Llano Estacado Mad Ira Wins Best of Class at 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Lubbock, TX — January 2025 — Llano Estacado Winery is thrilled to announce that its Mad Ira dessert wine has earned the prestigious Best of Class distinction at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest wine competition in North America.

This exceptional honor highlights Llano Estacado’s dedication to crafting world-class wines that celebrate the artistry and quality of Texas winemaking. Mad Ira, known for its rich flavors, velvety texture, and perfect balance of sweetness, stood out among a competitive field of entries from across the nation.

“Receiving the Best of Class award for Mad Ira is a testament to our talented team and our commitment to excellence,” said Matt Bostick, Hospitality Director and Sommelier at Llano Estacado Winery. “This recognition showcases the potential of Texas wines to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.”

Mad Ira is a meticulously crafted dessert wine, featuring layers of indulgent flavors and a smooth, lingering finish. Perfect for pairing with desserts, cheese boards, or as a standalone indulgence, this wine embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition that defines Llano Estacado.

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is a renowned platform that celebrates excellence in winemaking, with over 7,000 entries judged by an esteemed panel of wine experts. The Best of Class accolade places Mad Ira among the elite wines celebrated on this stage.

To celebrate this achievement, Llano Estacado invites wine enthusiasts to visit their tasting room in Lubbock or explore their online store to experience the award-winning Mad Ira for themselves.

About Llano Estacado Winery Founded in 1976, Llano Estacado Winery is a pioneer of Texas winemaking, committed to producing premium wines that reflect the unique character of Texas vineyards. Located in Lubbock, TX, the winery has become a leader in the Texas wine industry, earning numerous awards and accolades for its innovative and high-quality wines.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Bret Perrenoud
General Manager
Llano Estacado Winery

Email: Bret@llanowine.com
 

Llano Estacado Winery Acquired by New Investor Group

Press Release:

Llano Estacado Winery, the largest and second-oldest winery in Texas, was recently purchased by a group of investors, including Lubbock attorneys Kevin Glasheen and Noe Valles. The group also features wine industry veteran Bret Perrenoud, who will serve as both an owner and the new general manager of Llano.

Founded in 1976 in Lubbock, Llano Estacado has spent nearly 50 years building its reputation as a leader in the Texas wine industry. Previously owned by over 100 small stockholders, many of whom served on the board for decades, the winery is now poised for significant growth under its new leadership. The investment team brings the capital and vision needed to sheppard the company through its next phase of growth, and build on this storied brand. This includes expanding tasting room locations and developing a flagship winery in Fredericksburg.

The winemaking team at Llano remains unchanged, ensuring continuity in quality and expertise. Bill Freidhof will continue to lead distribution. Winemaker Jason Centanni, who has been with the winery for 20 years and has held the winemaker role since 2015, expressed his enthusiasm for the transition:

“I am excited to share our wines with more wine enthusiasts across Texas. Working with new ownership that appreciates the historical significance of Llano and believes in our vision is truly inspiring. It’s an honor to be part of this legacy.”

In addition to Glasheen and Valles, the new ownership team includes wine enthusiast Ron Ross, retired business executive Bryan Miller, business consultant Aaron Handler and Bret Perrenoud. Aaron Handler will manage business operations as CEO. Perrenoud, who served as general manager of Becker Vineyards for 17 years and owns Airis'Ele Winery near Fredericksburg, will lead Llano’s growth strategy as both an owner and General Manager of Llano. Perrenoud emphasized the significance of the winery’s history and potential:

“Llano has so much history, distribution, and the largest winemaking facility in the state. This is an incredible opportunity to build on that legacy. The new investment and energy from the ownership team are invigorating.”

Llano’s long-serving president, Mark Hyman, is retiring after joining the winery in 1994. Under his leadership, Llano achieved a dominant position in retail distribution, accounting for 40% of Texas wine retail sales. Hyman shared his optimism for the winery’s future.

