March 10, 2026 3:05 a.m.
Abacela Winery in Winston won top honors at the 55th annual Greatest of the Grape held Saturday night at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville.
A release from the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association said the event brought together more than 400 guests to celebrate wines from across the Umpqua Valley.
A non-red wine has claimed the Greatest of the Grape award for the fourth consecutive year. Awards went to:
*Greatest of the Grap overall award: Abacela Winery – 2025 Grenache Rose
*Best Non-Red Wine: Abacela Winery – 2025 Grenache Rose
*Best Red Wine: Hillcrest Vineyard and Winery – 2020 Teroldego Reserve
*Non-Red Wine runner up: Trella Vineyards – 2024 Gruner Veltliner
*Red Wine runner up: Freed Estate Winery – 2022 Reserve Merlot
Unlike 2025, this year’s entries were judged by a panel of wine professionals. Judges included:
*Jeff Stern, Certified Specialist of Wine
*Sarah Evermen, Certified Specialist of Wine and Level 1 Sommelier
*Keith Tidball, Certified Specialist of Wine and Level 1 Sommelier
*Robert Douglas, WSET Level 3
*Annabelle Ellis Caudle, WSET Level 2 with distinction and introductory sommelier
Guests sampled 38 wines from regional producers paired with delectable bites. Attendees also voted for the Best Decorated Table, awarded to Richwine Vineyards.
Participating wineries donated more than 200 bottles to the Wheel of Wine, raising over $3,000 for Peace at Home Advocacy Center.
The silent auction raised about $5,000 to support the association’s work promoting the Umpqua Valley as a world-class destination.
The next Greatest of the Grape is scheduled for February 6th, 2027, at Seven Feathers Casino Resort.