The 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled for March 2 – 22, 2026, but the rodeo season has already begun with the announcement of the winners of the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, which took place in Houston from November 14 to 16, 2025, at NRG Center.
This year’s vintners showcased the finest wine production from around the world. Thirteen winners were selected out of 3,127 entries from 25 countries by a panel of 130 industry expert judges. Of the 3,127 entries, 1,051 brands were included from around the world. The countries with the most entries were the United States, Italy, France, and Argentina. Of the total, 567 entries came from Texas wineries, and 225 entries came from the 2026 featured region, Oregon.
The panel of 130 esteemed judges, comprising industry experts and connoisseurs, meticulously evaluated a diverse selection of wines across multiple categories, including red, white, sparkling and dessert. Each wine was carefully assessed based on aroma, taste, appearance, and overall balance.
Raise a Glass to the Winners!
The 2026 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition Champions are:
- Grand Champion Best of Show – Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, Tomahawk Vineyard, Stags Leap District, 2022
- Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show – Sequoia Grove Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2023
- Top Texas Wine – Friday Mountain Frenchman’s Corner Mourvédre, Salt Lick Vineyard, Texas Hill Country, 2020
- Top Red Wine – Reynolds Family Winery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2022
- Top White Wine – Carter Creek Plateau White, Texas High Plains, 2024
- Top Sparkling Wine – Perrier-Jouet Blanc de Blanc Champagne AOC, NV
- Top Dessert Wine – Blandy’s 10 Year Old Bual Madeira DOC, NV
- Top Region Wine – Zena Crown Vineyard The Sum Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, 2021
- Top Value Wine – Bieler Pere et Fils La Jassine Red, Cote du Rhone Village AOC, 2024
- Top Wine Company – E & J Gallo Winery
- Top Region Wine Company – Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
- Top All-Around Winery – Nice Winery
- Top Texas Winery – Thirsty Mule Winery
Save the Dates
Winning wines from the competition will take center stage at the 2026 Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition on February 22, 2026, and will be auctioned off at the 2026 Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction & Dinner on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
A selection of the Class Champion, Reserve Class Champions, and medal-winning wines will also be available at the Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Garden, presented by Frost, during the 2026 Rodeo (March 2-22). The Champion Wine Garden is an oasis that offers a cheerful atmosphere, top-notch entertainment from rising Texas stars, and a chance to savor more than 75 award-winning wines. Top-performing Texas wineries will also be invited to participate in Texas Wine Celebration Day (free to attend) in the Champion Wine Garden on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Finally, some of the featured region wines will be highlighted at A Taste of Oregon event in the Champion Wine Garden on Tuesday, March 10 ($45).
Seminars for Wine Lovers
Sip, taste, and learn through a series of seminars introducing you to some of the best-loved wines from the 2025 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. Seminars are offered during the 2026 Show March 3 – March 21 and hosted in the Champion Wine Garden. These seminars are great for groups and range from $75 to $110 per person. Each guest must be 21+ years old to participate. Each seminar is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. View the detailed list of all seminars here.
Check out the Rodeo Uncorked! Facebook page for the latest updates. This group is open to all wine enthusiasts.
Photos: Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.