The ancient Greek myth said that Zeus wanted to find the center of the world and sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the Earth. Where they crossed, Zeus placed an omphalos stone to mark it. Omphalos is also the name of a winery in Willcox, which for 2025 could be considered the center of the Arizona wine world. Judges in the 2025 azcentral Arizona Wine Competition picked the 2022 Triplet from Omphalos Winery as the best wine submitted in the contest. It won the top prize, the Governors Cup. Omphalos Winery was started in 2022 by Thomas and Teresa Messier. Thomas Messier is a graduate of the wine program at the Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College in the central Arizona town of Clarkdale. Omphalos has a relatively small production, even by Arizona wine standards. It has a tasting room at its production facility in Willcox that is open by appointment only. A wine shop in Old Town Scottsdale, The Wine Collective, carries its bottles. Few other shops do. The winning Triplet is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes, sourced from two vineyards in Willcox, Golden Rule and Deep Sky. Tom Messier said the wine is made with natural fermentation and little intervention. “We try to keep it as simple as possible,” he said. The 2022 Triplet also won the Growers Cup as the best red wine of the competition. The Growers Cup for the best white wine went to the 2023 Saguaro by Rubrix. It was made with Grenache grapes, typically a red varietal. With this wine the skins were removed immediately after crushing, creating a white wine from the dark grape, a style called “Blanc De Noir.” Rubrix is also a new winery, having opened its tasting room in Old Town Cottonwood and releasing its first wines in 2024. Its winemaker, Corey Turnbull, is an old hand in the Arizona industry, though, having worked at Page Springs Cellars, Arizona Stronghold Winery and Burning Tree Cellars. Rubrix is housed in the former Burning Tree Cellars location, which was a former automobile dealership on Cottonwood’s Main Street. The Growers Cup for best rose wine went to Los Milics for its 2024 Ita’s. Los Milics was the 2024 Governors Cup winner for another rose offering, the Sandra’s, a rose made in a more robust style. Ita’s is made in a traditional lighter style. The wine carries a 2024 vintage and was bottled a bit earlier than typical. Winemaker Pavle Milic said he consulted with a former roommate who currently operates a winery in Napa Valley before making the decision to bottle. The reason was less enology-based than business-based: His winery was out of rose. The Growers Cup for best dessert wine went to the 2022 Bake Sale from Twisted Union Wine Co., a port-style wine. The wine was made with Tempranillo, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre grapes, then fortified with neutral spirits. Additional Petite Sirah concentrate was added to boost sweetness. The wine, according to the winery’s website, had input from five winemakers. The Arizona Republic has organized this competition at the request of the Arizona Wine Growers Association since 2010. The association sets the entry fees; the competition is managed by The Republic. Judges met at Found:RE hotel in midtown Phoenix on Jan. 13 for the tasting. Those judging included restaurant owners, chefs, sommeliers and wine distributors. Some had judged in the contest previously. Some were judging for the first time. Some judges had extensive knowledge of Arizona wines while others had only passing knowledge. The tasting was blind. Judges knew the type of wine they were tasting, but not the name of the winery that produced it. Judges awarded gold, silver and bronze medals as they saw fit. Wines that merited special note could be given Best of Class awards.
azcentral Arizona Wine Competition 2025 winners
Governors Cup
Omphalos Winery, Triplet, 2022. Growers Cup Red
Omphalos Winery, Triplet, 2022. Growers Cup White
Rubrix Wines, Saguaro, 2023. Growers Cup Rose
Los Milics Vineyards Ita’s Rose, 2024. Growers Cup Dessert
Twisted Union, Bake Sale, 2022. Governors Cup finalists
Birds and Barrels Vineyards, SBR, 2021. Callaghan Vineyards, Barrett's, 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard, Syrah Dos Amigos Vineyard, 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard, Graciano, 2022. Deep Sky Vineyard, Supernova, 2021. Laramita Cellars, Pinot Noir, 2022. Rubrix Wines, Saguaro, 2023. Sollenberger Vineyards and Winery, Riesling, 2023. Sollenberger Vineyards and Winery, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023. Strive Vineyards, Strive 2021. Cabernet Franc, 2021. Twisted Union, Charm School, 2022. Best of Class Blanc De Noir
Rubrix Wines Saguaro 2023. Best of Class Cabernet Franc
Strive Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2021. Best of Class Cabernet Sauvignon
Golden Rule Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. Best of Class Grenache
Callaghan Vineyards Rhumb Line Grenache 2022. Best of Class Grenache
