Rodeo Toasts Winners of 2023 Wine Competition

HOUSTON, TX -- This evening, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced winners from the 2023 Rodeo Uncorked!® International Wine Competition, awarding the top honor of Grand Champion Best of Show to Le Chemin du Roi Brut, Champagne AOC, NV, exhibited by famed rapper and business mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, whose wine was previously awarded 2021 Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show. The 2023 Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show was awarded to Bernhardt Winery Antiquity Chardonnay Reserve, Danube Plain, 2020.


“The 2023 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition featured an incredible selection of wines from around the world, with Le Chemin du Roi Brut, Champagne AOC, NV, taking home the top prize as Grand Champion Best of Show,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO.


This year’s competition, held Nov. 11 – 13 at NRG Center, featured 3,071 entries from 18 countries, including Argentina, Bulgaria, France, Israel, Italy, South Africa and Spain. Of those entries, 531 entries were from Texas wineries, and 160 entries came from this year’s featured region, Australia.

The 2023 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition champions included:

GRAND CHAMPION BEST OF SHOW
Le Chemin du Roi Brut, Champagne AOC, NV

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BEST OF SHOW
Bernhardt Winery Antiquity Chardonnay Reserve, Danube Plain, 2020

TOP TEXAS WINE
Becker Vineyards Barbera, Tallent Vineyards, Texas Hill Country, 2019

TOP RED WINE
Bernardus Marinus Estate Red, Carmel Valley, 2015

TOP WHITE WINE
Chateau Saint-Roch Old Vines White, Cotes du Roussillon AOP, 2020

TOP SPARKLING WINE
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut Rosé Champagne AOC, NV

TOP DESSERT WINE
Dandelion Vineyards Legacy of Australia Pedro Ximenez, Australia, NV

TOP REGION WINE
Henschke Henry’s Seven Red, Barossa, 2020

TOP VALUE WINE
Risata Wines Moscato d’Asti DOCG, 2021

Top Wine Company – E&J Gallo Winery
Top Region Wine Company – Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits
Top All-Around Winery – Becker Vineyards
Top Texas Winery – Messina Hof Winery

Award-winning wines from the competition will be paired with gourmet dishes at the 2023 Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition, Feb. 19, and will be sold at the 2023 Champion Wine Auction & Dinner, Feb. 26. A selection of the Class Champion, Reserve Class Champions and medal-winning wines will also be available for purchase in the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Garden, presented by Frost Bank, during the 2023 Rodeo, scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 19.

Additionally, the top-performing Texas wineries will also be invited to participate in Texas Wine Celebration Day in the Champion Wine Garden, March 2. For more information on Rodeo Uncorked! events, visit rodeohouston.com/wine.

VIEW WINNERS BY ALPHA

VIEW WINNERS BY MEDALS

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2023 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 19. The 2023 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 23 – 25. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.