Lillooet’s Fort Berens Estate Winery Wins “Best Red Wine” at
Prestigious Los Angeles International Wine Competition
Red Gold 2022 receives top honours among wines
entered from around the world.
Fort Berens Estate Winery is proud to announce an extraordinary achievement at the prestigious 2026 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, earning major accolades for 10 estate grown wines from Lillooet, including the competition’s coveted “Best Red Wine” award.
Leading the results was the winery’s ultra-premium Red Gold 2022, which received:
- 95 points
- Gold Medal
- Best of Class
- Best Red Wine of the Competition
The “Best Red Wine” distinction recognizes Red Gold 2022 as the top red wine entered across the entire competition.
Now in its 91st year, the Los Angeles International Wine Competition received wine entries from around the world. Only seven Best of Division awards were presented, with Fort Berens earning the prestigious Best Red Wine honour.
“This is an incredibly meaningful milestone for our winery and our team,” said Heleen Pannekoek, CEO, co-owner, and co-founder of Fort Berens Estate Winery. “To receive this level of international recogni tion for a wine that is 100% estate grown in Lillooet is something we are immensely proud of. It speaks not only to the quality of this vintage, but also to the uniqueness of our terroir and the dedication of our vineyard and winemaking teams.”
Red Gold is produced only in exceptional vintages deemed worthy of the Red Gold name. While previ ous vintages have featured blends of multiple varietals, the 2022 vintage stood apart for its remarkable Cabernet Franc. Handcrafted exclusively from the winery’s top six barrels, the wine was aged for 15 months in 100% new French oak barrels and represents the finest expression of the estate’s vineyards.
“Cabernet Franc has become our signature red varietal, so it makes this award especially significant,” added Pannekoek. “Competing against celebrated red wines from California and around the world and receiving this recognition is a tremendous honour for our small region and for BC wine.”
In addition to the success of Red Gold 2022, Fort Berens received medals for nine additional wines, all produced with 100% estate-grown grapes from Lillooet:
- Pinot Noir 2024 — Best of Class, Gold Medal, 94 points
- Small Lot Pinot Gris 2024 — Gold Medal, 90 points
- Riesling 2024 — Silver Medal
- Merlot Reserve 2022 — Silver Medal
- Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022 — Silver Medal
- Small Lot Merlot 2022 — Silver Medal
- Cabernet Franc 2023 — Bronze Medal (not yet released)
- Riesling Reserve 2024 — Bronze Medal (not yet released)
- Meritage 2023 — Bronze Medal (not yet released)
“We are deeply grateful to be able to grow grapes and craft wines in such a special place,” said Panne koek. “These awards are a reflection of the passion and commitment of our entire team, and we are proud to continue showcasing Lillooet as one of British Columbia’s most exciting new wine regions.”
If you are looking to purchase these award-winning wines, you can visit the winery tasting room, which is open daily in Lillooet, or visit their online store at www.fortberens.ca. Their wines are also available at select Government and private liquor stores, Save-on-Foods, and at select restaurants around BC.
Founded in 2009, Fort Berens Estate Winery is located in Lillooet, British Columbia, and is recognized for producing premium wines that reflect the unique character of its estate vineyards and dramatic growing region. With its vineyards on sagebrush covered benchland along the Fraser River at the base of towering mountains, Fort Berens embraces the spirit of Lillooet. Discover Fort Berens Estate Winery, Lillooet’s first winery, in one of BC’s newest and most exciting wine regions. For more information, call 1.250.256.7788, visit www.fortberens.ca, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.