Recent Award Press Release

Truckee River Winery sweeps in Wine Competitions again this year!
September 20th, 2023

All entered wines awarded in SF Chronicle, Sunset International and CA State Fair Truckee River Winery is proud to once again be recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Sunset International Competition and the California State Fair.

Truckee River Winery took home a total of 11 awards at the 3 competitions:

SF Chronicle’s 23rd annual event:
Gold for 2019 Tondre Pinot Noir
Silver for 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel
Bronze for 2019 barrel aged Chardonnay

Sunset International Competition’s 7th annual event:
Silver for 2019 Tondre Pinot Noir
Silver for 2021 Ramato of Pinot Grigio
Silver for 2017 Chalk Hill Malbec
Bronze for 2019 barrel aged Chardonnay

California State Fair’s competion, the oldest wine event in America:
Gold for 2017 Chalk Hill Malbec
Gold for 2019 Tondre Pinot Noir
Silver for 2019 barrel aged Chardonnay
Silver for 2021 White Barn Pinot Grigio 

The highest and coldest winery takes home 11 awards at San Francisco Chronicle’s 23rd Annual Wine Competition, Sunset International’s 7th annual Wine Competition and the California State Fair’s competition-the oldest wine comp in America. Most notably the 2019 Tondre Pinot Noir sweeped in all three competitions, with 2 Golds and 1 silver. The winery’s flagship 2019 Tondré Pinot Noir is an unfined and unfiltered pinot with full aromas of cassis and sweet spice, with a hint of fresh earth. The palate is heavy and rich of dark cherry with subtle toasted French oak. Truckee River Winery’s 2019 Tondré oaked Chardonnay is full bodied and well rounded, with crisp apple flavors and subtle French oak. Produced in Truckee with 12 months of French oak aging, the cooler temperatures create a smooth medium body Chardonnay. “For 34 years we’ve been climbing the ladder. Every year we learn and every year we make better wine,” says founder and winemaker Russ Jones. “It's great to be recognized for all of our hard work." And recognized, they have! This year marks the 23rd year Truckee River Winery has medaled. Truckee River Winery’s award winning wines can be purchased through their website, in person and at many restaurant and retail shops from Sparks to Grass Valley. For purchasing options, and a list of local retailers please visit truckeeriverwinery.com About Truckee River Winery: Founder and winemaker Russ Jones started Truckee River Winery in 1989, encouraged by friends who had enjoyed his homemade wine for years. Russ converted his two-car garage into a bonded winery, making about 1,000 cases that year. He’s been fine-tuning his craft and producing quality wine for the 30 years since. Almost all of the grapes are hand-picked in California, then driven up to Truckee where they are crushed that day. In 2020, Truckee River Winery consolidated to their downtown Truckee production facility, closing the doors on their tasting room. They offer tours, tastings, by the glass and bottle on their petite patio in front of their iconic winery in the red barn. A lawn bocce court, and corn hole are onsite for customer enjoyment, and picnics are welcome. ​