Lubbock, TX — January 2025 — Llano Estacado Winery is thrilled to announce that its Mad Ira dessert wine has earned the prestigious Best of Class distinction at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest wine competition in North America.
This exceptional honor highlights Llano Estacado’s dedication to crafting world-class wines that celebrate the artistry and quality of Texas winemaking. Mad Ira, known for its rich flavors, velvety texture, and perfect balance of sweetness, stood out among a competitive field of entries from across the nation.
“Receiving the Best of Class award for Mad Ira is a testament to our talented team and our commitment to excellence,” said Jason Centanni, Winemaker at Llano Estacado Winery. “This recognition showcases the potential of Texas wines to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.”
Mad Ira is a meticulously crafted dessert wine, featuring layers of indulgent flavors and a smooth, lingering finish. Perfect for pairing with desserts, cheese boards, or as a standalone indulgence, this wine embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition that defines Llano Estacado.
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is a renowned platform that celebrates excellence in winemaking, with over 7,000 entries judged by an esteemed panel of wine experts. The Best of Class accolade places Mad Ira among the elite wines celebrated on this stage.
To celebrate this achievement, Llano Estacado invites wine enthusiasts to visit their tasting room in Lubbock or explore their online store to experience the award-winning Mad Ira for themselves.
About Llano Estacado Winery
Founded in 1976, Llano Estacado Winery is a pioneer of Texas winemaking, committed to producing premium wines that reflect the unique character of Texas vineyards. Located in Lubbock, TX, the winery has become a leader in the Texas wine industry, earning numerous awards and accolades for its innovative and high-quality wines.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Bret Perrenoud General Manager Llano Estacado Winery
Phone: 830-456-9102
For More Information:
Learn More
Stay Informed. Stay Competitive.
Become an Insider to unlock exclusive CPG insights, data, education, and industry exposure for food & beverage leaders.
Industry Analysis
Context behind the headlines
Data & Reports
Category performance & trends
On-Demand Education
Expert-led video courses