Verterra Winery, a family-owned boutique winery on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, earned top honors at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Leading the way for Verterra Winery was its 2023 Pinot Grigio, which was awarded the highly coveted Best in Class distinction in blind tastings.
In addition, Verterra’s 2022 Pinot Grigio won Best in Class last year, marking the first time in the competition’s history that a winery has won back-to-back Best in Class awards for a single varietal.
Verterra states its achievement underscores its dedication to crafting exceptional wines from Michigan-grown fruit.
In addition to the Best-in-Class accolade, Verterra Winery secured three Double Gold awards from judging panels in the two-day event.
Winning a Double Gold signifies a wine of exceptional quality and a runner up to Best in Class in that wine category. The following Verterra wines earned recognition:
— 2023 Pinot Blanc, Double Gold (The 2022 vintage also won Double Gold.)
— 2023 Riesling Dry. Double Gold
— 2021 Brut Sparkler Traditional Method, Double Gold
The winery also took home a Gold medal for its 2022 Late Harvest Vignoles, a Silver medal for its 2023 Late Harvest Riesling, and a Bronze medal for its 2023 Gewurztraminer Dry.
“We are thrilled and humbled by these honors,” said Geoff Hamelin, co-owner of Verterra Winery. “To have our wines recognized at this level, especially in such a highly competitive arena, is a testament to the exceptional terroir of the Leelanau Peninsula and the passion of our team in the vineyard and the winery.”
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has long been regarded as a benchmark of excellence in the North American wine industry, with its judging process conducted by panels of esteemed wine experts.
For Verterra Winery, these accolades further solidify its reputation as one of Michigan’s premier grape growers and wine producers in the world.
Verterra Winery invites wine enthusiasts to visit its tasting room in Leland to sample these award-winning wines and to celebrate its continued success.
For more information, contact Geoff Hamelin, co-owner of Verterra Winery at info@verterrawinery.com or visit verterrawinery.com.
