June 29, 2026
By Charles Dubow
Photographs by Ryan Lavine
At the 2026 Los Angeles Invitational Wine Competition, Spring Hill Vineyards and winemaker Ruaan Viljoen earned some of the highest honors in the country—led by the estate-grown Itasca, also known as Picnic Blanc, which took Best White Wine, Best of Class, Double Gold, and 98 points. Cabernet Franc, Marquette, Grotto Reserve, Pond House Reserve, Lucy Sparkle, and SHAG Rosé also took home medals, with additional recognition at the 2026 Libations Wine Competition.
Viljoen, who hails from Cape Town, South Africa, brings 14 vintages of international experience to Spring Hill, including time at Kendall Jackson and Merry Edwards in Sonoma, California, and at Boschendal, Glen Carlou, and Grande Provence in his native South Africa. Trained in soil science, pomology, viticulture, and oenology, he leads a fully integrated approach—from vineyard management through final blending—shaping wines that reflect both technical precision and a clear sense of place.Taste them at the source. Spring Hill Vineyards welcomes visitors to its property in Washington. springhillvineyards.com
2024
Cabernet Franc
Layered, savory, and effortlessly elegant. Ripe cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant lift with violet, graphite, and fresh herbs, while the palate brings dark cherry, sage, and cracked pepper. Fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long finish of dark berries and forest floor. Double Gold (96 points), 2026 LA Invitational Wine Competition.
2025
Itasca Picnic Blanc
Bright, juicy, and built for sun-drenched afternoons. Meyer lemon, ripe pear, and white peach layered with lychee, passion fruit, and orange blossom. A touch of residual sugar gives it a round, supple texture; bright acidity keeps it lifted. Best White Wine, Best of Class, Double Gold (98 points), 2026 LA Invitational Wine Competition.
2025
Marquette
A cold-climate red with the soul of a Pinot. Red cherry, wild raspberry, and violet give way to baking spice, white pepper, and forest floor. Silky tannins, bright acidity, clean finish. Best of Class, Gold (92 points), 2026 LA Invitational Wine Competition.
