Carlos Creek Winery recognized at International Cold Climate Wine Competition

Three of Carlos Creek Winery's wines, including one brand new release, have been awarded Double Gold Medals at the prestigious 2026 International Cold Climate Wine Competition (ICCWC).

CARLOS CREEK WINERY'S DOUBLE GOLD MEDALS

Carlos Creek Winery's Marquette, Favourite white, and Aurora wines all earned the highest level of medal recognition given by the panel of judges. 

Double Gold medals are hard to come by because every judge at the table has to agree,” said Head Winemaker Russ Funk. “We are incredibly honored to see such a variety of our wines recognized at this level, especially one of our newest releases – Favourite white.

2023 CARLOS CREEK MARQUETTE WINS DOUBLE GOLD

The most well-known Minnesota variety, Marquette makes a beautiful dry red. Developed at the University of Minnesota, this grape is a descendant of the Pinot Noir varietal. A medium bodied red with a complex flavor of bright cherries, spice, earth and hints of leather and melon. This red finishes with notes of smoke and oak. 2023 Marquette from Carlos Creek Winery took home a Double Gold Medal at the 2026 International Cold Climate Wine Competition (ICCWC). In addition, Carlos Creek Winery's Marquette holds an impressive 91 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

CARLOS CREEK WINERY'S 2025 AURORA TAKES HOME DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

Aurora is Carlos Creek Winery's dry, Minnesota sparkling wine. A beautiful, lively wine with notes of green apple, lemon and with a delicate minerality. Finished dry, giving it that nice, clean, Champagne finish. Carlos Creek Winery's Aurora also holds an impressive 88 points and named a 'Hidden Gem' title from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

CARLOS CREEK WINERY'S NEW RELEASE FAVOURITE WHITE EARNS DOUBLE GOLD

Favourite white is one of Carlos Creek Winery's newest wine releases. A semi-sweet white blend with Frontenac Gris, Itasca, and Petite Amie grapes. A wine blend meant to bring back fun with a bold, expressive “Live and Let Live” vibe! If you never felt like wine was made for you, this is the one to try!

CARLOS CREEK WINERY'S GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS - INTERNATIONAL COLD CLIMATE COMPETITION

In addition to Carlos Creek’s Double Gold honors, the winery also received the following medals:

• La Crescent 2025 – Gold
  
• Petite Pearl 2021 – Gold
  
• Big Bruno Strawberry Hibiscus Cider – Gold
  
• Minnescato – Silver
  

CARLOS CREEK RECOGNIZED AT 2026 INTERNATIONAL COLD CLIMATE WINE COMPETITION

“We are incredibly honored to see a variety of our wines recognized at this level, especially one of our newest releases – Favourite white,” said Head Winemaker Russ Funk. “We work hard to craft exceptional, balanced wines for every palette.”

MINNESOTA WINE EARNING TOP HONORS

Carlos Creek Winery also extends congratulations to neighboring wineries, Wooden Link Vineyard, and Rolling Forks Vineyards, who took home exciting wins of their own.

We want to give a a special shout out to Burr Vineyards, right down the road from Carlos Creek Winery in Brandon, Minnesota, for taking home the Governor's Cup, determined by judges after tasting and ranking all the Minnesota Best-In-Show wines.

The Minnesota wine community is an incredible one to be a part of,” said Owner Michelle Bredeson. “What an honor it is to be among such outstanding company here in the Alexandria Lakes area.

WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL COLD CLIMATE WINE COMPETITION?

The ICCWC is a premier competition for wines crafted from cold-hardy grape varieties. This year’s event featured 427 wines from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, New York, and South Dakota,  evaluated by a panel of 21 expert judges.

The ICCWC not only celebrates excellence in winemaking but also supports the future of the industry, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the University of Minnesota Grape Breeding and Enology Project and Extension programs aimed at advancing cold-climate viticulture.

See the full list of 2026 ICCWC winners here.

About Carlos Creek Winery:

Established in 1999, Carlos Creek Winery has been crafting award-winning wines for more than 26 years in the heart of the Alexandria Lakes Area. As Minnesota’s largest winery and a second-generation family-owned business, Carlos Creek is dedicated to sustainability, community, and creating authentic experiences that bring people together.

Thank you from Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, Minnesota

To our winemaking team, tasting room staff, and community: you are behind it all. And to everyone who supports Minnesota wine, believes in local producers, and raises a glass with us: thank you.

We’ll continue doing what we’ve always done—growing with intention, crafting with care, and telling the story of Minnesota, one glass at a time.

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