“The new ownership represents a bright new beginning for Llano. I’m excited to see what they’ll bring to the table to fuel future growth.”

Llano is celebrated for its popular “Sweet Red” and a range of affordable wines, alongside its award-winning fine wines, which are primarily available through its winery tasting room and wine club. Looking ahead, Llano Estacado Winery has ambitious plans to expand its offerings of fine wine and bring that wine directly to consumers. These plans include:

• A new tasting room in Lubbock’s Cactus Alley Shopping Center, scheduled to open in April 2025 inclose proximity to the hospitals and Texas Tech University.

• A tasting room on Main Street in Fredericksburg, opening in 2025.

• A state-of-the-art winery and tasting room in Fredericksburg, set to debut in 2026, promising to offer the premier winery experience in the Hill Country.

• Expanded hospitality facilities at the Lubbock winery to enhance event hosting and tours.

• Expanded distribution of fine wine through existing distribution channels.

Investor Kevin Glasheen echoed this sentiment:

“This is an exciting time for Llano. We see the tremendous opportunity ahead and believe in our winemaker, Jason Centanni, and believe Bret Perrenoud’s leadership can take Llano to the next level.”

With fresh investment and a bold vision, Llano Estacado Winery is ready to cement its position as a cornerstone of the Texas wine industry while exploring new horizons in the Hill Country and beyond.

For more information contact:
Bret Perrenoud bretperrenoud@gmail.com 830-456-9102, or
Kevin Glasheen glasheenkevin@gmail.com 806-789-0734

Llano Estacado’s Mad Ira Dessert Wine Wins Top Honors at Houston Rodeo Wine Competition 2025

Llano Estacado Winery is proud to announce that our Mad Ira dessert wine has been crowned Top Dessert Wine at the 2025 Houston Rodeo Wine Competition! This incredible achievement marks Llano Estacado’s second Houston Rodeo Saddle, further cementing our place among the best Texas wineries.                                   

                                                     

 

What Is the Houston Rodeo Wine Competition?

The Houston Rodeo Wine Competition is one of the largest and most respected wine competitions in the United States. It attracts thousands of entries from around the world, showcasing wines of exceptional quality.

For the Texas wine industry, this competition is a critical platform for spotlighting the growing reputation of Texas wines. Winning at the Houston Rodeo not only recognizes the craftsmanship of local wineries but also positions Texas vineyards on the global stage.

 

Why This Win Matters for Texas Wine and Llano Estacado

Llano Estacado’s Mad Ira dessert wine stands out as a testament to the diversity and quality of Texas wine varietals. By earning the title of Top Dessert Wine, Mad Ira reinforces the excellence found along the Texas wine trails and showcases the expertise of our winemaking team.

This award is a victory for the entire Texas wine industry, highlighting how award-winning Texas wines can compete with the best in the world. For Llano Estacado, this second Houston Rodeo Saddle symbolizes our continued commitment to producing premium wines that celebrate the unique terroir of our state.

 

A Closer Look at Mad Ira: Why You’ll Love It

Mad Ira is more than just an award-winning wine—it’s a quintessential example of Llano Estacado's ability to craft exceptional wines with depth and character. This dessert wine delights with its rich, indulgent flavor profile and impeccable balance of sweetness and complexity.

Tasting Notes:

•     Aroma: Aromas of dried fruit, honey, and toasted nuts set the stage for a memorable sip.
•     Flavor: Layers of ripe figs, caramel, and chocolate blend with hints of warm spice for a luxurious finish.
•     Mouthfeel: Silky smooth with a lingering sweetness that makes every sip unforgettable.

 

Perfect Pairings:

• Pair with rich desserts like chocolate cake or crème brûlée.
• Complement a cheese plate with blue cheese or aged cheddar.
• Enjoy on its own for an indulgent after-dinner treat.

 

A Second Saddle for Llano Estacado

Winning at the Houston Rodeo Wine Competition is no small feat, and earning a second saddle places Llano Estacado Winery among the top Texas wineries. It reflects our dedication to crafting award-winning Texas wines and highlights the skill of our winemaker, Jason Centanni, and our entire team.

