MAY 28, 2026 – Experience Rosé, a wine competition that focuses exclusively on expressions of pink wine — sweet, dry and sparkling — has announced results of its 2026 contest. Taking top prize this year is a 2020 sparkling rosé of Pinot Noir from Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Wines in California’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Judges described it as “vibrant and fresh,” with “wild berry, pomegranate, citrus” and a “pale, beautiful color.”
Grower/winemaker Dan Kessler explains his technique: “I don’t pick for brix, I pick for flavor and color, which comes when brix is higher. The wine then spends 60 months en tirage before we gather club members for a trial tasting. They pick the dosage — it’s a great way to engage them and get them excited for the release.”
What makes the wine even more special is its label, which honors Kessler’s wife’s uncle, a jazz horn player in Baltimore; the label features a pencil drawing of the musician in his element.
Now in its eighth year, Experience Rosé was founded to help curious consumers confidently explore this newly emergent fine wine category. Says Debra Del Fiorentino, founder of Wine Competitions Management & Production, which presents the contest. “The range of colors, grape varieties and styles is always so wide — it’s fun to sample through them all. The quality of the wines entered proves that rosé is not a style to be overlooked.”
Says Kessler, “Experience Rosé caught my attention because of its focus on the audience and the wine style. I’m looking for people who love the rosé style. I’m excited to show them my interpretation of it.”
Eligibility for this competition is open to any wine (U.S. or international) with the word “rosé” clearly included on its front or back labeling. Judges include winemakers, sommeliers, retail buyers, wine educators, and journalists.
EXPERIENCE ROSÉ BEST OF CLASS WINNERS
Best of the Best, Best Domestic Sparkling
Kessler-Haak Wines 2020 No Samba Brut Rosé (BOG, GG, 98 pts.)
Judges: “Wild berry, fresh pomegranate, citrus”; “vibrant”; “pale, beautiful color”
Best Domestic Sweet
Charleston Peak Winery 2025 Desert Blush (BOG, GG, 96)
Judges: “Great mouthfeel”; “ perfume and violet” “peach pit”
Best Domestic Dry
Pedroncelli 2025 Rosé of Zinfandel (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Consumer-friendly rosé”; “crowd pleaser”; “spicy notes”
Best International Dry
Famille Perrin 2025 Côtes du Rhône Réserve Rosé (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Crisp and refreshing”; “creamy mouthfeel and beautifully integrated acid”; “touch of minerality”; “violets”; gorgeous”
Best Native American / Hybrid Rosé
Franklin Hill Vineyards Saignee Mousseux NV (BOC, GG, 94)
Judges: “Cherry blossoms and fresh herbs”; “excellently made wine”
Other Best of Class Winners
Annadel Estate Winery 2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “WOW aromatics”; “complex”: “cranberry, orange zest, white cherry, key lime pie”
Masia de la Vinya Winery 2025 Rose de Garnacha (BOG, GG, 97)
Judges: “Orange blossom and grapefruit”; “complex and tart”; “nicely made”
Hazy Mountain Vineyards 2025 Rosé (BOC, G, 96)
Judges: “Strawberry and stone fruit”; “lip smacking”; “tart yet balanced”
Mia Bea Wines 2024 Rosé (BOC, G, 95)
Judges: “Floral, crisp, balanced”; “white peach and soft mineral notes”
Brockmeyer Family Wines 2025 Flamant Rosé (BOC, G, 95)
Judges: “Strawberry rhubarb”; “Jolly Rancher watermelon candy”; “great balance”; “looks good”