Hybrid grape varieties continue to carve out an important place in the modern wine landscape, offering resilience in the vineyard and distinctive character in the glass. At the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition, Winehaven’s 2021 Marquette rose to the top of its category, earning the title of Best Hybrid Red Varietal. In a field that celebrates innovation as much as craftsmanship, this wine distinguished itself through complexity, balance, and clarity of expression.

Marquette, a cold-hardy hybrid developed for cooler climates, has gained recognition for its ability to produce structured, expressive red wines. As hybrid varieties continue to evolve in both vineyard performance and winemaking potential, quality benchmarks are rising — and this award-winning bottling exemplifies that progress. Winehaven’s 2021 Marquette demonstrates how thoughtful vineyard practices and careful cellar work can elevate a hybrid grape into a wine of true distinction.

From the first sip, the 2021 Marquette reveals layered character and structural harmony. Mineral undertones provide a refined backbone, adding dimension and intrigue to the fruit profile. The fruit itself is expressive yet measured, integrated seamlessly into the wine’s balanced framework. Judges praised the wine for its composure and depth.

That interplay of minerality and fruit is what ultimately set the wine apart. The balance allows the flavors to unfold gradually, creating a multidimensional experience that lingers on the palate.

This year’s Best Hybrid Red Varietal award winner underscores how far hybrid wines have come. Once viewed primarily for their agricultural advantages, today’s top examples demonstrate refinement, complexity, and true varietal character.

Winehaven’s 2021 Marquette showcases the potential of hybrid reds to compete on a major stage — delivering structure, balance, and sophistication worthy of recognition. At the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition, this winning bottling affirms that innovation and excellence can go hand in hand, marking another milestone for hybrid varietals in the evolving world of fine wine.