The 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition Champions Have Been Crowned

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, showcasing the finest achievements in wine production across the globe. This year’s competition was held Nov. 10-12 at NRG Center and featured 2,985 entries from 22 countries. The top honor of Grand Champion Best of Show was awarded to Beau Joie Brut Champagne AOC, NV. The Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show was awarded to Smith-Madrone Riesling, Spring Mountain District, 2018.

“The wine industry is a vital part of agriculture, which is one reason we’re incredibly proud to host one of the largest international wine competitions in the country, as it supports our mission of promoting agriculture,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “This year’s competition featured a number of incredible wines from across the world, some of which will be available to purchase at our Champion Wine Garden, presented by Frost Bank, during the 2024 Rodeo.”

This annual event attracts the best wine producers globally, making the selection process a true testament to the quality of wines presented. The panel of esteemed judges, composed of industry experts, winemakers, and connoisseurs, rigorously evaluated a wide range of wines across a bevy of categories including red, white, sparkling and more. Each wine was carefully assessed based on factors such as aroma, taste, appearance, and overall balance.

Of the 2,985 entries, the countries with the most entries were the United States, Italy and Chile. In addition, 539 entries came from Texas wineries and the 2024 featured region, Chile, had 161 entries.

The 2024 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition Champions included:
• Grand Champion Best of Show – Beau Joie Brut Champagne AOC, NV
• Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show – Smith-Madrone Riesling, Spring Mountain District, 2018
• Top Texas Wine – Meierstone Vineyards The Airship Red, Texas High Plains, 2021
• Top Red Wine – Marchesi di Barolo DOCG, 2018
• Top White Wine – Perissos Vineyards and Winery Winemaker’s Reserve Pape Blanc, Texas High Plains, 2022
• Top Sparkling Wine – Champagne Telmont Reserve Brut Champagne AOC, NV
• Top Dessert Wine – Quady Winery Essensia Orange Muscat, California, 2020
• Top Region Wine – TerraNoble CA1 Carmenere Andes, Colchagua Valley DO, 2020 • Top Value Wine – Animus Vinho Verde DOC, 2022
• Top Wine Company – E & J Gallo Winery
• Top Region Wine Company – Winebow Imports
• Top All-Around Winery – Nice Winery
• Top Texas Winery – Becker Vineyards