The 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) has awarded Best Merlot to Ledson Winery & Vineyards for its 2021 Estate Vineyard Merlot, recognizing the winery’s commitment to estate-grown excellence and classic varietal expression. Located in Sonoma Valley, Ledson Winery & Vineyards is known for its meticulously farmed estate vineyards and dedication to crafting small-lot wines that reflect the character of their terroir. With a long-standing reputation for producing structured, age-worthy reds, Ledson combines traditional winemaking techniques with careful vineyard management to ensure depth, balance, and consistency in every vintage.

The 2021 Estate Vineyard Merlot stood out among a competitive field for its richness and polish. Sourced entirely from Ledson’s estate vineyards, the wine showcases the varietal’s hallmark plushness while maintaining structure. The 2021 vintage expresses ripe fruit concentration balanced by subtle oak influence, resulting in a Merlot that is both approachable and cellar-worthy.

This year’s Best Merlot award highlights the continued strength of Merlot as a benchmark varietal and reinforces Ledson Winery & Vineyards’ position as a leading producer within Sonoma Valley. The 2021 Estate Vineyard Merlot exemplifies the harmony of fruit, structure, and elegance that defines top-tier Merlot at SFIWC.