BEL LAGO’S AWARD-WINNING WINES OF 2025
At Bel Lago, every bottle begins long before it reaches the cellar door. It starts in the quiet discipline of the vineyard, in the steady hands of our vineyard crew, and in the thoughtful precision of our winemaking team. This year, that dedication was recognized across some of the most respected wine competitions in the country.
We’re honored to share Bel Lago’s award winning wines for 2025, a collection that reflects both the unique character of our Leelanau Peninsula home and the passion of the people who craft it.
American Fine Wine Invitational 2025
One of the most respected, invitation-only competitions in the United States
The American Fine Wine Invitational brings together top sommeliers, journalists, educators, and industry leaders to evaluate wines from across the nation. Being invited alone is a distinction; earning medals here is a celebration of both craftsmanship and consistency. The judging is rigorous and blind, with panels focusing on balance, varietal expression, and overall technical excellence, which makes these results especially meaningful.
Bel Lago Results:
• Best of Class / Gold (91) – Riesling Semi Dry 2022
• Double Gold (94) – Auxerrois Moreno Vineyard 2023
• Double Gold (94) – Pinot Noir Moreno Reserve 2020
• Silver (89) – Tempesta 2018
Michigan Governor’s Cup 2025
Celebrating the best of Michigan viticulture
The Michigan Governor’s Cup highlights the most exceptional wines produced within the state, those that capture the essence of our climate, soils, and winemaking heritage. With judges from across the country, the competition elevates Michigan’s wine industry on a national level and showcases the diversity and potential of our region.
Bel Lago Results:
• Best of Category / Gold (93) – Riesling Late Harvest 2023
• Gold (92) – Pinot Noir Moreno Reserve 2020
• Gold (90) – Riesling Semi Dry 2022
• Silver (87) – Tempesta 2018
New York International Wine Competition 2025
Known for its “trade-only” judges and real-world evaluation
The New York International Wine Competition is distinctive for using only trade professionals—buyers, importers, distributors. Who taste with the mindset of real-world consumers, pricing, and market expectations. Their focus on typicity, value, and drinkability makes this a competition where medals truly reflect how wines resonate in the marketplace.
Bel Lago Results:
• Silver (93) – Nocturo 2022
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2025
The largest competition of American wines in the world
With thousands of entries and global visibility, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is a benchmark of excellence for American producers. Wines are evaluated by an elite panel of winemakers, educators, and journalists, making recognition here a powerful testament to quality and craft.
Bel Lago Results:
• Silver – Blaufränkisch 2019
• Silver – Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 2023
• Silver – NoMI Rosé
• Silver – Pinot Grigio 2023
• Silver – Riesling Ice Wine 2022
TEXSOM Awards 2025
One of the most prestigious, highly technical wine competitions in the world
TEXSOM’s judging panels are made up of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and internationally recognized experts. The competition is known for its extremely high standards and low medal percentage—making any award here a significant achievement.
Bel Lago Results:
• Silver – Blaufränkisch 2019
• Silver – NoMI Rosé
• Silver – Pinot Noir 2021
A Year to Celebrate
These awards reflect more than exceptional bottles, they honor an entire community of hands and hearts behind them. From the early mornings in the vines to the careful decisions in the cellar, every member of the Bel Lago team has played a part in this achievement.
To our vineyard crew, cellar team, winemaker, and everyone who pours, prunes, sorts, blends, and believes in Bel Lago: congratulations. Your dedication is what makes these wines, and this year, so extraordinary.
As we raise a glass to these accomplishments, we invite you to experience the wines that earned national recognition.