F&W American Wine Awards 2011

By Ray Isle

One of our F&W American wine award winners works with ancient vines other producers ignore; another is an amazing comeback by a star winemaker on the edge of burnout. All told, the five wineries here are the most thrilling new producers in America. Here, their vision and their best bottles.

F&W's 14th annual American Wine Awards honor 5 new wineries that are shaping the future.

Courtesy of Alysian

Wine Awards Winner:
Alysian

SONOMA
When Gary Farrell sold his first winery back in 2004, he'd had it. He'd been working 60 to 80 hours a week, spending more time on management than winemaking. He was exhausted. The problem is that Farrell can't seem to shake his love of Pinot Noir.

Wine Awards Winner:
Bedrock Wine Co.

SONOMA
It's tough making a name for yourself in the shadow of a famous father. It's tougher if you choose the same profession, in the same county. But that's what Morgan Twain-Peterson—the son of Sonoma Ravenswood Winery founder and winemaker Joel Peterson—is doing.

Wine Awards Winner:
Lioco

SONOMA
Lioco owns no vineyards. It produces wine from a rented space in a custom-crush facility. Its owners didn't grow up in winemaking families. But the results are very impressive.

Wine Awards Winner:
Milbrandt Vineyards

WASHINGTON STATE
The wines of Washington's Milbrandt Vineyards prove that you don't have to bottle a $200 luxury cuvée to make a great debut. Butch and Jerry Milbrandt (with winemaker Josh Maloney) produce a wide range of wines.

Wine Awards Winner:
Morlet Family Vineyards

NAPA VALLEY
It's possible to be one of Napa's most vaunted winemakers and still not be satisfied. Luc Morlet, the scion of a French winemaking family, produced critically acclaimed wines for Peter Michael Winery and other properties. But, he says, "Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to start my own winery—it's part of my DNA."