Gallo of Sonoma Winery's 1998 Estate Bottled Chardonnay was awarded the " Mission Hill Trophy for Best Chardonnay Worldwide" by the International Wine & Spirit Competition, London's oldest and one of the most respected wine judging competitions at Vinexpo 2003 in Bordeaux. This is the fourth time in the past six years that Gallo of Sonoma has won a major trophy at this event. In 2002, Gallo of Sonoma's 1996 Estate Bottled Cabernet was named "Best Cabernet Sauvignon Worldwide," and in 2001, Gallo of Sonoma's 1997 Stefani Vineyard Chardonnay was named "Best Chardonnay Worldwide." More than one hundred wine experts tasted 4,000 samples from 20 different countries in this competition which awards only one Gold, Silver and a Bronze in each tasting category.

First wines of this winery were released in 1993, under the leadership of third-generation family members, Gina and Matt Gallo, the sister and brother team of winemaker and winegrower.The winery located in the heart of Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley, Gallo of Sonoma also received the Premio Gran VinItaly 2002, and is the only American winery in the world ever to be named "International Winery of the Year" three times, in 1998, 2001 and 2002. This year marks 70 years of winemaking by the Gallo family.

Subhash Arora