Clinching Top Honors

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: March 2024

Guy Davis

Guy Davis is a very happy guy indeed! As the owner of the popular wine tasting haven in Highlands, High Country Wine & Provisions, and visionary behind Sonoma County’s Davis Family Vineyards, he recently received some remarkable news in the world of wine. After dedicating more than 25 years to working the land, navigating climate challenges, and overcoming devastating fires, Davis is now reaping the rewards with multiple wins and high rating from esteemed critics.

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, one of the world’s most significant wine contests, recently announced its winners, and Davis Family Vineyards clinched top honors in several categories. Notable victories include the 2021 Chardonnay earning Best of Class, the 2021 Cabernet 5 securing a Double Gold, and the 2021 Cuvee Luke, 2021 Pinot Noir Soul Patch, 2021 Syrah, and 2021 The Sage all receiving Gold accolades.

Now in its 24th year, the competition stands as one of the world’s most important wine challenges. More than five dozen expert panelists chosen from media, trade, winemaking, education, and restaurant/hospitality industries, meticulously evaluated 5500 wines from 1000 wineries.

Renowned wine writer, Mike Dunne, responsible for tasting and evaluating the best-class wines, highlighted the Davis Family Vineyard 2021 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, noting its ability “speaks clearly to the transparency of the variety when it is grown in such a receptively cool setting.” Davis, in acknowledging the Best of Class recognition emphasized its significance especially given the intense competition with over 700 Chardonnays vying for the top spot. “Best of class might sound like a blue ribbon at a country fare, but it’s really a big deal,”

The good news continued with the 2024 Houston International Wine Competition awarding Golds to both the Davis Family Cabernet 5 and the 2021 Cuvee Luke. 2985 entries from over 22 countries participated in the competition. The 2021 Estate Chardonnay received a remarkable “92 Points Gold Medal Exceptional” from the Beverage Tasting Institute, founded in 1981 as the first international wine competition in the US.

Further adding to Davis’s excitement was the spotlight on his newest wine, the Davis Family Vineyard Albarino, featured in the buyer’s section of the March Wine Enthusiast Magazine as a “hidden gem” and awarded an impressive 93 points.

Guy Davis exemplifies the epitome of hard work and the possibilities achievable through dedication and passion. In 1995, when he purchased a 22-acre parcel in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County that hadn’t been farmed in more than 20 years, it was a humble appellation living in the shadow of the better-known Napa Valley. From the outset Davis grew wines organically on his dry-farmed vineyards and was soon recognized as a trailblazing innovator that drove interest in the valley. Led by hard work, skill, and charisma he powered Davis Family Wines into a respected and highly regarded name.

In 2023 fueled by his love for wine and enthusiasm for the town Highlands, Davis expanded his operation with the opening of High Country Wine & Provisions – a “magical confluence of vineyard dreams and mountain allure.” Though a classic wine bar, it decidedly has its own vibe – as dictated by Davis – a wine country cameo that celebrates the best of the South’s and Appalachian artisan producers. Visitors can explore a diverse wine list, featuring varieties from the Davis Family Vineyards as well as select offerings from top wineries across the globe. The thoughtfully curated selection encompasses a ranges of categories, including Classic, Pinot Lovers, Rhone Inspired, Chillable, Bubbles and Bordeaux Blend.

Plans are underway to enhance the culinary mix with a dozen new items to specifically pair with the wines and to complement the existing selection of cheeses and charcuteries. Small plates, crafted by the neighboring Highlands Smokehouse, and described as “Mediterranean inspired with a Southern twist” will be on the menu beginning in April. Additionally, a morning coffee service on the outside downstairs stone patio, equipped with an espresso machine and pastries, is in the pipeline.

For more information of Wine Country Provisions, visit: highcountrywineprovisions.com. To explore Davis Family wines, visit daviswines.com.