BEL LAGO WINERY SHINES AT THE 2025 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION
We are thrilled to announce that Bel Lago Winery has once again made its mark on the national stage! Our wines were recently judged at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) 2025, and we are honored to bring home six medals.
What is the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition?
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of North American wines, attracting thousands of entries from wineries across the continent. With a panel of esteemed judges—including winemakers, sommeliers, wine journalists, and educators—this competition is known for its rigorous blind tasting process and high standards. Winning a medal here is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship behind each bottle.
Our Award-Winning Wines
We are proud to share the results of this year’s competition:
2019 Blaufränkisch – Silver
A medium bodied red, smooth tannins and an earthy complexity make for a food friendly wine that will age well for many years to come. Flavors of ripe strawberry, dried cherry and French oak spice.
Unreleased Wine. Stay Tuned for Release Date.2023 NoMI Rosé – Silver
This wine was made from a unique blend of fruit forward varietals in order to capture the essence of fresh grape juice. Notes of ruby red grapefruit, papaya, and pineapple intertwine with the delicate sweetness of guava. As delightful as a sun-drenched summer evening.
$24/Bottle2023 Auxerrois Moreno Vineyard – Silver
This varietal has become practically tantamount to Bel Lago. Our founder, Charlie Edson first came across Auxerrois, which is closely related to Chardonnay, on a trip to the Alsace region in France. Knowing it would be uniquely suited to thrive on the Leelanau Peninsula, we planted our first vines in 1987 and became the first in Michigan and one of the first in the country to do so. Auxerrois (pronounced Awk – Sair – Wah) is a consistent producer and ripens early, yet it retains its fruit‐forward profile. This wine is clean and crisp with notes of papaya, mango, guava and apricot balanced against a subtle minerality.
$22/Bottle2023 Pinot Grigio – Silver
Crafted from our ripest fruit of each vintage, this Pinot Grigio is bursting with bright fruit flavors. Aromas of stone fruit and lemon zest are complimented by robust minerality and ample acidity.
$22/Bottle2023 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer – Silver
A powerful wine, robust aromatics and rich structure are complemented by balanced sweetness. This wine can stand up to spicy foods as well as sweet desserts.
$28/Bottle2022 Riesling Ice Wine – Bronze
As luminous as a beaming winter morning in Northern Michigan, Bel Lago’s Riesling ice wine is an opulent and silken delight. With a radiating golden hue, this ice wine has aromas of honeysuckle, white flowers and apricot with flavors of peach, citrus and caramelized golden raspberries. With plenty of acid to balance this wine’s high sugar content, its luxurious and plush mouthfeel round out the decadent experience. Handpicked frozen off the vine and fermented for months, Bel Lago’s Riesling ice wine truly is a rare, labor of love.
Each of these wines reflects our commitment to excellence, from vineyard to bottle. Whether it's the bold, complex character of our Blaufränkisch, the delicate elegance of our NoMI Rosé, or the luscious sweetness of our Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, these awards affirm that our wines continue to impress both critics and wine lovers alike.
$72/BottleWhat This Means for Bel Lago?
Winning at the SFCWC is a significant achievement for our winery. It highlights our dedication to crafting wines that showcase the unique terroir of our region and reinforces our passion for innovation and tradition. We are honored to be recognized alongside some of the finest wineries in North America.
Celebrate With Us!
We invite you to visit our tasting room and experience these award-winning wines for yourself. Can't make it in person? No problem! You can also purchase our wines online and have them shipped straight to your door. Whether you're a longtime fan of Bel Lago or discovering us for the first time, there's never been a better time to explore the flavors that put us on the map.
Thank you for your continued support—cheers to great wine and even greater adventures ahead!