East Coast Estate Winery Triumphs at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Voorhees, New Jersey—Full disclosure is that I have never tried any of these wine’s yet, however I will soon. If you set that aside please, in what I call a remarkable achievement that highlights the growing prominence of East Coast winemaking, let alone within 2 miles from my house, the Saddlehill Winery has earned top honors at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, taking home the coveted “Best of Class” award for its 2023 Renegade Red Blend. Competing against more than 5,500 entries from North America’s leading wine regions, this accolade marks a historic milestone for both Saddlehill and New Jersey’s wine community.
Saddlehill Winery, known for its meticulously cultivated estate vineyards and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, distinguished itself in a field traditionally dominated by West Coast giants from Napa and Sonoma. The 2023 Renegade Red Blend impressed a panel of over 35 professional judges with its balance, depth, and complexity, earning it the singular distinction of East Coast Best of Class in the red blend category. With Virginia and other emerging regions claiming accolades in select varietals, Saddlehill stands alone as the only winery on the entire eastern seaboard to secure this top honor in 2026.
“This recognition is a monumental moment for the New Jersey wine industry,” said Bill Green, owner of Saddlehill Winery. “To represent the East Coast as the sole Best of Class Red Blend winner in a competition of this scale demonstrates the quality and vision that our team brings to every bottle. Winemaker Peter Szerdahelyi’s skill and dedication have been instrumental in achieving this level of excellence.”
The winery’s performance at the competition was further strengthened by a series of additional medals, underscoring the breadth of its portfolio:
- Best of Class: 2023 Renegade (Red Blend)
- Gold: 2023 Proprietor’s Blend (Red Blend)
- Silver: 2023 Merlot
- Bronze: 2023 Reserve Chardonnay
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, often described as the “Super Bowl” of the wine industry, conducts rigorous blind tastings to ensure impartial evaluation, making each medal a reflection of both technical precision and artistic expression. Winners, including Saddlehill’s Renegade, will be showcased at the Public Tasting event at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on March 7, 2026, offering a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to sample the nation’s best wines in one setting.
Saddlehill’s success has not only elevated the profile of New Jersey wines nationally but has also reinforced the state’s potential as a premier wine-producing region. Under the guidance of Winemaker Peter Szerdahelyi, the estate combines traditional European techniques with modern viticulture innovations, creating wines that marry complexity with approachability. The 2023 Renegade exemplifies this philosophy, offering layers of rich fruit, nuanced tannins, and a finish that reflects both precision and character unique to Saddlehill’s terroir.
For visitors eager to experience these award-winning vintages firsthand, Saddlehill’s tasting room in Voorhees offers a curated exploration of the winery’s full portfolio. Guests can enjoy guided tastings, seasonal events, and vineyard tours that reveal the artistry and dedication behind each bottle. For those unable to visit in person, the winery provides online ordering and shipping to 42 states, making it easy to enjoy Saddlehill’s nationally recognized wines from anywhere.
Saddlehill’s achievement also underscores New Jersey’s growing recognition in the broader American wine landscape. With a focus on estate-grown grapes, careful blending, and rigorous quality control, the winery is contributing to a shift in perception—positioning New Jersey not just as a regional producer but as a contender on the national stage. The success of the Renegade Red Blend serves as both a benchmark for excellence and an invitation to wine lovers to explore the state’s rich viticultural potential.
Beyond its accolades, Saddlehill Winery embodies a larger commitment to the craft and culture of wine in New Jersey. The estate’s dedication to sustainability, vineyard stewardship, and community engagement reflects a modern vision for East Coast winemaking—one that values both heritage and innovation. Whether sampling a bold red blend, a crisp Chardonnay, or one of its seasonal releases, visitors are offered a window into the artistry that has earned Saddlehill its place among North America’s elite wineries.
For wine enthusiasts and collectors alike, exploring New Jersey’s award-winning wineries, including Saddlehill, provides a unique opportunity to experience the rising caliber of East Coast viticulture. Those seeking additional options and local insights into the state’s expanding wine and beverage scene can also explore New Jersey’s curated dispensary and specialty beverage resources for comprehensive listings and recommendations.
Saddlehill Winery’s triumph at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is more than a personal achievement—it is a statement that New Jersey wines have arrived on the national stage, offering both quality and character that rival the most storied regions of the United States. As the estate continues to innovate and expand, wine lovers across the nation now have one more reason to raise a glass to the Garden State.
