Raising the Glass to Excellence: Experts Crown the 2025 People’s Choice
St. Louis, MO — October 11, 2025
Before the wine lovers and foodies gathered for the festivities, the Rooftop Bar in midtown St. Louis was already pouring with quiet anticipation. As the morning sun poured over the skyline, a panel of renowned wine experts and sommeliers assembled for the exclusive People’s Choice Wine Contest, the elegant prelude to the annual Wine and Food Holiday Festival hosted by Support Local Charities.
This private judging event brought together an accomplished mix of palates from across the Midwest to evaluate wines on balance, aroma, structure, and overall impression. Conducted blind to ensure fairness, the contest honored the very best in winemaking artistry while upholding the festival’s greater purpose — celebrating community and supporting local charitable causes across the St. Louis region.
2025 People’s Choice Wine Contest Winners
Vanguard Award
Socially Her Chateaux – Peach
This vibrant and fruit-forward wine captivated the judges with its lively aromatics and smooth, refreshing finish. Its playful balance of sweetness and structure earned it the Vanguard Award, recognizing innovation and creativity in winemaking.
Midwestern Choice Award
Chateau Sainte Genevieve – Lilac Rosé
Graceful and beautifully balanced, this rosé displayed delicate notes of strawberry, rose petal, and citrus zest. Judges praised its elegance and regional appeal, calling it “a stunning example of refined craftsmanship and crowd-pleasing charm.”
Grand Prize Award
90+ Cellars – Napa Valley Chardonnay
Crowned the Grand Prize Award winner, this Chardonnay impressed the panel with its luxurious texture and layers of flavor — from crisp apple and pear to a touch of oak and vanilla. Its depth and sophistication made it a unanimous standout among all entries.
“Our judges approached this competition with both expertise and enthusiasm,” said Ronnica Graves a representative from Support Local Charities. “The winning wines truly reflect the hard work, craftsmanship and creativity that makes this competition so special to us.”
Where Fine Wine Meets Community Impact
While the morning belonged to the experts, the afternoon and evening belonged to the crowd. Later that day, festivalgoers toasted the winners during the Wine and Food Holiday Festival’s grand celebration, savoring the very wines that had captured the judges’ acclaim. Between gourmet bites, live music, and the perfect setting in Cortex Commons, guests were reminded of the event’s greater purpose — to uplift local charities through shared enjoyment and generosity.
“This competition celebrates excellence, but it also celebrates community,” said Curtis Triggs from Support Local Charities. “Every pour, every ticket, and every toast helps make a positive difference right here in St. Louis.”
The 2025 People’s Choice Wine Contest reaffirmed what the festival stands for: outstanding craftsmanship, heartfelt connection, and the joy of giving back — one glass at a time.