Deep Sky Vineyard Stellar 2022. Best of Class Mourvedre/Monastrell
Deep Sky Vineyard Supernova 2021. Best of Class Orange
Los Milics Vineyards Norita's 2023. Best of Class Other Red Blends
Birds and Barrels Vineyards SBR 2021. Best of Class Picpoul Blanc
Cove Mesa Vineyard Picpoul Blanc 2023. Best of Class Pinot Noir
Laramita Cellars Pinot Noir 2022. Best of Class Port
Twisted Union Bake Sale 2022. Best of Class Rhone Style Blends
Omphalos Winery Triplet 2022. Best of Class Riesling
Sollenberger Vineyards and Winery Riesling 2023. Best of Class Rose Blend
Los Milics Vineyards Ita’s Rose 2024. Best of Class Roussanne
Laramita Cellars Roussanne 2023. Best of Class Sangiovese
Twisted Union Charm School 2022. Best of Class Sauvignon Blanc
Sollenberger Vineyards and Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2023. Best of Class Sparkling
Callaghan Vineyards Barrett's 2023. Best of Class Super Tuscan Style Blend
Golden Rule Vineyards Eureka NV. Best of Class Super Tuscan Style Blend
Soaring Wines Italian Style Red Wine Blend NV. Best of Class Syrah/Shiraz
Cove Mesa Vineyard Syrah Dos Amigos Vineyard 2022. Best of Class Tempranillo
Cove Mesa Vineyard Tempranillo 2022. Best of Class Vermentino
Laramita Cellars Vermentino 2023. Best of Class Viognier
Deep Sky Vineyard Aurora 2023. Gold
Callaghan Vineyards La Osa Grenache UofA collaboration 2019. Callaghan Vineyards Rhumb Line Aglianico 2021. Callaghan Vineyards Rhumb Line Aglianico 2022. Callaghan Vineyards Tannat 2022. Cella Winery Sangiovese 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Graciano 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Petite Sirah 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Picpoul Blanc 2023. Dos Cabezas WineWorks Meskeoli 2023. Los Milics Vineyards Jules' 2023. Page Springs Cellars Vin de Filles 2023. Pillsbury Wine Company Mourvedre 2022. Silver
1764 Vineyards Excogitamus 2022. 1764 Vineyards Cochise Sunset 2023. Birds and Barrels Vineyards Malbec 2020. Birds and Barrels Vineyards Malbec-Tannat co-ferment 2022. Bodega Pierce Bodega Pierce Pandora 2023. Bodega Pierce Saeculum Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. Bodega Pierce Saeculum Cellars Gallia 2022. Bodega Pierce Saeculum Cellars Caché 2021. Callaghan Vineyards Waverly's 2023. Callaghan Vineyards Cimarron Mourvedre 2022. Callaghan Vineyards Love Muffin 2022. Callaghan Vineyards Cimarron Sangiovese 2021. Callaghan Vineyards Caitlin's 2019. Callaghan Vineyards Cimarron Petite Sirah 2021. Callaghan Vineyards The Settlement 2020. Callaghan Vineyards Claire's 2019. Callaghan Vineyards Harold's 2022. Callaghan Vineyards North and South 2022. Copper Horse Vineyard Cathedral Peak 2021. Cove Mesa Vineyard Viognier 2024. Cove Mesa Vineyard Syrah 2021. Cove Mesa Vineyard Trebbiano Dolce 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Sangiovese 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Graciano 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Super Rosso 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Tannat Dos Amigos Vineyard 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Tannat Yavapai College Vineyard 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Chardonnay 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard Chardonnay 2024. Cove Mesa Vineyard Muscat 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard Rosé 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard GSM 2022. Da Vines Vineyard Zinfandel 2020. Da Vines Vineyard Tempranillo 2021. Da Vines Vineyard Montepulciano 2021. Da Vines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Bonita Springs Vineyard 2021. Deep Sky Vineyard Constellation 2020. Deep Sky Vineyard Fusion 2021. Deep Sky Vineyard Big Bang 2021. Dos Cabezas WineWorks Red 2021. Dos Cabezas WineWorks El Norte 2019. Dos Cabezas WineWorks El Campo 2018. Dos Cabezas WineWorks Águileón 2021. Dos Cabezas WineWorks La Montaña 2021. Dos Cabezas WineWorks Pink 2023. Golden Rule Vineyards Syrah 2020. Golden Rule Vineyards Petite Sirah 2021. Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery Legacy Sparkling Rose 2023. Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery Estate Sparkling Cabernet Franc 2023. Laramita Cellars Sangiovese 2022. Los Milics Vineyards Hannah's 2023. Los Milics Vineyards Stephanie's 2021. Omphalos Winery Syrah 2022. Page Springs Cellars Grenache House Mountain Vineyard 2022. Page Springs Cellars Syrah Colibri Vineyard Clone 99 2023. Page Springs Cellars Mourvedre Colibri Vineyard 2023. Page Springs Cellars Petit Verdot Colibri Vineyard 2023. Page Springs Cellars Traminette del Hielo 2023. Page Springs Cellars Super Arizona 2023. Page Springs Cellars Petite Sirah House Mountain Vineyard 2023. Page Springs Cellars Gewurztraminer Painted Lady Vneyard 2023. Page Springs Cellars Traminette Home Vineyard 2023. Page Springs Cellars Grenache Colibri Vineyard 2023. Page Springs Cellars La Flor Rose 2023. Pillsbury Wine Company Viognier 2023. Pillsbury Wine Company Grenache 2022. Pillsbury Wine Company Romero's Syrah 2022. Pillsbury Wine Company Inappropriate 2023. Pillsbury Wine Company Malvasia 'Bonnie Lee' 2023. Pillsbury Wine Company Symphony 2023. Rubrix Wines Colibri Vineyard Roussanne 2023. Rubrix Wines Coati 2022. Rubrix Wines Gila 2022. Rubrix Wines Villages White 2023. Rubrix Wines Villages Red 2023. Strive Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023. Strive Vineyards Malbec 2021. Strive Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah CoFerment 2020. Strive Vineyards Petit Verdot Rosé 2022. Twisted Union Ground Breaker 2022. Bronze
