As the largest and most prestigious competition for California wines, the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition has been an annual tradition since 1976. Judges are comprised of industry experts from wine critics and writers to winemakers and winery principles. The evaluations are serious business, making a “win” a big deal. Taking home five gold medals is an even bigger achievement, which is exactly what Prager Winery & Port Works did, and they’re thrilled with their placements at this year’s show.
The Prager brothers (Peter, Jeff, and John) began their fascination with fortified wines back in 1997, and today, their winery is one the valley’s top must-taste destinations. Prager purposefully produces ports which are drier than most on the market, with meticulous attention paid to the levels of sweetness and acidity. This skillful balance yields multi-dimensional ports with a signature roundness on the palate.

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS ~ 2022 Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition

2018 Royal Escort Port:  Thanks to an abundant rainfall in late 2017, followed by even and consistent temperatures in the 2018 spring and summer growing season, the Petite Sirah for this port saw a near perfect vintage. Slow ripening developed balanced and complex flavors. As a result, this port shows a dark, vibrant garnet hue with aromas of blueberry and ripe cherry. Currants and more cherry flavor on the palate and a silky texture. Rich layered tannins and a clean finish.
750ml, $80.00 

2016 Prager Port: Their namesake blends Tinta Roriz, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties for a dark garnet colored port. Extended aging in neutral oak barrels for 32 months leads to heady aromas of cherry and plum which are backed by even more ripe cherry and dark plum on the palate. Hints of dark chocolate and currants round out the flavor. A lively finish with bright acidity balances the inherent sweetness.
750ml, $60.00

Noble Companion 10-Year-Old Tawny Port: A blend of four vintages, this dark amber colored port showcases complex aromas of caramel and dried fruits with a hint of vanilla. The flavors of dried orange rind, caramel, and toffee are framed by this well-structured port’s acidity. A favorite with dried fruits and nuts, cheese boards, and custard-style desserts like bread pudding, crème caramel, and flans. Or, simply sip sans food with a fine cigar. This tawny-style port is best enjoyed within 3-4 years of purchase.
750ml, $80.00

2018 Aria White Port: Using 100% Chardonnay fruit grown in Napa Valley, this white port developed a lovey amber color from its three and a half years in neutral oak barrels. Aromas of sweet vanilla bean and caramel fill the nose. A rich creamy texture coats the palate with lush flavors of more vanilla and caramelized sugar ending with a slight nuttiness. It’s like crème brûlée in a glass!
750ml, $60.00

2014 Petite Sirah Wine: Beautiful clusters of Petite Sirah grapes were grown at the winery’s Paladini Vineyard located in St. Helena. Barrel aged for two and a half years, and an additional five years of bottle aging makes this wine sing with lush aromas of raspberry and sweet oak opening to flavors of cherry, cedar, and vanilla on the palate. Well-integrated tannins give this wine plenty of runway for a long, fruit-forward finish.
750ml, $48.00

TASTE THE WINNERS

Taste these award-winning wines under the covered crush pad at the winery. The Prager brothers will share their knowledge of all things port while you sample port wines along with their Petite Sirah still wine.
Tastings are available daily by appointment from
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday and Sunday open at
11 a.m.; $40 per person. Reservations are available online at  www.exploretock.com/pragerwinery. For same-day or advance reservations, email ahport@pragerport.com or call (707) 963-7678. 

Prager Winery and Port Works
800-969-PORT