Maverick Blend and Chenin Blanc Take Top Honors Among International Competition
April 16, 2025 (JOHNSON CITY, TX) — Carter Creek Winery, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and owned by the Carter family, earned eight prestigious awards at the 2025 Texas International Wine Competition (TXIWC), held March 21 and 22. The competition was judged by a panel of 26 national and international wine professionals.
The expert panel awarded Carter Creek Winery two Gold Medals for wines crafted from the Texas High Plains appellation: the 2018 Carter Creek Maverick and the 2023 Chenin Blanc. Silver Medals were awarded to the 2018 Carter Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 Muscat Canelli and 2023 Roussanne, while Bronze Medals went to the 2023 Carter Creek Pinot Grigio, NV Carter Creek Brut and NV Ruby Cuvée.
Veteran winemaker Jon McPherson, Carter Creek’s master winemaker, described the award-winning Maverick as a bold and aromatic blend of 25% Syrah, 23% Mourvèdre, 23% Counoise, 23% Cinsault and 6% Viognier — resulting in a robust, berry-scented wine with notable oak structure.
Regarding the 2023 Chenin Blanc, McPherson noted its floral and melon aromas, rich finish, and brief aging process, having been barrel fermented and aged for less than eight months.
He also expressed particular pride in the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, which earned a Silver Medal. “It’s rich, complex and full of varietal character, with superb depth and intensity,” said McPherson. The vines were planted by his father, Doc McPherson, in the late 1980s and are now over 30 years old.
“The mission of the nonprofit Texas International Wine Competition is to advance winemaking excellence through world-class assessment and charitable partnerships,” said Jeff Carter, president of family-owned Carter Hospitality. “We share a dedication to this same mission and thank Jon McPherson and his entire team for their integrity, excellence and commitment to community.” He added, “As the TXIWC says, it’s all about global excellence with a Texas spirit.”
About Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is a luxury retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country in Johnson City, Texas. Set amidst rolling hills and vineyards, it features 78 luxury villas, two tasting rooms, an outdoor pavilion hosting live music, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, a heated seasonal outdoor pool and 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is an award-winning winery offering some of the region’s top varietals, and it’s the only winery in the region with an onsite microbrewery serving craft beer. More information is available at www.cartercreek.com, Facebook and Instagram.
About Carter Hospitality Group
Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.
