The Rex Johnston Winemaker of the Year award is named for a extraordinary winemaker and SHW member who was a successful competitor in many amatuer wine competitions. Rex readily shared his wine making knowledge and experience with fellow vintners. More than once, Rex swept the home wine competitions taking all of the top awards, thus receiving consistent acknowledgement from judges and peers.
Home wine competitions often fine-tune their contests, and we have refined the Rex Johnston Winemaker of the Year (WoY) award to provide balance in the recognition of excellence in wine making. Please note changes to the 2025 WoY contest that includes (but not limited to) two required wines that can’t be excluded, and a different overall point structure. What hasn’t changed are the two required competitions, the SHW Jubilee Wine Competition (entry dates TBD) and the California State Fair Home Wine Competition (entries are accepted February 1-28, 2025). The WoY Award Year starts on January 1 and concludes on November 30.
Whether you are a veteran competitor or newer wine maker, we encourage all members to enter home wine competitions. If your wines are favorable in competition, consider throwing your hat in the ring for this year’s Winemaker of the Year.
On a final thought, looking into the future for WoY, winemakers who compete well with more than one style / type of wine demonstrate well-roundedness and flexibility in wine making. If you’re thinking about making a wine or style that’s not already on your resumé, go for it!
The WoY Selection Criteria and Entry Form are both linked below and also accessible on the website’s home page (right side). Please contact Chief Judge Gin Yang with questions: 916 217-0294 or ginyangstaehlin@yahoo.com.
