The 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled for March 4 – 23, 2025, but the rodeo season has already begun with the announcement of the winners of the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, which took place in Houston from November 15 to 17, 2024, at NRG Center.
This year’s vintners showcased the finest wine production from around the world. Thirteen winners were selected out of 2,876 entries from 20 countries by a panel of over 120 industry expert judges. Of the 2,876 entries, 965 brands were included from around the world. The countries with the most entries were the United States, Italy, France, and Argentina. Of the total, 558 entries came from Texas wineries, and 314 entries came from the 2025 featured region, Napa County.
The panel of 122 esteemed judges, comprising industry experts and connoisseurs, meticulously evaluated a diverse selection of wines across multiple categories, including red, white, sparkling and dessert. Each wine was carefully assessed based on aroma, taste, appearance, and overall balance.
Raise a Glass to the Winners!
The 2025 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition Champions are:
- Grand Champion Best of Show – Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Champagne AOC, NV
- Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show – Markham Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2021
- Top Texas Wine – Peters Prairie Vineyard Barbera, Texas Hill Country, 2019
- Top Red Wine – Barlow Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga, 2018
- Top White Wine – Krutz Family Cellars Chardonnay, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2022
- Top Sparkling Wine – Champagne Pommery Brut Royal Champagne AOC, NV
- Top Dessert Wine – Llano Estacado Mad Ira’s, Texas High Plains, NV
- Top Region Wine – Valley Floor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Single Vineyard, Calistoga, 2015
- Top Value Wine – Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2021
- Top Wine Company – E & J Gallo Winery
- Top Region Wine Company – Middle Oak Wines
- Top All-Around Winery – Nice Winery
- Top Texas Winery – Kiepersol
Save the Dates
Winning wines from the competition will take center stage at the 2025 Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition on Sunday, February 23, 2025, and will be auctioned off at the 2025 Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction & Dinner on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
A selection of the Class Champion, Reserve Class Champions, and medal-winning wines will also be available at the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Garden, presented by Frost, during the 2025 Rodeo (March 4-23). The Champion Wine Garden is an oasis that offers a cheerful atmosphere, top-notch entertainment from rising Texas stars, and a chance to savor more than 75 award-winning wines. Reserve your table. Top-performing Texas wineries will also be invited to participate in Texas Wine Celebration Day (free to attend) in the Champion Wine Garden on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Finally, some of the featured region wines will be highlighted at A Taste of Napa event in the Champion Wine Garden on Tuesday, March 11.
Seminars for Wine Lovers
Sip, taste, and learn through a series of seminars introducing you to some of the best-loved wines from the 2025 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. Seminars are offered during the 2025 Show March 4 – March 23 and hosted in the Champion Wine Garden. These seminars are great for groups and range from $65 to $110 per person. Each guest must be 21+ years old to participate. Each seminar is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Reserve your spot.
Check out the Rodeo Uncorked! Facebook page for the latest updates. This group is open to all wine enthusiasts.
Photos: Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.