Early Bird Ends
January 31, 2025
Judging
Date
May 19, 2025
Winners Announcement
June 10, 2025
(Header image credit: Blue Rock Vineyard)
Blue Rock is a historic, private destination in the heart of the Sonoma/Napa wine country. The winery, vineyard, and gardens were established in the 1880s by Italian immigrants. Originally named Villa Maria, the winery did not survive Prohibition. Other families attempted to farm the property, but it fell into foreclosure in the late 1980s.
Kenny and Cheryl Kahn came upon the rundown estate in 1987 and promptly fell in love with the beauty of the hillside location and the bucolic Alexander Valley. The estate suffered from years of neglect, and the derelict vineyard needed replanting. Kenny and Cheryl have spent 32 years renovating the original winery and estate cottage, as well as establishing winemaking and production facilities. The Winery, guesthouse, and gardens have now been upgraded to a true luxury standard and with the singular vision of creating a world-class wine estate in the European tradition.
The name Blue Rock originates from the soil studded with blue pebbles, rocks, and boulders of serpentine. The serpentine rock contributes to the unique flavor and aromatic profile of the wines deriving from the vineyard. Comprising 40 acres, the certified sustainable vineyard is planted to the five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec.
In 1993, additional two acres of Syrah were planted on an extreme hillside.
Blue Rock is family-owned, family-farmed, and certified sustainable. The twelve-person vineyard team is led by foreman, Daniel Gomez, who is joined by his two sons in managing the farming activities on the Blue Rock estate. Vineyard work and harvest are done by hand, with attention to detail and process. The workers are full-time and enjoy a year-round relationship with the vines which makes for better quality.
The team at Blue Rock is more like a small family. Working together, each member not only facilitates the healthy cultivation of the vineyard but also supports each other's growth as individuals. Here, you come across stories like that of Eduardo Gomez who followed in the footsteps of his father working among the vines at Blue Rock and now aspires to study viticulture in college.
As the Vigneron, Kenny inspires Blue Rock’s vision and sets the tone for quality standards that also align with the estate’s core values of authenticity. Respect for nature, heritage, and commitment to doing one’s very best. His vision is driven forward by three passionate winemakers who are experts at their craft and a supportive staff who contribute
their own brilliance to the winemaking experience.
BlueRock vineyard have won many awards for their delightful wines including the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2020. This time Gold medal winner with 94 points is BABY BLUE 2016.
An excellent example of the vintage, our 2016 Baby Blue showcases both power and finesse. Baby Blue offers an abundance of pleasure right from the start, but as you sip and savor, you will be given a glimpse into the stunning seriousness and sophistication captured by the 2016 wines. This may be a “baby,” but its refinement and pedigree will impress on every level! Striking Cabernet aromatics leap from the glass, deep black and blue fruits dance on the palate, followed by a soft and silky texture, fine-grained tannins, and glorious structure to complete the ensemble.
Online Order: Distributors or wine buyers can contact Kenneth Kahn – 415-435-1946
kenny@bluerockvineyard.com or reach out to the team on Britt Hayes – 707-696-8221
britt@bluerockvineyard.com Jared Jackson – 707-756-6255 jared@bluerockvineyard.com.
2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards submissions is now open for domestic and international wines. Enter your Wines now to get the early bird pricing.