 

Celebrate With Us

This incredible milestone is a celebration we share with our loyal customers and supporters of the Texas wine industry. Mad Ira is available now, but only in limited quantities. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the wine that earned the title of Top Dessert Wine.

 

Whether you’re exploring the Texas High Plains wineries or looking for the perfect addition to your table, Mad Ira is a must-try. Visit our website or stop by Llano Estacado Winery to pick up your bottle today.

 

Cheers to Texas wine and the sweet success of Llano Estacado Winery!

Meet Matt Bostick: The Sommelier Elevating Texas Wine at Llano Estacado Winery

Meet Matt Bostick: The Passionate Sommelier at Llano Estacado Winery

Nestled in the heart of the Texas High Plains, Llano Estacado Winery stands as a beacon of the burgeoning Texas wine industry. One of the key figures driving its success is Matt Bostick, a certified sommelier with over a decade of experience in the wine world. Raised in Lubbock and a graduate of Texas Tech University, Matt’s journey has taken him from the hills of Italy to the glitz of Los Angeles, only to bring him back home to Texas, where his passion for wine continues to flourish.

A Sommelier’s Journey: From Texas to Italy and Back

Matt Bostick's love affair with wine began in Florence, Italy, where he studied hospitality. It was here that he met Parisian sommelier Quinton Paillard, who inspired him to pursue a career in wine. After earning his degree from Texas Tech University, Matt honed his skills at prestigious establishments in Los Angeles, including Jackson Family Estates and Osteria Mozza. His experiences there deepened his knowledge and refined his palate, preparing him for the role he holds today at Llano Estacado Winery.

Bringing Expertise and Passion to Llano Estacado

At Llano Estacado, Matt serves as both the Hospitality Director and Sommelier, where he excels in educating visitors about the intricacies of wine tasting and production. His approachable teaching style demystifies wine for novices and aficionados alike, making the world of wine accessible and enjoyable. Matt’s dedication to education extends beyond the tasting room through initiatives like the Sommelier Summer School, a comprehensive program designed to deepen participants' understanding of wine.

Why Visit Llano Estacado Winery?

Visiting Llano Estacado Winery offers a unique opportunity to explore Texas wines under the expert guidance of Matt Bostick. Here’s why you should plan your visit:

- Engaging Wine Education: Matt’s passion for history and wine shines through in his engaging tours and tastings. He helps visitors understand the nuances of wine, from identifying tasting notes to perfecting food pairings, making every visit both educational and enjoyable.

- Exclusive Events: Llano Estacado hosts a variety of events, including the renowned Grape Day. This celebration marks the end of the harvest season with live music, art booths, and, of course, plenty of wine. It's an excellent opportunity to see Matt in action and experience the vibrant community spirit of the winery.

- Hands-On Experiences: From food and wine pairing classes to the Sommelier Summer School, Llano Estacado provides immersive experiences that allow guests to connect with wine on a deeper level. These programs are designed to be fun and informative, breaking down the barriers of wine education and fostering a genuine appreciation for Texas wines.

- A Legacy of Excellence: As Texas' second oldest winery, Llano Estacado has a rich history and a reputation for producing high-quality wines. Under Matt’s stewardship, the winery continues to innovate and gain recognition, not just within Texas but on the national stage as well.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to Llano Estacado Winery promises a memorable experience. Engage with Matt Bostick, explore the beautiful vineyards, and taste the exceptional wines that are putting Texas on the global wine map. Check out the winery's events calendar and book your visit today to discover why Llano Estacado and Matt Bostick are at the forefront of Texas wine excellence.

For more information and to plan your visit, head to the Llano Estacado Winery website ().

Exploring Llano Estacado Winery with Matt Bostick as your guide offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Texas wines, rich in history, flavor, and hospitality. Don't miss the chance to learn from one of the best and taste the future of Texas wine. Cheers!