1764 Vineyards Couch Potato Cab 2022. 1764 Vineyards 8 Years Later 2022. 1764 Vineyards Picpoul Blanc 2023. Bodega Pierce Malvasia Bianca 2023. Bodega Pierce Emotiva 2022. Bodega Pierce Athena 2022. Callaghan Vineyards Eloise's 2023. Callaghan Vineyards Cimarron Tempranillo 2021. Callaghan Vineyards Love Muffin 2021. Callaghan Vineyards La Osa 2019. Callaghan Vineyards Padres 2019. Carlson Creek Vineyard Sweet Adeline White Blend 2022. Carlson Creek Vineyard Chardonnay 2022. Carlson Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. Cella Winery Malbec 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Grenache 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Mourvèdre 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Trebbiano 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard Vermentino 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard Aglianico 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Riesling 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard Riesling 2024. Cove Mesa Vineyard El Camino Tinto 2022. Cove Mesa Vineyard Vidal Blanc 2023. Cove Mesa Vineyard ¡Fiesta! Rosé 2023. Da Vines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. Deep Sky Vineyard Comet 2021. Dos Cabezas WineWorks Principrana 3º NV. Dos Cabezas WineWorks White 2023. Dos Cabezas WineWorks Boxcar 2º NV. Dos Cabezas WineWorks Estrellano 2023. Dos Cabezas WineWorks Quintosol 2020. Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery Tempranillo 2021. Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery Coulee Cuvée 2021. Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery Savage Rose 2023. Laramita Cellars Rose 2023. Los Milics Vineyards Cay's 2022. Los Milics Vineyards Carolyn's 2021. Los Milics Vineyards Mo's 2021. Los Milics Vineyards Sandra’s 2024. Omphalos Winery Roussanne 2023. Omphalos Winery Grenache 2022. Omphalos Winery Mourvedre 2022. Page Springs Cellars Vino de la Familia - Rojo 2023. Page Springs Cellars Bruzzi Vineyard Demi-Sec 2023. Page Springs Cellars Colibri Vineyard CDP 2023. Pillsbury Wine Company Chardonnay 2023. Pillsbury Wine Company Petite Sirah 2022. Rubrix Wines Wren 2023. Rubrix Wines Villages Rose 2023. Saeculum Cellars Syrah 2021. Saeculum Cellars El Coraje 2021. Saeculum Cellars Rosé 2023. Soaring Wines Runway Rosé 2023. Strive Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. Strive Vineyards Mélange Rouge 2020. Twisted Union Joy Rider 2022. 2025 azcentral Arizona Wine Competition judges' favorites
Jacob Adams WSET2, server, FnB: Cove Mesa Vineyard Graciano 2022. Ali Amundson CS, General Manager & Sommelier, Pinard Wine Bar: Callaghan Vineyards Rhumb Line Grenache 2022. Richard Betts , independent wine consultant: Deep Sky Vineyard Supernova 2021. Shaunna Cooper CMSII, Wine Spencer: Deep Sky Vineyard Aurora 2023. Mason Cave , cowboysomm: Strive Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2021. Tracy Dempsey , Tracy Dempsey Originals: Strive Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2021. Jim Gallen , food and beverage manager, Mountain Shadows resort: Callaghan Vineyards Barrett's 2023. Jonah Gifford CS, sommelier, Fat Ox: Rubrix Wines Saguaro 2023. Christopher Gross , chef/director, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion: Deep Sky Vineyard Fusion 2021. Valeree Halsey Ibarra ISGM, independent wine consultant: Callaghan Vineyards Rhumb Line Aglianico 2021. Darla Hoffmann , CS, CSW, owner, About Wine & Travel: Cove Mesa Vineyard Muscat 2023. Rich Huie , owner, Salt Cellar: Sollenberger Vineyards and Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2023 and Strive Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2021. Andrew McCreery CS CSW, owner, d’Vine Gourmet & Boutique on Boston: Omphalos Winery Triplet 2022. Christopher McLean , executive chef and beverage director, Wigwam Resort: Twisted Union Bake Sale 2022. Corrianne Nelson , owner, Unfiltered Wine Shop: Cove Mesa Vineyard Tempranillo 2022. Kyrri Rauber CS, captain and sommelier, Maple & Ash: Da Vines Vineyard Montepulciano 2021. Jared Sowinski , director of beverage, Upward Projects: Deep Sky Vineyard Stellar 2022. Dale Sparks, LiquidDated: Cove Mesa Vineyard Sangiovese 2022. Zoya Vora-Shah , owner, The Wine Collective: Callaghan Vineyards The Settlement 2020. Kevin Walters , regional manager, Frederick Wildman and Sons: Rubrix Wines Saguaro 2023.
CONTINUE READING
