in a blind taste test. As a very small boutique winery focused on our craft, we do not chase scores and points for our wine. Villein only enters this wine competition in our region.

These are wines that achieve both a Gold Medal status and 90+ points in The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge.  

Following on previous accolades, our yet to be released ‘Walker Vine Hill 2022 Syrah’ captured 98 points, Double Gold and ‘Best of Class’ award. Our just released 2023 White Rhone blend of Marsanne-Rousanne also received a a 95 point Double Gold medal, demonstrating the wines pedigree and consistency in quality.

Previously our ‘Pinot Noir - Alder Springs 2021’ was awarded a Double Gold medal and won Best of Class. Astonishingly, our first ever Pinot Noir peaked at 98 points, and tied for 2nd place overall from a field of 200 Pinot Noir entries in the wine challenge.

The 2022 Villein Walker Vine Hill - Russian River Valley -Pinot Noir was awarded a 96 point and double gold accolade at the 2024 event.

The North Coast Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of the best wine and food of our region. As Gold medal-winners, Villein is invited to pour and have our wines enjoyed at this event. So, please join us on Saturday, June 17, for an afternoon of excellent wine, delicious food, music, and activities, including 25 of the region’s top chefs and other gold medal winning wines from the North Coast Wine Challenge. Get tickets here.