It’s an old story, but for those who appreciate fine sparkling wine, it’s a very good one.
Once again, Caraccioli Cellars has received Best U.S. Sparkling Wine honors from judges at the 2025 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships in London. In addition, the esteemed publication Vinous lists Caraccioli among its Top 100 Wines of 2025.
The prized bottles are the winery’s 2019 Brut Rosé (Best U.S.) and Brut Cuvée of the same vintage (Vinous 100). In recognizing the wine, Vinous’ Billy Norris cited the Caraccioli family’s Escolle Vineyard in Monterey County’s Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, which “provides the perfect natural framework to deliver wines of energy and texture.”
As evidence of the terroir’s value, as well as the care and patience of the winemaking team, Caraccioli Cellars has earned Best U.S. Sparkling Wine six times since the competition was established 11 years ago. The 2017 vintage Brut Rosé claimed the award in 2023. In 2022 it was the 2016 Blanc de Blancs.
The winery’s first title came in 2015, the second year of the world championships, with the crowning of its 2007 Brut. Caraccioli returned to the top in 2020 and 2021, with the 2014 and 2015 Brut Rosés, respectively. Only Chandon and Roederer Estate has managed to break Caraccioli’s hold on the award.