A Madera winery’s submissions to one of the nation’s premier competitions came back with not only high marks, but a gold medal as the vintner celebrates a major milestone.

Toca Madera Winery is celebrating 10 years in business, and with the celebration comes a significant nod for six vintages from Wine Enthusiast Magazine in the publication’s 2024 international competition, according to a news release.

“When you set out on the adventure of starting a new winery, the thought is not about scores or awards; instead, you are focused on doing the best with what you have,” said winemaker Shayne Vetter.

“Every grape growing area has challenges, and the general consensus when this venture started 10 years ago was that high-quality dry wines could not be produced consistently in Madera. That gave us motivation and inspiration to change the industry’s perception.”

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Winery’s Rosé Takes Hop Honors

Six wines came back with scores at or above 90 — a high grade from the magazine. Two of the tempranillos — one from 2019 and the other from 2021 — scored 90 as did its 2021 cabernet sauvignon-syrah.

A 2021 zinfandel earned a 92 and a viognier-marsanne received a 91.

But the real win came with Toca’s 2023 Mirame Rosé. Not only did the wine receive a 92, but the pink wine won gold in the Experience Rosé Competition, the largest competition of its kind in the U.S., according to the winery.

“This pale-salmon-hued wine is fresh, with aromas of orange peel, pink grapefruit, raspberry and dried mango on the nose,” the judge described. “The flavors on the palate are rhubarb-orange, grapefruit segments and green mango, layered with dried bay leaf, apricot skin, mineral and a dry finish. Pair with proscuitto, Fontina cheese and grilled bread.”

Vetter said the winery will soon release the award-winning zinfandel and rosé.

“My hope is you can make your way out to the winery to try our amazing wines,” Vetter said. “They are putting us on the map and isn’t that a great reason to give them a taste?”

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Toca’s 2023 Mirame Rosé won a gold medal and scored 92 with Wine Enthusiast Magazine. (Toca Madera Winery)