The Rodeo Results, the Wines You Love, and the Kids Who Benefit
The results are in from the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition, and we are grateful to share that several of our estate-grown wines received new recognitions this year.
The heart of the Rodeo is simple. It raises life-changing scholarship funds that support Texas youth pursuing education and careers in agriculture and beyond.
When our wines receive recognition at this competition, it brings more attention to the work we do here in East Texas. More visibility can mean more bottles discovered on shelves, more guests choosing to visit, and more support flowing toward programs that help kids across the state. It is a moment that reminds us that great wine can inspire connection and purpose far beyond where it is grown.
2026 Awards for Current Kiepersol Releases
The newly released 2024 Flight – Silver, Texas Class Champion
This rosé has been flying off the shelves all year, so its recognition feels especially meaningful.
2020 Syrah – Silver, Reserve Texas Class Champion
Guests appreciate its depth and quiet intensity. It is easy to understand why it stood out.
2019 Merlot – Silver, Reserve Texas Class Champion
Smooth, balanced and welcoming. A wine people return to often, and one the judges clearly appreciated.
2020 Barrel No. 33 – Bronze
With character, story and soul, this wine connects with people in a way that feels personal. The medal is a thoughtful acknowledgment.
2020 Cabernet Sauvignon – Bronze
Structured, generous and classic. It continues to be a favorite among our guests for very good reason.
Why These Medals Matter for a Larger Purpose
This year’s competition included 3,127 entries from 25 countries, judged by 130 knowledgeable industry experts.
More than 14 million dollars in scholarships were awarded by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2025, along with additional support for junior show exhibitors, educational grants and statewide youth programs.
The result is a tradition that helps shape the future of young Texans. When our wines earn recognition at an event connected to that mission, it becomes part of a larger story. It helps more people discover what is happening in East Texas winemaking and supports awareness for the programs that invest in kids across the state.
Come Taste What the Judges Experienced
The most meaningful understanding of these wines begins with a glass in hand. The tasting room gives you the chance to experience these medal-winning wines yourself and discover the ones that speak to your palate.
We invite you to visit, taste and celebrate this moment with us during the Christmas season.
Click here for the full 2026 winners list.
Kelly Doherty is the Branding and Marketing Director of Kiepersol. A photographer, graphic designer, and writer at heart, the winery and vineyard are the inspired backdrop for Kelly’s creative endeavors.
She holds a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, is a Certified Specialist of Wine, and loves sharing wine stories.
